This homemade cherry vinegar recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. Add a kick by using some chilies and peppercorns.
Ingredients: 5 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2 cups | Difficulty: Easy
Have you ever made flavored vinegar? It is so good! Start with this cherry vinegar, if you happen to have some extra cherries. It's great for any kind of leafy salad, so much tastier than store-bought infused vinegar.
So, why spend so much when infusing vinegar involves so little work and money? The same with these Amaretto Cherries or Kirsch Cherries.
They make great presents at Christmas. If your friends like cooking, they will be delighted with a small bottle of this.
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What do you need?
Vinegar: This cherry version uses white wine vinegar. You could also make it with white balsamic vinegar.
Sweet cherries: The best thing about this recipe: you don't have to pit the cherries. Check out the Cherry Syrup, too.
Sugar or another sweetener like xylitol or erythritol.
Spices: 1 small chili (more if you like it hotter), 10 black peppercorns.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make cherry vinegar?
Step #1: Combine unpitted cherries, vinegar, sugar, chili, and peppercorns in a pot.
Step #2: Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
Step #3: Remove from the heat and mash roughly with a potato masher. Return the pot to the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step #4: Strain the liquid into a jug and discard the solids. Pour the hot liquid into a sterilized bottle and seal.
Storage
Leave the vinegar in a dark, cool place for at least two weeks before using; it needs some time to develop the flavors, the longer the better.
Homemade cherry vinegar can last up to 12 months if stored in a cool, dark place unopened.
After opening, keep it in the fridge.
Check for signs it's still good: it should smell fruity and look clear. Avoid using it if you see mold or notice a bad smell.
How to use cherry vinegar?
Use it for salad dressings, marinades, or sauces.
Cherry Vinegar
Ingredients
- 12.5 oz sweet cherries
- 2 cups white wine vinegar Note 1
- ยฝ cup granulated sugar
- 1 small chili more to taste
- 10 black peppercorns
Instructions
- Simmer cherries: Place the washed cherries (unpitted) in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add the vinegar, sugar, chili, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil and simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes.12.5 oz sweet cherries + 2 cups white wine vinegar + ยฝ cup granulated sugar + 1 small chili + 10 black peppercorns
- Mash cherries: Remove from the heat and roughly mash them with a potato masher.
- Return to the heat and continue cooking gently for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-meshed sieve into a jug. Discard the solids.
- Store: Pour the vinegar into a sterilized bottle and seal. Leave for about 2-3 weeks in a dark, cool place before using.
Notes
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works, too.ย
Melissa A London says
I made a cherry vinegar with only the pits...it's has been strained and in a jar..( smells and tastes amazing) my question to find the perfect vinaigrette recipe for salads. Do you have a favorite go to recipe you care to share?
Adina says
Hi Melissa. Thank you for the feedback. I keep it rather simple when it comes to salad. Lettuce and (red) onions are always a must, otherwise whatever I have: bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, corn. For a more filling salad, I add avocado, canned tuna, feta or cooked chicken breast. I hope this helps.