Print

Black Cherry Syrup

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Black Cherry Syrup is a deep, ruby-red syrup made with dark sweet cherries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. It takes about 25 minutes and tastes like concentrated summer fruit. Stir it into sparkling water for homemade cherry soda, mix it into cocktails and lemonade, or drizzle it over ice cream, pancakes, cheesecake, and yogurt.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 g) fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the cherries, water, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, lightly mashing the cherries with a spoon as they soften, until the liquid turns deep red and slightly syrupy.
  4. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract, if using.
  5. Let the syrup cool for 15 minutes.
  6. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or bottle, pressing lightly on the cherries to extract the liquid. For a clearer syrup, let it drip without pressing.
  7. Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.

Notes

  • Frozen cherries work well: There is no need to thaw them first, but you may need an extra 2 to 3 minutes of simmering.
  • Don’t boil hard: A gentle simmer keeps the flavor fresh and the color bright.
  • Save the cherry pulp: Spoon it over yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream, or stir it into smoothies.
  • Adjust the sweetness: Very ripe cherries need less sugar. Taste and add more if the cherries are tart.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays, then store the cubes in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • Ways to use it: Mix with sparkling water for cherry soda, add to Shirley Temples, bourbon cocktails, or iced tea, or drizzle over pancakes, waffles, and cheesecake.
  • Flavor ideas: Add a split vanilla bean, a cinnamon stick, or a strip of orange peel while it simmers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/black-cherry-syrup/