The Quintessential Cocktail Companion
What’s the one subtle yet powerful component that elevates an Old Fashioned from a simple, well-made drink to an unforgettable experience? The answer lies in the delightful realm of drunken cherries. The Old Fashioned, a timeless cocktail celebrated for its simplicity and depth, typically features bourbon or rye whiskey, a touch of sugar, a dash of bitters, and an orange peel. However, the addition of homemade drunken cherries transforms this classic into something truly special. This article will guide you through the process of crafting these boozy gems at home, demonstrating how they can enhance your Old Fashioned and offering tips on their versatile uses.
Beyond the Ordinary Maraschino: An Introduction to Drunken Cherries
Drunken cherries, at their core, are cherries that have been lovingly soaked in alcohol. Typically, bourbon, whiskey, or other spirits infuse these fruits with a rich, complex flavor that complements the characteristics of the Old Fashioned. While the exact origins of using boozy fruit in cocktails are somewhat hazy, the practice has evolved significantly over time. Many commercially available cocktail cherries have succumbed to artificial flavors and colors. Bright red maraschino cherries, with their cloying sweetness, have become ubiquitous. The resurgence of artisanal cocktail culture has seen a return to high-quality, naturally flavored cherries, highlighting the considerable difference they make to the final drink.
The contrast between mass-produced maraschino cherries and homemade drunken cherries is striking. Maraschinos often boast an almost unnatural color and a sugary flavor that can overwhelm the other components of an Old Fashioned. In contrast, drunken cherries maintain their natural color, often deepening with age, and offer a balance of sweetness and tartness that enhances the drink’s complexity. The texture is vastly different, too. Authentic drunken cherries retain a pleasant chewiness, a far cry from the soft, almost mushy texture of their commercial counterparts. Most importantly, drunken cherries bring a natural sweetness derived from the fruit itself, elevated by the careful selection of alcohol and spices.
Selecting the Perfect Ingredients for Boozy Bliss
Choosing Your Cherries
The type of cherry you select significantly influences the final result. Several varieties stand out as excellent choices for creating drunken cherries. Luxardo cherries, imported from Italy, are often considered the gold standard. These dark, firm cherries offer a deep, rich flavor and are soaked in a syrup that is naturally sweet and slightly tart. Brandied cherries, prepared in a similar fashion, provide a delicious alternative with a pronounced brandy flavor. Fresh cherries, when in season, offer an unparalleled burst of flavor. Bing, Rainier, or Montmorency cherries each bring a unique character to the finished product. You’ll want to decide if you wish to pit the cherries or not, before the process begins. Pitted cherries will absorb alcohol faster but also will soften quicker than unpitted cherries.
Picking Your Poison: The Spirit Selection
The alcohol you choose adds another layer of flavor to the cherries. Bourbon, with its notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, is a classic pairing for drunken cherries. It complements the sweetness of the fruit and the bitterness of the drink perfectly. Rye whiskey, with its spicier, more assertive profile, offers an exciting alternative. The rye spices cut through the sweetness of the cherry and the sugar, creating a more balanced and complex flavor profile. Brandy provides a smoother, fruitier alternative, enhancing the fruit flavors of the cherries. Finally, rum, especially dark or aged rum, adds a tropical twist to the cherries, opening up exciting new possibilities for your Old Fashioned.
The Symphony of Flavors: Additional Ingredients
Beyond cherries and alcohol, other ingredients can elevate your drunken cherry recipe. The type and amount of sugar used influence the sweetness of the cherries and the viscosity of the syrup. Granulated sugar, brown sugar, or even demerara sugar can be used, each imparting a subtle difference in flavor. Spices, such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and vanilla beans, add warmth and complexity to the flavor profile. A dash of bitters, such as Angostura or orange bitters, can further enhance the flavors and add depth.
Crafting Your Own Drunken Cherries: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating your own drunken cherries is a rewarding process. The following recipe provides a starting point, which you can customize to your own preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh cherries, stemmed
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cherries: Wash the cherries thoroughly. Remove the stems and pit the cherries, if desired.
- Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cherries in a clean glass jar. Pour the bourbon and the sugar syrup over the cherries, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Seal and Store: Seal the jar tightly. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, or preferably longer. The longer the cherries soak, the more flavorful they will become.
Creative Variations to Try
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. Spiced drunken cherries, with a generous addition of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, offer a warm, inviting flavor. Vanilla drunken cherries, infused with a vanilla bean or extract, impart a creamy sweetness. Bitters-infused drunken cherries, with a dash of Angostura or orange bitters added to the syrup, provide an extra layer of complexity.
The Perfect Pairing: Drunken Cherries and Your Old Fashioned
The classic Old Fashioned is significantly enhanced with the addition of homemade drunken cherries. Here’s how to incorporate them into your drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1/2 ounce drunken cherry syrup (from your homemade cherries)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Drunken cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
- In an old-fashioned glass, combine the bourbon or rye whiskey, drunken cherry syrup, and Angostura bitters.
- Add a large ice cube to the glass.
- Stir gently until well chilled.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass and rub the peel around the rim.
- Garnish with a drunken cherry.
Elevating the Experience: Tips for a Memorable Presentation
Presentation is key when serving an Old Fashioned. A simple but elegant glass, such as a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass, provides the perfect canvas. Select a high-quality ice cube, such as a large format cube, to minimize dilution. Garnish with a plump, glistening drunken cherry. The way the cherry dangles from a cocktail pick and rests against the orange peel adds a touch of artistry to the drink.
Finding the Harmony: A Symphony of Flavors
Experiment with different bourbons or ryes to find the perfect pairing for your drunken cherries. A high-rye bourbon often complements the sweetness of the cherries, while a wheated bourbon may offer a smoother, more balanced flavor. A spicy rye whiskey can provide a bold contrast, creating a complex and memorable drink.
Beyond the Old Fashioned: Unleashing the Versatility of Drunken Cherries
While drunken cherries shine in an Old Fashioned, their versatility extends far beyond this classic cocktail. They make a delicious addition to desserts, adding a boozy twist to ice cream, cakes, and chocolate recipes. Incorporate them into other cocktails, such as Manhattans and Sazeracs, for a unique flavor profile. Enjoy them straight from the jar as a decadent snack, or add them to charcuterie boards for a touch of boozy sophistication.
Preserving Perfection: Storage and Longevity Tips
Proper storage is essential for preserving the flavor and quality of your drunken cherries. Ensure that the jars are properly sterilized before filling them. Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place. Drunken cherries can last for several months, or even longer, when stored correctly. Over time, the flavors will continue to meld and deepen, creating an even more complex and delicious product.
Troubleshooting Your Drunken Cherry Creations
Even with the best recipe, you may encounter a few challenges along the way. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
Cherries Too Sweet or Not Sweet Enough: Adjust the amount of sugar in the syrup to suit your taste preferences. If the cherries are too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar. If they are not sweet enough, add more sugar. Consider adding a small squeeze of lemon juice to help balance the sweetness.
Alcohol Flavor Too Strong or Weak: Adjust the ratio of alcohol to syrup. If the alcohol flavor is too strong, reduce the amount of alcohol and increase the amount of syrup. If the alcohol flavor is too weak, add more alcohol.
Cherries Not Infusing Properly: Ensure that the cherries are fully submerged in the liquid. Store the jar in a cool, dark place and allow sufficient time for the cherries to infuse. Gently shake the jar every few days to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
A Final Toast to Elevated Cocktails
Making drunken cherries for your Old Fashioned is not just about creating a better cocktail; it’s about embracing the art of crafting elevated experiences. The superior taste, the ability to impress your friends, and the versatility of these boozy gems make the effort worthwhile. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and embark on a journey to create the ultimate Old Fashioned.
As the saying goes, “The best things in life are worth waiting for.” This certainly applies to homemade drunken cherries. The patience and care you invest in creating these boozy treats will be richly rewarded with a cocktail experience that is truly exceptional.
