This delightful Boozy Bourbon Cherries recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is the perfect no-cook treat you can whip up for that special occasion or just because. It’s a simple solution for a unique dessert or an impressive addition to your cocktail hour. Your family will love the sweet, rich flavors of this treat! Plus, you can switch up the ingredients based on what you have around, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients Breakdown
- 1 Pound Fresh Cherries
- 1 Cup Bourbon
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Wash and stem the cherries: Rinse 1 pound of fresh cherries thoroughly and remove the stems. This is the first step to ensure that any dirt or residue is washed away and helps to preserve their freshness.
Prepare the Bourbon Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of bourbon, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves, maybe around 3-5 minutes. It will smell amazing, like a warm hug!
Combine and Pour: Pour this fragrant bourbon mixture over the cherries in the jar, making sure they are fully submerged, this is crucial for flavor absorption!
Seal and Store: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 1 week. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Enjoy: After a week (or two if you can handle the anticipation!), pull those cherries out and enjoy them as a charming cocktail garnish, add them to desserts, or just dig in as a sweet treat!

Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, this Boozy Bourbon Cherries is my go-to recipe for when I want to impress but, let’s be real, I don’t want to spend a ton of time in the kitchen. It’s such a comforting treat and a family favorite whenever friends come over. I’m a real sucker for anything that’s both delicious and versatile, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, and it always turns out amazing!
If you loved this Boozy Bourbon Cherries recipe, be sure to check out my White Chocolate Raspberry Fudge, my Pink Sugar Cookies, or my Grapefruit Bars!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Boozy Bourbon Cherries recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or those last-minute gatherings. You’ll have a delightful treat ready in no time!
Make-Ahead Friendly
Not only does this recipe come together quickly, but it also allows you to prep and have it ready ahead of time. The cherries get more flavorful the longer they sit, so it’s perfect for meal prep!
Customizable
The best part of this recipe is its versatility! You can switch up the bourbon for your favorite spirit, swap out sugar for an alternative, or add other spices like cinnamon if you really want to get creative, the possibilities are endless!
How to Serve This Boozy Bourbon Cherries
These cherries are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- Cocktail Garnish: Use them in cocktails; they’re perfect atop a whiskey sour or even a classic old-fashioned.
- Over Desserts: Spoon them over ice cream, cheesecake, or pound cake for an elevated dessert experience.
- As a Snack: Just by themselves, they’re a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner or with your morning coffee don’t worry, I won’t judge!
Storage
These cherries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months in their syrup. Keep in mind that the flavor actually gets better over time, so feel free to whip up a batch and enjoy!
Reheating Instructions
No need to reheat, but if you want that syrup to be warm over desserts, just give it a gentle warm-up in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Freezer Friendly?
While they can be frozen, the texture may change upon thawing, so I recommend enjoying them fresh after their initial flavor infusion.
I’m all about creating memories in the kitchen, and this Boozy Bourbon Cherries recipe is an absolute winner for any occasion. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy, and with this recipe, you can bring a touch of warmth and joy to your table. So go ahead, get those cherries soaking in that yummy bourbon, and prepare to be amazed at the incredible flavors waiting for you! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!

Boozy Bourbon Cherries
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and stem the cherries: Rinse 1 pound of fresh cherries thoroughly and remove the stems.
- Prepare the Bourbon Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the bourbon, sugar, and vanilla extract over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves (about 3-5 minutes).
- Combine and Pour: Pour the bourbon mixture over the cherries in the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Seal and Store: Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place for at least 1 week.
- Enjoy: After a week or two, serve the cherries as a garnish, in desserts, or as a sweet treat.