Door County Cherry Bounce Recipe

Cherries: The star of the recipe, providing a tart and fruity base for the liqueur.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the cherries and helps in the fermentation process.

Brandy: A strong alcoholic base that infuses with the cherries and sugar to create a rich, flavorful liqueur.

When preparing the cherries for the cherry bounce, ensure they are thoroughly washed and pitted to avoid any unwanted bitterness from the pits. Using a glass jar is crucial as it doesn't react with the brandy, preserving the pure flavors. For a richer taste, consider using a high-quality brandy. Shaking the jar occasionally helps to dissolve the sugar evenly, ensuring a well-balanced infusion. When straining, use multiple layers of cheesecloth to catch any fine particles, resulting in a smoother final product.

• pitted door county cherries - Substitute with pitted bing cherries: Bing cherries have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a good alternative.

• pitted door county cherries - Substitute with pitted tart cherries: Tart cherries can add a slightly different flavor profile but still work well in the recipe.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a unique sweetness and depth of flavor.

• brandy - Substitute with bourbon: Bourbon has a similar alcohol content and can add a rich, smoky flavor.

• brandy - Substitute with rum: Rum can provide a different but complementary flavor profile.

• Select a large, airtight glass jar for storing your Door County Cherry Bounce. Ensure it's clean and dry to prevent any contamination.

• After combining the cherries, sugar, and brandy, seal the jar tightly. This helps in preserving the flavors and preventing any unwanted air from entering.

• Store the jar in a cool, dark place. A pantry or a cellar works perfectly. The ideal temperature should be around 60-70°F (15-21°C). This environment helps the cherries to macerate properly and the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Shake the jar occasionally, about once a week. This ensures that the sugar dissolves completely and the cherries are evenly infused with the brandy.

• Let the mixture sit for at least 3 months. Patience is key here; the longer it sits, the richer the flavor will be. Some enthusiasts even let it age for up to a year.

• Once ready, strain the mixture through cheesecloth to remove the cherries and any sediment. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, clear Cherry Bounce.

• If you plan to store it for an extended period, transfer the strained Cherry Bounce into smaller, sterilized bottles. This makes it easier to handle and reduces the risk of spoilage.

• For freezing, pour the Cherry Bounce into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This helps in keeping track of the aging process and ensures you enjoy it at its peak flavor.

• When ready to serve, thaw the frozen Cherry Bounce in the refrigerator. Avoid rapid thawing at room temperature to maintain the integrity of the flavors.

• Always store any opened Cherry Bounce in the refrigerator. This helps in preserving its quality and extending its shelf life.

• Pour the Door County Cherry Bounce into a small saucepan.

• Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

• Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate flavors of the cherries and brandy.

• Once warmed, pour into a heatproof glass or mug.

• Optionally, garnish with a few fresh cherries or a twist of lemon peel for added aroma.

• Alternatively, pour the Door County Cherry Bounce into a microwave-safe container.

• Heat in the microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking.

• Be cautious not to overheat to maintain the integrity of the brandy.

• For a more ambient warming method, place the sealed jar of Door County Cherry Bounce in a bowl of warm water.

• Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the cherries and brandy to gently warm up.

• Pour into a glass and enjoy the subtly warmed flavors.

• Large glass jar: A container to hold the cherries, sugar, and brandy mixture.

• Cheesecloth: A fine mesh cloth used to strain the mixture before serving.

• Measuring cups: Tools to measure the exact quantities of cherries and sugar.

• Bottle opener: A tool to open the bottle of brandy.

• Mixing spoon: A utensil to help mix the ingredients thoroughly.

• Tight-sealing lid: Ensures the jar is sealed properly to prevent any air from entering.

• Cool, dark storage area: A place to store the jar for the required aging period.

Use frozen cherries: Substitute fresh cherries with frozen ones to save time on pitting and washing.

Pre-mix sugar and brandy: Combine sugar and brandy in a separate bowl before adding to the jar for quicker mixing.

Label the jar: Mark the date on the jar to easily track the aging process without having to remember.

Shake less frequently: Shake the jar once a week instead of daily to reduce the time spent on maintenance.

Use a large funnel: Employ a large funnel when pouring the mixture into the jar to avoid spills and save cleanup time.