Smoked Cocktail Cherries
Fresh or preserved cherries are cold-smoked and then steeped in an aromatic syrup of sugar, spices, and bourbon. The smoked cherries add a unique smoky note to cocktails like Old Fashioned or Manhattan. They are also very popular as a garnish for desserts or on cheese boards.
Ingredients(for 1 kg)
Instructions
Prepare cherries
20 minutesStem and pit the cherries and pat dry with paper towels. Spread in a single layer on a wire rack and allow to air-dry for 30 minutes so the surface is optimally prepared for smoke absorption.
Cold smoking
1.5-2 hoursCold-smoke cherries at 15–25 °C with cherry wood and whiskey barrel chips for 1.5–2 hours. The cherries should take on a slight color tint and a distinct smoky aroma without becoming too soft.
Prepare spiced syrup
15 minutesHeat sugar and water in a saucepan and simmer into a syrup. Add star anise, orange peel, and vanilla extract, steep for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, and stir in bourbon.
Steeping and maturing
At least 24 hoursFill smoked cherries into clean preserving jars, pour hot syrup over them, and seal tightly. Allow to mature in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Pro Tip
Whiskey barrel wood chips give the cherries a particularly complex smoky note that harmonizes wonderfully with the bourbon syrup. Allow cherries to dry briefly before smoking so the smoke adheres better.
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