Sweet Cherry Simple Syrup

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Cherry Simple syrup is a delicious simple syrup that goes so well in so many drinks. This easy cherry syrup needs only a few ingredients and takes just minutes to make. Try adding this cherry syrup to cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks for a delicious cherry flavor that will surely enhance any recipe.

Flavored simple syrups are one of the easiest things to make and can really make your drinks and desserts taste amazing for only a little effort. This cherry simple syrup will add so much amazing flavor to any drink.

There are no artificial ingredients in this cherry syrup and it is really easy to make so you can feel good about using it!

This can be used for almost any drink from hot tea, iced tea, lemonades, popsicles, or cocktails. You can drizzle it over a fruit salad as well.

I make a lot of flavored simple syrups for this reason and because they last in the refrigerator for weeks. Any herb or fruit can be added to a base simple syrup.

I use this simple syrup quite a bit and it really makes a difference in my cocktails, drinks and popsicles! You can use frozen fruit or fresh fruit and it will not make a difference in the flavor.

For this recipe, I used fresh cherries since that is what I had on hand. I have also made it with frozen cherries when cherries were no longer in season.

Both are equally delicious and there is no difference in taste.

Ingredients needed

There are only three ingredients you need to make this cherry syrup. Here is what they are:

Fresh or frozen cherries. Make sure they are pitted.
Sugar. This is the sweetener to the cherry syrup.
Water.

How to make cherry simple syrup

The steps to making this cherry simple syrup are really easy. A few ingredients and a few minutes is all you need.

Combine: You just add all of your ingredients into a pan and bring to a boil. Here, you are adding the cherries, sugar and water into the pan. Very easy.
Simmer. Simmering the cherries in the water with the sugar allows the cherries to break down and release all that amazing juice.
Strain and Press: Once it is done simmering, you just strain and press the remaining cherry juice out of the cherries and then let it cool.
Done!

pressing out remaining cherry juice through strainer

For me, cherry simple syrup replaces grenadine in any recipe or cocktail that calls for that. I am not a fan of grenadine and if you feel the same way you will now have a great substitute for it.

How To Use

Add it to cocktails.
As a sweetener and flavor addition to non-alcoholic beverages like lemonade or Cherry limeade.
Make a Shirley Temple with Sprite and Cherry Simple Syrup.
On top of pancakes or crepes.
You can add it to marinades for meat as a sweet element. This tastes really delicious.
I like to add it to homemade popsicles like my watermelon popsicles for a pop of flavor.

You can totally use your own imagination and creativity for how to use flavored simple syrups. The small amount of work that it takes to make this simple syrup is well worth it for the huge reward in taste and uses in so many recipes.

Recipe Faqs

Is cherry simple syrup the same as grenadine?

No. Many people believe they are the same but grenadine is made from pomegranates. I actually love pomegranate but I do not like grenadine. I use this simple syrup as a substitute for recipes that call for grenadine.

Does this cherry simple syrup need to be refrigerated after it is made?

Yes. All fruit simple syrups really should be refrigerated which will help keep the syrup from spoiling.

Storing

This simple syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to one week covered. If you don't think you will use it up by then, you can freeze this as well. I love pouring the syrup into ice cube trays and then popping the frozen cherry syrup ice cubes into freezer bags.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to one month. You can then add those delicious flavored ice cubes to your drinks!

A delicious cherry simple syrup that goes so well in so many drinks!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Servings: cups

Author: Melissa Oleary

Equipment

Fine mesh strainer

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 cups sugar
16 ounces sweet cherries, fresh or frozen. pits removed

Instructions

If you are working with fresh cherries, remove the pits by gently smashing them to expose the pit on the inside.
In a medium sauce pan add your cherries, sugar and water and bring to a boil
2 cups water, 16 ounces sweet cherries, fresh or frozen., 2 cups sugar
Once it has come to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
After 5 minutes, place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and pour the cherry mixture over that.
Gently press the cherries in the strainer to release the remaining juices.
Discard the cherries and allow the cherry simple syrup to cool and come to room temperature.
Once the syrup has come to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours to chill.
After it has chilled, you can transfer the simple syrup to a proper storage container or leave in the bowl until ready to sue in your favorite drink or cocktail.

Notes

Flavored simple syrup will last for a few weeks in your refrigerator.

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