Homemade Luxardo Cherries
DIY Luxardo cherries, elevated
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup very strong brewed black tea such as English Breakfast or Earl Grey (see Notes)
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 pound fresh or frozen sweet cherries stems removed and pitted
- 3/4 cup Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan with a lid (3 to 4 quarts), combine the water, black tea, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla and almond extract. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add cherries (no need to thaw if using frozen cherries). Simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes (for fresh cherries) or 5 to 6 minutes (for frozen cherries) to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate.
- Reduce to a low simmer on low heat, cover, and cook for 6 minutes (whether fresh or frozen), stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid and cook for another 3 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Luxardo Maraschino liqueur.
- Transfer cherries and syrup to a clean jar (1 quart). Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
- Allow at least overnight for the flavors to meld. Their flavor and color will deepen over the next 2 to 3 days.
- The cherries will keep for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
Notes
- I recommend brewing two tea bags in 1/2 cup boiling water for 5 minutes. Use 1/4 cup of the tea.
- One batch fits in a 1 quart jar (32 ounces). You can divide one batch between a few jars as well.
