Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If you are using fresh cherries, wash them thoroughly and pit them. A cherry pitter is helpful, but you can also use the tip of a paring knife or even a straw. If using frozen cherries, no thawing is necessary.1 pound fresh or frozen cherries
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and water. Stir gently to distribute the sugar evenly with the cherries.1 pound fresh or frozen cherries, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the cherries to soften and release their juices, infusing the syrup with their natural flavor and color.
- After the initial simmering, remove the lid and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened slightly. You can gently mash some of the cherries with the back of your spoon to help release more flavor and create a richer texture.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice acts as a natural preservative and also brightens the cherry flavor by balancing the sweetness. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or pitcher. Press gently on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible, but avoid forcing them through to keep the syrup smooth. Discard the cooked cherries (or save them for another use, like topping yogurt or ice cream).
- Let the Cherry Syrup cool down completely at room temperature. Once cooled, pour it into an airtight container, such as a glass jar.
Notes
Once completely cooled, store your Cherry Syrup in an airtight glass jar or container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two to three weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the Cherry Syrup. Frozen syrup can last for up to six months.
