Homemade Cherry Extract is such an easy and fun extract to make especially with cherries being in season right now. The upside to making cherry extract is it is so much cheaper than buying it. A tiny bottle can cost a fortune. When you soak cherries in alcohol, the alcohol draws out the cherry flavor and aroma. This recipe is perfect for several dessert, drink, and marinade recipes. Cherry extract will keep for years at a time, allowing you access to real cherry flavor even during the winter months.
Ingredients
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- 8oz fresh cherries (Your favorite)
- 8oz 195 proof Everclear
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Pit and cut your cherries in half.
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Pour in Everclear into a mason jar.
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Toss cherries in the vodka.
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Give it a shake.
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Store in a cool, dark place for about 2 weeks.
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Give it a little shake now and then.
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After 4 weeks, give it a little taste test. If you think it needs more cherry flavor wait another 4 weeks and taste test again. When it's finished remove and discard the cherries. You can pour it through a sieve to remove any particles. Pour back into jar and store in a cool, dry place.
Note: If you would like to use vodka instead of Everclear, you can use dehydrated or dried cherries.
Enjoy!