Cherries with Kirsch

Cherries are delicious and nutritious fruit that is used in a variety of settings, including desserts, salads, beverages, or simply as a snack. Though cherries make an excellent garnish in all sorts of recipes, there are many situations in which cherries are a primary ingredient being used. One example of a situation like this is a liqueur known as Kirsch.

What Is Kirsch?

Kirsch, also known as Kirschwasser, is a traditional German brandy that is clear and colorless. In order to make Kirsch, a specific type of cherry called the morello cherry must be double distilled. Morello cherries are very dark in color and are typically sourer than sweet, which means that Kirsch has a slightly bitter taste, unlike other cherry liqueurs, which tend to be on the sweeter side.

Like some liqueurs, Kirsch is more often used as an ingredient in a dessert than as a beverage on its own. Kirsch is used as a filling in traditional German Black Forest cake as well as a primary ingredient in cherries jubilee and liqueur-filled chocolates. Many different types of desserts are constructed using the combination of sweet cherries with Kirsch as the subtle flavor of the liqueur supports the sweetness of the whole cherries rather than overwhelming it.

How to Make Cherries with Kirsch

Today, many people concoct their own version of Kirsch-soaked cherries to use as a topping for desserts or even within cocktails. Combining cherries with Kirsch also preserves the cherries themselves, creating a saucy compote that can last for long stretches of time without spoiling.

Boil one to two pounds of cherries in a large pot and gently stir in sugar and spices. Add in the Kirsch after the mixture has simmered, and once the concoction has cooled, you’ll have plenty of Kirsch-soaked cherries to store for later.