Refrigerator Cocktail Cherries in Sugar Syrup

Name: Refrigerator Cocktail Cherries in Sugar Syrup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1470 min
Yield: About one medium jar
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 500 g pitted cherries; 200 ml water; 200 g sugar; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp almond extract, optional; 50 ml brandy or rum, optional adult variation

Pitted cherries steeped in a lemon-scented sugar syrup for desserts and drinks.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 24 hr 30 minMakes About one medium jar

Jump to Recipe

These cocktail cherries come from a measured syrup, not a long alcoholic infusion. Pit 500 grams of cherries, dissolve the source’s 200 grams of sugar in 200 millilitres of water and add a little lemon juice. Almond extract is optional; use it sparingly so it does not drown out the fruit. Let the cherries warm gently in the syrup for a few minutes, then cool and refrigerate the jar. The source leaves filled jars at room temperature for a day and suggests six months of chilled storage without a validated process. This version rests in the refrigerator and is used within a short window. Add brandy only to a clearly labeled adult portion if desired.

Recipe card

Refrigerator Cocktail Cherries in Sugar Syrup

Prep 20 minCook 10 minTotal 24 hr 30 minYield About one medium jar

Equipment: Cherry pitter, saucepan, clean jar

Ingredients

500 g pitted cherries 200 ml water 200 g sugar 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp almond extract, optional 50 ml brandy or rum, optional adult variation

Instructions

Pit
Rinse and pit sound cherries.
Make syrup
Simmer water and sugar until fully dissolved; add lemon juice.
Warm cherries
Add cherries and simmer gently 3–5 minutes, keeping the fruit intact; stir in optional almond extract.
Cool and chill
Transfer to a clean jar, cool briefly and refrigerate under syrup at least 24 hours.
Use
Spoon cherries into drinks or desserts; reserve optional alcohol for a separately labeled adult serving.

How to tell when it is ready

Cherries remain intact, glossy and covered with syrup.

Tips

Choose firm ripe cherries.
Pit carefully to keep fruit intact.
Cool briefly before refrigeration.
Use a clean spoon for each serving.

Serving suggestions

Garnish a mocktail.
Top ice cream.
Add to a chocolate cake slice.
Use in a cocktail for adults.

Make ahead

Prepare ingredients ahead and keep perishable items cold until cooking or serving.

Storage

Refrigerate covered and use within 1 week.

Food safety

Do not leave a filled jar at room temperature for a day or assume six-month storage. Alcohol is optional and does not make this recipe shelf-stable.

Frequently asked questions

Can I store jars on a shelf?

No. This is a refrigerator garnish, not a tested canned preserve.

How should I store refrigerator cocktail cherries in syrup?

Refrigerate covered and use within 1 week.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.