CHERRY BOUNCE
½ gallon

We like to think the jaunty name of this boozy treat, said to be a favorite of George Washington’s, comes from its ability to put a spring in your step… at least in the short term.

Combine in a half-gallon glass jar or a crock:

  • 1 ¾ pounds sweet or sour cherries, stems removed, pricked once with a paring knife or needle
  • 1 ¾ cups sugar
  • (¼ cup lemon juice, if using sweet cherries)

Add:

  • 4 cups whiskey, bourbon, vodka, or brandy

Close the jar or crock tightly. Allow the mixture to sit in a cool, dark place for 5 to 6 months, tasting it along the way to judge when it is to your liking. There is no need to strain it—you can enjoy the boozy cherries along with the liqueur. Store indefinitely at room temperature.

Own a physical copy? Find this recipe on page 948–49.

Salting, Drying, and Fermenting