5 Festive Cocktails thanks to Cherry Time

It’s Cherry Time – pun intended.

Cavemen loved them, the Greeks praised them. The humble cherry is bringing the cheer this year, because when you think Christmas, you think red, right? Red cherries. We’re blessed to be able to have a summery Christmas, because this means we can enjoy refreshing cocktails by the pool.

Move over eggnog. It’s time for the cherry to take its rightful place. Cherry Time, South Africa’s leading producer of top quality cherries, is about to make a splash with five festive cherry cocktail recipes.

The more cherries, the merrier. Order your cherries from Cherry Time from 25 November at www.CherryTime.co.za!

Stocks are limited so get your order in soon.

 

Bourbon Cherry Old-Fashioned

Simple and fresh in five minutes flat.

Ingredients (serves 1):

• 4-6 fresh cherries, pitted
• Juice from half a lime
• Dash of orange bitters
• 1-2 Tbsp honey
• 30 ml bourbon whiskey, to taste
• Fresh mint leaves and cherries, to garnish

Method:

1. Mix the pitted cherries, lime juice, orange bitters and honey in a cocktail shaker or glass jar until the cherries are well mashed.
2. Add the bourbon and shake to combine.
3. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass filled with ice. (You may also leave the mashed cherries in and top off the drink with sparkling water.)
4. Garnish with the fresh mint and cherries to serve.

Boozy Fresh Cherry Lemonade

Leave the red wine for winter.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 500 g fresh cherries, pitted
• 1 cup sugar
• 3-4 cups water
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup cherry-flavoured vodka (remove for non-alcoholic variant)
• Mint leaves, lemon slices and fresh cherries, to garnish

Method:

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar and 1 cup of water. Stir the mixture frequently until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and let it cool for 15 minutes.
2. Combine the lemon juice, vodka and the rest of the water in a large jug.
3. Add the cooled cherry syrup to the mixture in the jug, stir and add ice.
4. Top with the mint leaves, lemon slices and fresh cherries to serve.

Sour Cherry Shirley Temple

This one is non-alcoholic, but you’re welcome to give it some vooma.

Ingredients (serves 4):

For the syrup:

• ¹/₂ cup sugar
• ¹/₂ cup water
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted

For the drink:

• 3 cups ginger ale or lemon-lime cold drink
• 8 Tbsp syrup
• Fresh cherries, to garnish

Method:

For the syrup:

1. Combine the sugar, water and cherries in a small pot over medium to high heat and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat until the mixture is at a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the liquid is red and slightly thickened.
3. Strain it and keep the cherries as a delicious compote for dessert.
4. Leave to cool.

For the drink:

1. Fill four glasses with ice and pour the cold drink until each glass is ¾ full.
2. Stir 2 tablespoons of syrup into each glass and top with a fresh cherry to serve.

Cherry Caipiroska

Where Brazil meets Russia.

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 12-15 fresh cherries, pitted
• 5 Tbsp sugar
• 1 lime, cut in wedges, plus extra to garnish
• Fresh mint, plus extra to garnish
• 120 ml vodka
• Ice
• Cocktail straws, to garnish

Method:

1. Divide the cherries and sugar between the glasses.
2. Add two wedges of lime and mint to each glass. Using a muddler, crush the fruit and mix with the sugar until the liquid forms a syrup.
3. Add ice to every glass until nearly full. Pour 60 ml vodka in each glass.
4. Stir and decorate with a sprig of mint and a cocktail straw to serve.

Cherry Creamiscle Cocktail

Like creamy eggnog, but better.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 45 ml vodka
• ¹/₃ cup fresh cherries
• 180 ml lemonade
• 30 ml cream
• Ice

Method:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix thoroughly.
2. Add ice until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.