Cherry Gin

• cherries↗500g g

  (any variety, but maraschino or sour cherries work well)

• gin↗700ml bottle ml
• powdered sugar↗150g g
• jar1l wide-necked, flip-top or sealable l

  sterilized

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Wash the cherries well, discarding any damaged berries, and remove stems and leaves. Place whole cherries (with pits) into a 1‑liter jar together with the gin and sugar. Close the lid and shake until most of the sugar dissolves. Keep the gin bottle if you plan to later pour the liqueur back into it.

2. 2

   Store in a cool dark place and shake the jar daily, if possible, or every few days. The cherry gin will be ready after three weeks, but can be left up to three months with the cherries for a stronger flavor. Do not keep the cherries in the gin longer than three months, otherwise the taste will deteriorate. The cherries will lighten as the gin darkens and absorbs the aroma.

3. 3

   Pour a little into a glass and taste. When the flavor satisfies you, strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth, return to the original or another clean bottle, and discard the fruit. The flavor will continue to develop over time; store in a cool dark place. Drink neat, mix with tonic, or top with sparkling water and serve with a lemon slice as a refreshing G&T alternative.