Frugal Foodie Mama: Vanilla Spiced Rum Soaked Cherries

Looking for a way to make those sweet, in-season cherries last just a little longer? Then make these boozy Vanilla Spiced Rum Soaked Cherries!

Looking for a way to make those sweet, in-season cherries last just a little longer? Make these boozy Vanilla Spiced Rum Soaked Cherries!

I just love when cherry season rolls around each summer. My only problem with cherry season is that it just doesn't last quite long enough. Who's with me on that one? I mean, just a few measly months each year? Come on! Cherry season should definitely last longer. But since I can't somehow magically extend the length of cherry picking season, I will instead find ways to make these sweet, fresh cherries last just a tad longer.

One way to extend the life of those juicy cherries is by boozing them up. ;) Soak them in a little rum or brandy, & you can make them last at least a month longer. Plus, they are soaked in booze. That's just bonus points in my book.

These Vanilla Spiced Rum Soaked Cherries require just 6 simple things- fresh cherries, spiced rum, a vanilla bean, brown sugar, water, & 24 hours. In just one day, you can be snacking on these delicious boozy cherries or dunking them into your favorite cocktail. They would also be amazing simply served over vanilla ice cream or baked into a quick bread or clafoutis. Just be sure to remove the pits & stems before adding them to your favorite summer baking recipe. ;)

Though I left the stems on and the pits in, feel free to remove them before soaking them in the rum mixture if you prefer. I like leaving the stems on because they are the perfect ready-made handles for plucking one of these cherries straight from the jar.

Vanilla spiced rum soaked cherries & a little syrup from the jar are what give this Double Cherry Coke & Rum its intense cherry flavor & extra boozy punch.

I am even sharing a little bonus cocktail recipe with you all today- my Double Cherry Coke & Rum. ;) The vanilla spiced rum soaked cherries & a little syrup from the jar are what give this cocktail its double cherry flavor & extra boozy punch. You can find the recipe below.

Vanilla Spiced Rum Soaked Cherries

by Frugal Foodie Mama

Prep Time: 24 hours

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients (1 pint jar)

For the rum soaked cherries

1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup water
2 cups of fresh cherries
1 whole vanilla bean, split
1/3 cup spiced rum (like Captain Morgan)

For the Double Cherry Coke & Rum cocktail

3 oz. of spiced rum
1-2 tsp of syrup from the rum soaked cherries
Cherry cola
2 vanilla spiced rum soaked cherries

Instructions

For the Vanilla Spiced Rum Soaked Cherries

Bring the brown sugar & water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add in the cherries & then return to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle boil for 5 minutes.

Drop the split vanilla bean into a clean glass pint jar. Using a slotted spoon & a large funnel, transfer the cherries in the saucepan to the jar. Pour in the cherry syrup from the saucepan, leaving about 1.5 inches of head room at the top. Add in the spiced rum. Secure the lid tightly on the jar and give it a few gentle shakes. Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerate for 24 hours before enjoying.

These rum soaked cherries will stay good in the fridge for up to 1 month.

For the Double Cherry Coke & Rum cocktail

Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice. Add in the rum & cherry syrup. Top with the cherry cola, & then give a quick stir. Garnish with 2 of the vanilla spiced rum soaked cherries.

Cheers!

What is your favorite way to enjoy fresh cherries while they are in season?

Looking for even more tasty recipes to use those fresh cherries in? Then check out the ones below from my fellow Feast & Devour Cooking Club members...