A holiday treat from my husband’s upbringing. Super simple to make, all you need is a bit of prior planning. Making it in advance, plan for 3 months prior to any holiday that you might enjoy it. We got this process started in September for this Christmas.
The recipe is traditionally made with Morello cherries, however we typically make ours with sour (or tart) cherries, based on what we have available. You do not want to use already sweet or syrupy cherries for this recipe.
Enjoy my recipes and patterns and want to support my site? Want to get a gift for yourself or others at the same time? Check out my Shop! New patterns, supplies, and jewelry added regularly.
Polish Cherry Brandy (Wisniak)
A holiday treat that is easy to make. Truly set it and forget it. Just make sure you get it started a few months in advance!
1/2poundsour cherries(washed, stemmed, and pitted) ~1 can, drained
1cupgranulated sugar
2cupsvodka(or rectified spirits)
Instructions
Place cherries in the jar.
Pour sugar over the cherries (without stirring or shaking)
Pour the vodka over the cherries until the jar is full, leaving a slight air gap at the top. Pour slowly being careful not to stir or shake the mixture.
Tightly close the jar and place in a dark cool place (such as a pantry or cupboard) for 3 months at room temp.
After three months, strain the liquid. You can either drink immediately or age it further.
Notes
Traditionally it is drank as is, but it is also delicious as a mixer with ginger ale for a holiday cherry spritzer.
The fruit will be extremely boozy, and may not have much remaining flavor of cherries, but it can be enjoyed on ice cream, cakes, or with other desserts. (Or if you’re my dad, straight, as cherry shots).
Keyword brandy, cherry, liqueur, Polish, wisniak
Some nice simple ingredients – Note you may wish to go with a higher quality vodka or cherries, this is simply what we had available and it still turned out delicious.If using canned cherries, make sure that you drain them first. These cherries didn’t have much color to start with, which will affect the end appearance of the drink, but not by much.Sugar added.I originally had these in the wrong size mason jar, so I had to switch the contents (note why the sugar is not on the bottom). Vodka added and jars labeled to be put away until Christmas!Three months later and isn’t is just beautiful! Someday I’ll remake this after we’ve moved, and put it in the cordial glasses it deserves.
