Smoking juicy, sweet Bing cherries infuses them with a heady, savory aroma. The depth carries into boozy cherry bounce—after a three-month rest. Plenty of sugar, a touch of bright lemon juice, and smooth brandy round out this vibrant homemade cordial.
How to Make It
Prepare smoker with cherry wood chunks according to manufacturer’s instructions, bringing internal temperature to about 225°F; maintain temperature 15 to 20 minutes. Place 1 cup (about 4 1/2 ounces) cherries in an even layer in an 8-inch square disposable aluminum pan, and place on smoker grates. Close lid. Smoke cherries, maintaining temperature inside smoker around 225°F, until cherries are infused with desired degree of smoky flavor, 30 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, shaking pan occasionally.
Combine smoked cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and remaining 5 cups fresh cherries in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and mixture is very juicy, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool 1 hour.
Pour cherry mixture into a large, clean lidded jar, and top with brandy. Screw lid on tightly, and store in a cool, dark place for 3 months.
Notes
Don’t rush this cordial; our testers found it drinkable after 2 months but exponentially smoother after 3 months.