Moonshine Cherries are fantastic little cherry bombs that can be eaten on their own, added to cocktails or even to fruit cakes for a boozy punch.
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Why this Moonshine Cherries Recipe is a Keeper
These moonshine cherries are perfect for game day and parties!
- Easy Ingredients: This recipe has only 2 easy ingredients.
- Versatile: Include these ole smoky cherries in any fruity cocktail, like a Dirty Shirley.
- Special Occasion Worthy: Make these to enjoy responsibly for the 4th of July!
What is Moonshine?
Moonshine is a clear, unaged whiskey with a corn base and a high alcohol content, usually about 100 proof.
Ingredient Notes for Cherry Moonshine Recipes
To make this recipe, you will need just 2 easy ingredients. If you don’t already have these ingredients in your liquor cabinet or kitchen, they can easily be found at the store.
- Maraschino Cherries: A jar of your favorite maraschino cherries will be good for this recipe.
- Moonshine: For this recipe, a jar of regular moonshine will do the trick!
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Dirty Shirley or Cherry Cola
Prepping easy things ahead of time can help to save you time and kitchen space when it comes to making everything for a party!
- Make Ahead: You can make this recipe 2 to three days in advance.
Special Equipment Needed
A specific piece of equipment can sometimes make all the difference in a recipe. For this recipe, you will need a couple things.
- Jars with Lids: A jar with a lid, like a mason jar, will be perfect for when you need to combine the ingredients.
- Funnel: A funnel will make it easier to add the moonshine and to separate the cherries and juice.
Pro Tip
The longer the cherries marinate in the moonshine, the more flavorful they will become.
How to Make Cherry Bombs
This recipe comes together in 2 quick and easy steps. These cherries are so easy to make at home, it will quicky become a go-to recipe for parties!
These are the basic steps for making Moonshine Cherries. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Prep Cherries and Assemble
Drain cherries and save the juice. Add the cherries back into an empty jar with the moonshine and top with some of the cherry juice you saved.
2. Shake and Refrigerate
Place the lid on the jar and shake to make sure everything is combined. Refrigerate for 24-48 hours.
How to Store and Use Leftover Moonshine with Cherries
- Storing: Store cherries in a jar with a lid in the fridge.
- Using Leftovers: Use leftover cherries to make a dirty shirley!
Variations and Substitutions for Cherry Moonshine
This recipe is so versatile! Try taking it to the next level by experimenting with flavors, or trying this with different ingredients.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a fun spicy kick.
- Citrus: Infuse the moonshine with orange, lemon, or lime zest for a citrusy twist.
- Herbal: Add herbs like mint, basil or rosemary for a refreshing herbal flavor.
- Fruity: Use different fruits like peaches, strawberries or blueberries for a fruity variation.
Moonshine with Cherries Recipe FAQs
Try Strawberry Jello Shots, Pineapple Lemonade or Jamaican Rum Punch with these cherries.
Try a cherry limeade cocktail or spiked cherry cola. You can really add these cherries to whatever drink you’d like.
Yes! Try different fun flavors of moonshine, like Pineapple Moonshine or Peach Moonshine to infuse the cherries with.
Expert Tips for Making This Moonshine Cherries Recipe
- Add to Sangria: Really up your sangria by adding in these cherries.
- Make Your Own: Feel free to make your own moonshine for good times!
- Variation Tip: Heat chocolate and dip the cherries in melty chocolate to make a true dessert experience.
- Alternate Ingredient: Don’t like or ran out of moonshine? Make original cherries using bourbon or other whisky, vodka or gin.
- Party Bar: If you’re planning on having things laid out buffet style at a party, make a sign for all of the items so there’s no confusion.
Moonshine Cherries
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Ingredients
- 10 ounces Maraschino cherries, 1 jar
- 1 cup Moonshine
Instructions
- Drain cherries and reserve the juice.
- Add cherries back into the empty jar.
- Pour in moonshine and top with reserved cherry juice.
- Place the lid on the jar and shake to combine.
- Refrigerate for 24-48 hours.
Christina’s Notes
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- Add to Sangria: Really up your sangria by adding in these cherries.
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- Make Your Own:Â Feel free to make your own moonshine for good times!
-
- Variation Tip:Â Heat chocolate and dip the cherries in melty chocolate to make a true dessert experience.
-
- Alternate Ingredient:Â Don’t like or ran out of moonshine? Make original cherries using bourbon or other whisky, vodka or gin.
-
- Party Bar: If you’re planning on having things laid out buffet style at a party, make a sign for all of the items so there’s no confusion.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
if love to give these as Christmas gifts but would want to seal them for long term storage.. Can they be dragged by water bath?
can these be processed in a water canner to seal?
I have never tried that. However due to the alcohol content it should not be necessary.
I love all things cherry. This looks so festive for Valentine’s Day!
Easy and delicious. Thanks for a great recipe!
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!