This easy Cherry Simple Syrup is made with fresh cherries for a flavorful and versatile homemade syrup. Great for cocktails, drinks, baked goods, and soda water flavors. Gluten-free and vegan.

This is the perfect thing to make during cherry season. Homemade simple syrups can be made with so many flavor variations. With no artificial flavor added, you can feel good about adding this cherry simple syrup recipe to your favorite summer drinks.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy recipe
- Fresh cherry flavor
- Perfect for your favorite drinks
Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and simple steps in the recipe card below.
Cherries - Fresh cherries are used in this recipe you can use frozen cherries if desired.
Organic cane sugar - To keep this vegan-friendly opt for organic cane sugar. Otherwise, regular white sugar works too. For flavor variation, you can substitute agave nectar, maple syrup, or honey in the same 1:1 ratio.
Water - I recommend using filtered water if possible.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: In a medium saucepan, add water, organic cane sugar, and cherries. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat then lower, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves into water.
Step 2: Remove from heat once the cherries have released their juices and start to soften when gently pressed with a wooden spoon. Allow syrup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to a storage container.
Step 3: Strain with a fine mesh sieve and discard solids or save them to use later. (see below!)
Recipe tips
- Don't have a cherry pitter? Try this hack to remove those cherry pits.
- For a thicker homemade cherry syrup, keep on the heat a little longer for the syrup to reduce.
- A mason jar makes a great sealed container for storing this fruit syrup.
Storing
Unlike classic simple syrup, infused fruit syrups have a shorter shelf life. This cherry version will last in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks. To freeze, divide into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
How to Use
Curious about what to make with cherry syrup? Here are some delicious ways to use It:
Drinks - Use it to sweeten and flavor cherry cocktails, mocktails, lemonade, iced tea, or soda water.
Desserts - Drizzle it over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. It can also be used as a soak for cake layers to add moisture and flavor.
Baking - Incorporate it into glazes for cakes, cookies, or pastries.
Sauces - Mix it into fruit sauces or compotes for an extra burst of cherry flavor.
Marinades and glazes - Use it as a base for marinades or glazes for meats like pork, chicken, or duck.
Preserves - Mix it with fresh or frozen cherries to create a quick cherry preserve or jam.
Leftover cherries
Don't waste those infused cherries! Here are some great ways to make use of the simmered fruit:
Cocktails and mocktails - Use this to enhance drinks like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Shirley Temples, iced tea, or Italian soda.
Desserts - Incorporate the cooked fruit and cherry juice into cakes, tarts, pies, or cheesecakes. They also work well as a topping for ice cream, panna cotta, or yogurt.
Breakfast - Add them on top of gluten-free pancakes, waffles, or French toast. They can also be mixed into oatmeal or served with granola.
Preserves and Jams - Blend the cherries into a jam or preserve for spreading on toast or adding to gluten-free pastries.
Salads - Add them to fruit salads or green salads for a sweet touch.
Baking - Incorporate them into muffins, scones, or bread for added flavor and moisture.
Garnishes - Use them to garnish desserts, drinks, or savory dishes for a touch of sweetness and color.
Variations
- Vanilla cherry - Add a split vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture for a vanilla-cherry flavor.
- Spiced cherry - Add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a piece of star anise during the simmering process for a spiced cherry version.
- Cherry almond - Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract after the syrup has been removed from the heat.
- Citrus cherry - Add the zest and juice of a lemon or an orange juice for a citrusy twist.
FAQs
This syrup will last in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks. To freeze, divide into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Grenadine is a sweet, tangy syrup traditionally made from pomegranate juice. Cherry syrup is made from cherries and has a distinctly sweet cherry flavor.
More simple syrup recipes
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📖 Recipe
Cherry Simple Syrup
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add water, organic cane sugar, and cherries. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat then lower to medium heat, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves into water.
- Remove from heat once the cherries have released their juices and start to soften when gently pressed with a spoon. Allow syrup to cool completely to room temperature.
- Strain simple syrup with a fine mesh sieve into a airtight container and discard solids or save them to use later.
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