Sour Cherry Martini Recipes

Steps:

• Pour the rye or bourbon, cherry juice, vermouth and bitters into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until very cold. Strain into a martini glass. Carefully squeeze the orange peel between your finger and thumb with the skin facing out. Ignite the oils that spurt from the peel and immediately drop the peel into the glass. Garnish with a sour cherry.
• BYOC: If you don't feel comfortable lighting the peel then omit it. You can always add some orange bitters if you like. The drink is quite enjoyable either way.

Steps:

• Inspect 5 cup-sized jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Wash and pit the cherries. Chop them finely. You should have about 5 cups. Place cherries in a large saucepan and slowly bring to a boil over low-medium heat. Stir in pectin and slowly bring mixture to a full rolling boil. Add sugar and stir to dissolve. Return to a full rolling boil on high heat and boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Skim off any foam with a ladle or a large spoon.
• Remove from heat and stir in amaretto liqueur.
• Ladle sour cherry jam into the prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any spills. Top with lids and tightly screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart. Let rest for 24 hours without moving the jars. Gently press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.

Steps:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; pour the vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice over the ice; shake vigorously; strain into a chilled martini glass.

Steps:

• Place cherries in a heatproof bowl. Stir water and sugar in small saucepan to dissolve sugar. Bring to a boil, and pour over cherries. Let cool completely. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Drain cherries, reserving syrup. Thread 4 cherries onto each of 6 skewers. Make 3 drinks at a time: Pour 6 tablespoons whiskey, 3 tablespoons kirsch, and 4 1/2 teaspoons reserved syrup in a cocktail shaker 3/4 filled with ice. Shake and pour into chilled glasses. Garnish each with a skewer and 2 to 3 strips lemon zest. Repeat for the second batch.

Steps:

• Bring sugar and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved, 3 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool 15 minutes. Syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 month.
• Combine lemon juice, fruit, and basil in a bowl. Add syrup; mash lightly to release juices. Refrigerate at least 1 day and up to 4 days.
• Combine fruit mixture and vodka in a pitcher or punch bowl; ladle about 1/3 cup into each glass. Fill with ice. Top with sparkling water, garnish with more basil, and serve.

Steps:

• Put the cherries, orange peel, sugar and bitters in an old-fashioned glass; crush the sugar and cherries with a muddler, spoon or anything else that will get the job done. Fill the glass with ice, add the whiskey and stir until the drink is cold, about a dozen times.