DIY Cherry Liqueur Recipe

Place pitted cherries in a sealable glass jar and, using a wooden spoon or muddler, muddle them to release some juice. Drain juice into a small pot and set aside. Add brandy, vodka, and cinnamon stick to jar with muddled cherries. Seal and shake jar. Let muddled cherries mixture steep for one week at room temperature, shaking every few days; keep out of direct sunlight.

In the meantime, add sugar and water to pot with reserved cherry juice. Bring to a boil over high heat, and cook, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, pour into a separate jar, cover, and refrigerate.

After one week has passed, add chilled cherry syrup to jar with muddled cherry mixture, shake to combine, and let steep for an additional 2 to 5 days.

Strain contents of jar through fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a sterilized glass jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.