*Disclaimer: I’ve teamed up with Oregon Cherry Growers and Pacific Coast Producers who sent me a jar of Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries that I used to create this recipe, however all opinions, experiences and enjoyment of these cherries are completely my own!

Cherry and bourbon are a classic couple. This cocktail blends the sweet bite of cinnamon syrup, the richness of cherry juice and the brightness of fresh lemon juice with barrel aged bourbon. For this recipe, I’ve used jarred Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries that contain no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors or colors and they are the perfect addition to this beautiful drink. Because these cherries are hand-picked at their peak season then quickly jarred and heat pasteurized, their flavor and color are locked-in for ultimate freshness. 🍒

Cheers!

Hearts on Fire is a cherry and bourbon shaker cocktail with a simple cinnamon syrup and fresh lemon juice. Cocktail produced in collaboration with Billie O’shen Drinks.

Hearts on Fire cocktail

Makes: 1 drink
Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

To prepare cinnamon syrup

  • 2 cups water

  • 4 sticks cinnamon

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

To prepare cocktail

  • 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 ounce juice from jarred Royal Harvest Maraschino Cherries

  • 1/4 ounce cinnamon syrup

  • 2 ounces bourbon

  • Garnish with Royal Harvest Maraschino cherries

*Note: Directions are written using two-piece (Boston) shaker cocktail tins. If using a single shaker, add all ingredients into cup with ice in step 4, then proceed with step 5 by taking lid off of strainer spout.

Directions

  1. Place coupe glass in the freezer to chill.

  2. To prepare cinnamon simple syrup, add water and cinnamon sticks to a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat and strain out cinnamon sticks. Place pan back on burner and bring water back to a boil, then add sugar and whisk until all sugar as dissolved. Set aside and allow to cool.*

  3. To prepare cocktail, add lemon juice, cherry juice, cinnamon syrup and bourbon to the small shaker tin.

  4. Fill large tin about half-way with ice, then pour contents of small tin over the ice. Secure small tin over the large one and shake vigorously over your shoulder for 10 to 15 seconds.

  5. Secure strainer over the mouth of the large tin and pour drink into chilled coup. Garnish with 1 or 2 whole cherries. Serve immediately.

*Note: Once cooled, cinnamon syrup can be transferred to a jar or airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Hearts on Fire photo by Christy Wilson.

Simple common syrup can be used in so may ways! Add to cocktails, mocktails, hot coco, coffee drinks and even foods!

Simple ingredients make the best drinks.

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