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Last Updated on March 7, 2023 by Lydia Martin
With the wide variety of bourbon cherries in the market, picking the great garnishes for desserts and cocktails is confusing.
If you want to enjoy real cherries but with some booze, we’ve ranked the best cherries with bourbon we’ve tried so far to narrow down your options and pick the right one according to your style.
Top 12 Bourbon-Soaked Cherries To Try (Ranked)
12. Ruddell’s Mill Cherries
Average Price: approx. $9.99 (255g, SRP)
Why We Like It: We ranked Ruddell’s Mill Cherries in this spot because it’s good due to its bright red cherries, similar to maraschino cherries.
It’s made from the finest locally grown cherries, soaked with a barrel-aged Kentucky straight bourbon. We like it as a garnish for cocktails like Pina Colada and Cosmos.
11. Evan Williams Bourbon Black Cherries
Average Price: approx. $9.99 (255g, SRP)
Why We Like It: If you’re a fan of Evan Williams bourbon and cherries, why not try this gourmet from the spirit brand? It’s widely available, so you grab a jar any time.
Infused with Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, this cherry bourbon is perfect for drinks and desserts.
It has the right sweetness with the presence of bourbon.
10. Collins Bourbon Stemmed Cherries
Average Price: approx. $9.99 (11oz, Drizly)
Why We Like It: Looking for a perfect pair of whiskey and cherry? Try Collins Bourbon Steamed Cherries. We don’t expect the spice and cinnamon hints here, but it’s really good.
For Old-Fashioned and Manhattans, this is great addition due to the complex and more decadent blend of flavors. Or, add it to milkshakes, pastries, and ice cream, for a bit of kick.
9. Sable & Rosenfeld Bourbon Tipsy Dark Reserve Cherries
Average Price: approx. $8.99 (284g, SRP)
Why We Like It: The large, firm, and blush Oregon-grown cherries featured in this jar have been infused with Bourbon to achieve a luxurious and dark-colored finish.
This could’ve been on a higher rank, but it lacks the booze. So, we use it as an accompaniment to our favorite cocktail and dessert, and it works wonders.
8. Bourbon Country Cherries
Average Price: approx. $8.49 (246ml, SRP)
Why We Like It: The flavor of Bourbon Country Cherries is almost identical to that of a classic version, except that the large cherries were infused with Kentucky Bourbon.
If you don’t want exotic flavors, this can be the best choice, as the high amount of corn syrup used in this jar prevented the cherries from developing strange flavors.
7. Luxardo Cherries
Average Price: approx. $25 (14.1oz, Amazon)
Why We Like It: Luxardo Cherries are a true standard in canned cherries; however, it’s not technically a cherry bourbon. It doesn’t have the booze, but the cherries are the best in class.
With regard to color and flavor, you can’t argue with Luxardo Cherries. If you’re not looking for a non-alcoholic treat, we recommend this.
But, if you want the booze, you better check out the others.
6. Dirty Sue Whiskey Cherries
Average Price: approx. $18 (16oz, Amazon)
Why We Like It: We like the texture of this cherry bourbon, which tastes even greater when topped with vanilla ice cream.
It is very tart, and we like the prominent alcohol presence in every bite. Besides, warm and sweet flavors aren’t overpowering.
It’s quite an upgrade to the traditional maraschino cherries.
5. Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries
Average Price: approx. $6.99 (13.5oz, SRP)
Why We Like It: If you like the look of cherries with stems, we recommend this type of bourbon cherries.
This is quite a level up compared to the standard jarred maraschino cherries.
There are no artificial flavorings, and it’s gluten-free, so it suits health-conscious peeps. It’s best served as garnish for cocktails for a fancy touch.
4. Red Camper Bourbon Cocktail Cherries
Average Price: approx. $9 (2.75oz, SRP)
Why We Like It: The combo of organic cherries and syrup made from Colorado’s heritage 4-grain Bourbon, Guatemalan organic Cardamom, and Madagascar-grown vanilla creates a sweet and complex treat.
It has a spicy note, making this a remarkable cherry bourbon. We enjoy this Red Camper cocktail cherries with ice creams, Manhattans, yogurts, and shakes. It’s pretty pricey, though.
3. Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Bourbon Cocktail Cherries
Average Price: approx. $30 (2-Pack, SRP)
Why We Like It: Disclaimer, this cherry bourbon isn’t a budget-friendly option. But regardless of the price, it’s a must-try. The cherries taste great and crisp, perfect for cocktails or with vanilla ice cream.
Honestly, it’s perfect—but if it has extra booze. If you don’t mind the level of booze, this is a sure winner. You can make a savory Old-Fashioned and Manhattan using this.
2. Traverse City Whiskey Co. Premium Cocktail Cherries
Average Price: approx. $18 (600g, SRP)
Why We Like It: We enjoy how nice and chewy the cherries are in this Traverse City Whiskey Cocktail Cherries. It has a delicious aspect, balancing the cherry sweetness and kick of bourbon.
“Bourbon is kinda like whiskey’s ‘sweet spot’.”
— Jim Beam, Spirits Brand
Although they aren’t the most boozing cherries you’ll find, the right amount of bourbon heat makes this treat something you shouldn’t miss.
1. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries
Average Price: approx. $15.99 (11oz, Drizly)
Why We Like It: Our best cherry bourbon ever tasted is the one infused with the Woodford Reserve, and it’s a great example of a classic bourbon cherry.
It has a combination of sweet and tart cherries and a robust blend of Kentucky bourbon [1].
No added spices or flavors here. You can eat the cherries as is or use them in cocktails.
FAQs
Are bourbon cherries alcoholic?
Bourbon cherries can be alcoholic, depending on the brand. But compared to other types of cherries, it contains more alcohol.
Can bourbon cherries get you drunk?
Bourbon cherries can’t get you drunk easily. But consuming too much can affect your system due to the presence of bourbon, where the cherries are soaked into.
Should bourbon cherries be refrigerated?
You can refrigerate bourbon cherries, depending on your preference. But we don’t advise refrigerating this drink; instead, store it in a cool, dry place or at room temperature [2].
How long do bourbon cherries last in the fridge?
Bourbon cherries can last in the fridge for six to 12 months when opened and two to three years when unopened.
To Sum It Up
Among the mouth-watering options we’ve tried and sampled, no other bourbon cherry defeats the lusciousness of the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries. All the flavors combined are just perfect.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, we recommend Bada Bing, Bourbon Country, and Sable & Rosenfeld.
But if you have some extra money to splurge, go for Traverse City Whiskey, Red Camper, and Jack Rudy.
References:
- https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/things-you-never-realized-about-bourbon-whiskey
- https://www.popsugar.com/food/Alcohol-Needs-Refrigerated-35264377
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
