Mocktails with Natural Maraschino Cherries
For these fun updates on the classic drinks, use naturally sweetened soda. And keep the jar of your homemade cherries close. They will want more!
Ingredients
SERVINGS: 3 Cup(s)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup natural, unsweetened (not from concentrate) cherry juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 1 pound sweet cherries, pitted
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- Mason jars for storing
Preparation
Combine the water, cherry juice, sugar, lemon juice and salt in a large pot. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
Turn off the heat and add the pitted cherries. Allow to steep for 5 minutes, stirring gently 2 or 3 times. Avoid cooking the cherries so they stay plump and don’t wrinkle.
Remove from heat and stir in almond the extract.
Allow to cool, then spoon into two 1½ cup Mason jars or 1 large Mason jar.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks, or can according to water-bath canning instructions.
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