Anna's Basket — Niagara Cherry Pie Cocktail
/
Niagara Cherry Pie Cocktail
This week we’re mixing things up a little with a summery cocktail that celebrates cherry season here in Niagara. We’re using fresh local cherries and mixing them with the smooth, almond flavour of Disaronno to bring out that classic cherry pie taste, just like our pies at The Red Barn. Instead of a traditional simple syrup, we’ve used a honey-sweetened version that’s light on water and big on fruit, letting the natural cherry flavours shine through. It’s cherry pie in a glass – sweet, simple, and straight from the farm. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
INGREDIENTS
Cherry Simple Syrup:
4 cups fresh Niagara cherries (stems removed)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Cocktail (per serving):
2 oz Disaronno
2 oz cherry simple syrup (see above)
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
Ice
Garnish: lemon slice + fresh cherries
Cherry Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine cherries and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, gently mashing the cherries as they soften. Remove from heat, stir in honey and vanilla. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker, combine Disaronno, cherry syrup, lemon juice, and whiskey.
Add ice and shake well for 15 to 20 seconds, until fully chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a lemon slice and a couple of fresh cherries.
Optional twists:
Add a splash of soda water for a spritzier version
A non-alcoholic option:
Our cherry honey syrup isn’t just for cocktails – it makes a perfect summer refresher, too. Try it mixed with chilled steeped green tea and a splash of lemonade over ice for a bright, fruity drink on a hot summer day.
Enjoy!!