With Starbucks dropping a new Cherry Syrup flavor this week, cherry-flavored drinks are about to be everywhere this spring! But instead of spending extra money on Starbucks, why not make your own cherry syrup at home? This easy Homemade Cherry Syrup is perfect for adding to coffee, tea, soda, mocktails, and even desserts. Plus, it’s made with real cherries for a fresh, natural taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Save money by making your own flavored syrup at home instead of overpaying at Starbucks.
- Versatile: Use it in lattes, teas, sodas, cocktails, or as a topping for pancakes and desserts.
- Easy to Make: Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious homemade syrup in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Please note, full measurements for each ingredient can be found on the recipe card at the bottom of the recipe.
Dark Sweet Cherries: You can use fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe. I often opt for frozen cherries since they already come pitted, but absolutely feel free to use whichever you prefer!
Granulated Sugar: I like cane sugar for this recipe, but for a sugar free cherry syrup, you can use a sugar free sweetener like monk fruit, stevia, allulose, etc.
Water: I recommend using purified water rather than tap water in this recipe for the best tasting Homemade Cherry Syrup.
Flaky Sea Salt: I am team flaky sea salt in syrup recipes! I find it brings out the sweetness of the syrup without tasting noticeably salty. You can use any salt you prefer: sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, Celtic salt, table salt, etc.
Lemon Juice: The lemon juice in this syrup recipe adds a bit of brightness to beautifully compliment the sweetness in this syrup recipe! You only need a small amount to take this syrup recipe to the next level!
Vanilla Extract: I love the addition of vanilla extract in this Homemade Cherry Syrup recipe to elevate the flavor a bit more. The vanilla compliments rather than competes with the cherry flavor for a lovely vanilla undertone in this syrup recipe!
You only need six total ingredients to make your own fabulous Homemade Cherry Syrup at home! Now, let’s talk briefly about the equipment you’ll need.
Equipment You’ll Need:
Saucepan: To make the syrup, you”ll need a small saucepan.
Strainer: To strain out the mashed cherries from the syrup, you’ll need a strainer that can handle hot liquids.
Spoon/Spatula: I always keep a spoon or spatula nearby to stir the syrup as needed.
Mason Jar/Storing Vessel: I like storing my homemade syrups in a mason jar. They can handle high heat and I love that you can add a lid and stash away in the fridge, but feel free to use any vessel you prefer to store the syrup.
How to Make Homemade Cherry Syrup
- Add cherries, sugar, water, and salt to a saucepan. Stir to combine, then turn the heat to high and bring to a roaring boil.
- Once boiling, use a potato masher to gently mash the cherries, bringing out their vibrant flavor.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully strain out the cherry pieces using a strainer and set them aside in a separate bowl.
- Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- Let the syrup cool at room temperature for at least an hour. Then, transfer it to a syrup bottle or mason jar and store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- Don’t toss those mashed cherries! They’re perfect as a topping for pancakes, waffles, French toast, yogurt, oatmeal, chia pudding, ice cream, or even mixed into mocktails and drinks!
How Can I Make A Sugar Free Cherry Syrup?
For a sugar free Cherry Syrup, simply use a sugar free substitute like monk fruit or stevia instead of the cane sugar. Note, the sugar free syrup will crystallize when chilled, so you will need to scoop out your desired amount of syrup with a spoon and heat in the microwave or stove, or with your hot coffee/espresso/tea before enjoying.
What Recipes Can I Make With Cherry Syrup?
- Starbucks Iced Cherry Chai
- Cherry Mocha
- Cherry Lemonade: combine cherry syrup and lemonade for a refreshing combo!
- Cherry Cream Soda: Mix with club soda and a splash of cream for a fun, fizzy drink.
- Cherry Drizzle: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for an easy dessert upgrade.
More Homemade Syrup Recipes:
- Homemade Starbucks Sugar Cookie Syrup
- Homemade Starbucks Caramel Brûlée Sauce
- Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
- Starbucks Spiced Apple Drizzle
- Starbucks Apple Brown Sugar Syrup
- Homemade Pistachio Syrup
- Homemade Brown Sugar Syrup
- Homemade Blackberry Syrup
- Homemade Strawberry Syrup
- Homemade Lavender Syrup
Homemade Cherry Syrup
Equipment
- syrup bottle or mason jar
Ingredients
- 1 cups fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries washed, pitted, and stems removed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add cherries, sugar, water, and salt to a saucepan. Stir to combine, then turn the heat to high and bring to a roaring boil.
- Once boiling, use a potato masher to gently mash the cherries, bringing out their vibrant flavor.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully strain out the cherry pieces using a strainer and set them aside in a separate bowl.
- Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- Let the syrup cool at room temperature for at least an hour. Then, transfer it to a syrup bottle or mason jar and store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- Don’t toss those mashed cherries! They’re perfect as a topping for pancakes, waffles, French toast, yogurt, oatmeal, chia pudding, ice cream, or even mixed into mocktails and drinks!
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