Sweet cherry depth and bright lemon, ready to turn one pint into a cold half-gallon pitcher.
YIELDAbout 6 pints
PREP25 min
PROCESS15 min*
MIX1 part + 3 parts water
THE STORY
The darkest, richest member of the lemonade shelf.
The concentrate series began with a simple family win: our son loved opening a jar and turning it into a whole pitcher. Cherry brings the deepest fruit flavor of the set while the full measure of lemon keeps it from becoming heavy.
Fresh cherries are excellent in season, but frozen fruit keeps this practical year-round. Use it straight from frozen or keep every bit of juice if thawed—the color and flavor belong in the jar.
Method
Prepare.Wash and pit cherries. Place in a large stockpot.
Cook.Cook over medium heat 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until soft and juicy.
Add sugar and lemon.Stir in sugar, lemon juice, water, and zest. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves.
Simmer and mash.Reduce heat, simmer 5 minutes, and mash lightly for more body.
Fill.Ladle into hot pint jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Remove bubbles and wipe rims.
Process.Water-bath process pints 15 minutes at 0–1,000 feet, increasing time for altitude. Cool undisturbed 12–24 hours.
Mix 1 part concentrate with 3 parts cold water. Serve over ice with lemon, mint, or sparkling water.
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