Cherry Bounce - The First Drink.

🍒 Washington’s Cherry Bounce (Quick & Traditional Versions) 🍒

🕰️ Traditional Version (Aged for Authenticity)

(Requires 2-4 weeks for best flavor)📝 Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)

• 2 cups brandy, bourbon, or whiskey (Washington used brandy!)

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3 whole cloves

• 1 lemon peel strip

🔥 Instructions:

1. In a large glass jar, combine cherries, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon peel.

2. Pour brandy (or whiskey) over the top, ensuring the cherries are fully covered.

3. Seal tightly and shake the jar daily for the first few days to help the sugar dissolve.

4. Let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks (preferably 4-6 weeks).

5. Strain out the solids and bottle the liquid. Serve straight, over ice, or mixed into cocktails.

⏳ Quick Version (Ready in a Day or Two!)

(Not as rich, but still delicious!)📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb cherries (pitted)

• 1½ cups bourbon or brandy

• ¼ cup honey or sugar

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 strip of lemon peel

🔥 Instructions:

1. Heat cherries, honey (or sugar), and cinnamon in a saucepan over low heat for 10 minutes.

2. Let it cool slightly, then add vanilla extract and lemon peel.

3. Pour everything into a jar, cover with brandy or bourbon, and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.

4. Strain and serve over ice or as a cocktail base!

🍹 How to Serve Cherry Bounce

• Classic: Straight in a small glass (like Washington would have).

• Modern Cocktail: Mix with ginger ale, lemonade, or iced tea.

• Dessert Drizzle: Pour a splash over vanilla ice cream! 🍨

This is a unique, historic, and flavorful way to honor President Washington without going the predictable cherry pie route. 🍒

Dixie D. Vereen for The Washington Post

🍒🥃 Making Cherry Bounce as a summer project and gifting it for Christmas is a thoughtful idea. The classic version is based on historical references (including Washington’s notes). Let me know if you have any differences. 😊