Secret Recipe: Chuckleberry Bounce

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Is there anything that sounds quite so delightful the title “Chuckleberry Bounce”? Perhaps, but I have to admit it fills me with total glee! It’s derived from a particular laugh-filled “jam session” with two close friends (which, in my circles, means making fruit preserves AND singing awkwardly in the kitchen.) The cherry-huckleberry flavor was our absolute favorite, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint here! Bounce is a relic of the past, a boozy cherry infusion that was reportedly Martha Washington’s favorite. It’s easy to see why - it tastes vibrantly of cherries and huckleberries, with just a hint of sweetness. It’s a mellow drink that would taste great straight on on the rocks. Plus, it’s a beautiful ruby red! I’m not sure why it’s called “bounce” but my assumption is because bounce-dancing to shake up the jar is an important part of the process ;)

To elevate a tasty liquor into a lovely cocktail, I also developed this recipe for cocktail cherries! Their maraschino cousins don’t hold a candle to these beauties. They have an intense (real) cherry flavor and slight tartness. They’re slightly chewy and still hold the crispness of a fresh cherry. They’d make a wonderful gift or treat to pull out for special gatherings. I’ve used pie cherries for both because I love the flavor, but you could substitute sweet cherries for a more mellow and sweet flavor in either recipe.

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