Vin de Cerises

Vin de Cerises Recipe from France | Ingredients: Cherries, Red Wine, Eau-de-Vie, and More

Region / culture: France | Servings: This recipe makes 6.

Introduction

Vin de Cerises, or cherry wine, is a delightful and refreshing beverage that is perfect for enjoying on a warm summer day. Made with fresh cherries, eau-de-vie, and red wine, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds.

History

The origins of Vin de Cerises can be traced back to France, where cherries are abundant during the summer months. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the classic drink.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) cherries with the pits, washed and stemmed
1 cup of water
1 vanilla bean
2.25 cups eau-de-vie
9 cups red wine

How to prepare

Place the cherries, sugar, and vanilla bean in a saucepan.
Add 1 cup of water.
Cook the mixture over low heat for 30 minutes.
Strain the juice and allow it to cool.
In a large jar with a wide brim, combine the strained juice with the eau-de-vie.
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 15 days.
After 15 days, add the wine to the cherry eau-de-vie mixture.
If you are making the wine as a gift, pour it into decorative bottles and seal them.
Store the bottles tightly sealed in a cool, dark place.
Serve the wine very well chilled, either as an apéritif or as a dessert wine.

Variations

Add a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Use white wine instead of red wine for a lighter flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor.

- Make sure to seal the jar tightly when storing the cherry eau-de-vie mixture to prevent any air from getting in.

- Serve the wine well chilled for the best taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vin de Cerises as an apéritif before a meal or as a dessert wine after dinner.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Vin de Cerises is to allow the cherry eau-de-vie mixture to sit for 15 days before adding the wine. This allows the flavors to meld together and create a delicious beverage.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have eau-de-vie, you can substitute with brandy or vodka.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the cherry eau-de-vie mixture ahead of time and store it in a cool, dark place until you are ready to add the wine.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Vin de Cerises in decorative bottles or glasses for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Vin de Cerises pairs well with cheese, charcuterie, and fresh fruit.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Vin de Cerises in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Vin de Cerises contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Vin de Cerises contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.

Fats

There are no fats in this recipe.

Proteins

There are no proteins in this recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherries are a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains alcohol and cherries, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Vin de Cerises is a low-fat, low-protein beverage that is rich in carbohydrates and vitamin C.

Summary

Vin de Cerises is a delicious and refreshing beverage that is perfect for enjoying on a warm summer day. Made with fresh cherries, eau-de-vie, and red wine, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Vin de Cerises. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie in the countryside. As we sat in her kitchen, sipping tea and catching up on old times, she suddenly got up and disappeared into the pantry.

When she returned, she was holding a dusty old cookbook that looked like it had been passed down through generations. With a mischievous grin on her face, she opened it to a page that was stained and well-worn, and began to read aloud the ingredients for Vin de Cerises.

I listened intently as she described how to make this delicious cherry wine, a recipe that had been in her family for years. The thought of the sweet, fruity flavors mingling with the rich red wine made my mouth water, and I knew I had to try it for myself.

Marie handed me the recipe, and I tucked it away in my bag, promising to give it a go when I returned home. Little did I know that this simple recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a favorite among family and friends for years to come.

As I gathered the ingredients the next day, I couldn't help but think back to that moment in Marie's kitchen. I felt a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the friendships that had brought me to this recipe, and I knew that I was about to embark on a culinary journey that would bring me even closer to those I loved.

I started by pitting the cherries, a task that required patience and precision. I remembered Marie's hands moving deftly as she showed me how to separate the sweet flesh from the tart pits, a skill that she had mastered over years of practice.

Next, I combined the cherries with sugar and a hint of cinnamon, allowing the flavors to meld together in a beautiful symphony of taste and aroma. The scent that wafted through my kitchen was intoxicating, a heady mix of sweetness and spice that made me feel as though I had been transported back to that sunny day in Marie's home.

As the cherries simmered on the stove, I added a bottle of red wine, watching as the liquid turned a deep, luscious shade of crimson. I couldn't help but smile as I stirred the pot, feeling a sense of satisfaction and contentment that only comes from creating something truly special with your own two hands.

After letting the mixture cool and infuse for a few hours, I strained out the cherries and poured the wine into a glass bottle, sealing it tightly and placing it in a cool, dark corner of my pantry to age. I knew that the longer I waited, the richer and more complex the flavors would become, so I resolved to be patient and let time work its magic.

Weeks turned into months, and before I knew it, the holiday season was upon us. I remembered the bottle of Vin de Cerises that had been quietly aging in my pantry, and I knew that the time had come to share it with my loved ones.

As I uncorked the bottle and poured a glass for my family and friends, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The rich, velvety wine that filled our glasses was a testament to the bonds of friendship and the joy of cooking, a reminder that some of life's most precious moments can be found in the simplest of recipes.

As we raised our glasses in a toast, the sweet, tangy flavors of the cherry wine danced on our tongues, a symphony of taste and memories that brought us closer together in that moment. I knew then that this recipe for Vin de Cerises would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and laughter that had brought me to this point in my culinary journey.

And so, as I sat among loved ones, savoring the last drops of that delicious cherry wine, I felt a sense of gratitude for the friendships that had led me to this recipe, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that can be found in a well-loved cookbook and a glass of homemade wine.