Homemade Cherry Simple Syrup (Fresh or Frozen)
This easy homemade cherry simple syrup only requires 3 ingredients and can be made with fresh or frozen fruit.
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Whether they’re going into a cherry cocktail, homemade cherry pie, or straight into a bowl on the counter, fresh cherries are always welcome in my house. This simple cherry syrup is one more way to savor that sweet, unmistakable flavor while cherry season lasts.
The Best Method for Flavor and Ease
If you’ve ever searched for a simple cherry syrup, you’ve probably noticed something: every recipe tells you how to make it, but not which method is actually better.
Here is what you need to know to make the right decision:
- Frozen cherries are easier.
- Fresh cherries taste brighter.
- And yes…you can skip pitting altogether and still make an incredible homemade cherry syrup.
This guide gives you both methods, plus exactly when to use each, so you don’t waste time.
Frozen Cherries (Easiest Option)
- already pitted
- no prep required
- break down quickly
- slightly deeper, jammy flavor
Best for: speed, consistency, and low effort.
Fresh Cherries (Best Flavor)
- brighter, fresher taste
- more complex flavor
- no need to pit them first (but you certainly can)
Best for: peak cherry season or when you want a really fresh cherry flavor.
Final Verdict
Want easy? Use frozen.
Want seasonal flavor without extra work? Use fresh cherries un-pitted.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cherries. Fresh or frozen both work well. Use organic if you can, and when using fresh cherries opt for locally grown (or Washington grown, yes I’m a bit biased) for the best flavor.
- Granulated Sugar. White cane sugar lets the cherry flavor and color shine through, though brown sugar can work in a pinch for a darker, richer flavor.
- Water
Cherry Simple Syrup (Fresh Cherries Method)
Yes, you can skip pitting. No, your kitchen won’t descend into absolute chaos.
Instructions
- Add whole cherries, sugar, and water to a saucepan
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes
- Gently mash the cherries
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve
- Cool and store
Important Tip
Don’t aggressively crush the pits. Broken pits can add bitterness to the syrup.
Result: brighter, fresher flavor with very little extra effort.
Cherry Syrup Recipe (Frozen Cherries Method)
Frozen cherries break down quickly and release plenty of flavor with almost no prep work.
Instructions
- Combine cherries, sugar, and water in a saucepan
- Simmer for 10 minutes
- Gently mash the cherries
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve
- Cool and store
Result: bold, slightly jammy syrup with minimal effort.
Best Fresh Cherries to Use
Dark sweet cherries will give this syrup the richest flavor.
The easiest varieties to find are:
- Bing
- Lapins
- Chelan
Rainier cherries are also delicious, though they produce a lighter-colored syrup with a slightly milder flavor.
How To Use Cherry Syrup For Drinks
This is where your syrup really earns its keep.
Cocktails & Mocktails
- Cherry Margarita
- Cherry Old Fashioned
- Cherry Lemonade
- Cherry Soda
Everyday Drinks
- Iced Tea
- Sparkling Water
- Iced Coffee or Lattes
Bonus Uses
- Pancakes, Waffles, or French toast
- Yogurt
- Ice Cream Drizzle
- Milkshakes
Flavor Variations
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Freeze for longer storage
- Keep in a sealed glass jar or bottle
If it smells off or develops cloudiness beyond normal fruit sediment, toss it.
love cherries? try this:
Sweet Cherry Bourbon Cocktail
Sweet juicy cherries, smoky bourbon and a hint of bitter orange Aperol make this cocktail a summer staple for outdoor garden parties, 4th of July or a signature wedding cocktail.
Quick Answers
What is the ratio for cherry simple syrup?
A good ratio is:
- 2 cups cherries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
This creates a syrup with strong cherry flavor without becoming overly sweet.
How do you make cherry syrup thicker for pancakes or desserts?
You can simmer it longer to reduce and thicken naturally, or add a small cornstarch slurry.
Can you use fresh cherries without pitting?
Yes, and it’s one of the easiest methods.
Is frozen or fresh better?
Frozen cherries are easier, while fresh cherries have a slightly brighter flavor.
How long does homemade cherry syrup last?
About 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Final Take
If you want the easiest method, use frozen cherries.
If you want the best balance of flavor and effort, use fresh cherries and skip pitting altogether.
My favorite? Fresh cherries win, because nothing beats that fresh cherry flavor.
Either way, this cherry syrup recipe tastes far better than most store-bought versions, and takes less effort than you might think.
Cheers!
♥ Jessica
Homemade Cherry Simple Syrup (Fresh or Frozen)
Equipment
- Masher
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cherries fresh washed and de-stemmed or frozen
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
Fresh Cherries Method
- Add whole cherries, sugar, and water to a saucepan
- Bring to a boil then turn heat down and simmer for 15–20 minutes
- Gently mash the cherries to release juices (see note #1)
- Strain carefully, then cool and store
Frozen Cherries Method
- Combine cherries, sugar, and water in a saucepan
- Bring to a boil then turn heat down and simmer for 10 minutes
- Gently mash the cherries to release juices
- Strain carefully, then cool and store
Notes
- For fresh cherries, be careful not to break the pits when mashing as this will make the syrup bitter.
- Store in a glass jar or bottle for up to 2 weeks in the fridge, or freeze up to 3 months.
- This will yield about 10 oz. of syrup.
More Summer Inspiration
If you need more summer inspiration, don’t stop at just one recipe. From easy entertaining and summer tablescapes to refreshing drinks and desserts, this is the season for simple things done well.
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