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Cherry Almond Sparklers for #SundaySupper

Cherry Almond Sparklers | Magnolia Days

There is a bonus award of the Academy Awards. That bonus one does not come with a statue. It comes with only recognition of a fashion choice. What was a simple walk into a venue has turned into an event all of its own. People are watching intensely to see the stars and what they are wearing as they walk on the red carpet. You need to fuel up for all that intensity. Not just any fuel, but something special and inspired by the event itself. It is with the red carpet in mind that I created Cherry Almond Sparklers.

Champagne is a classic beverage for celebrations. Just the sound of popping the cork brings a smile to many. It is why I chose sparkling wine as the base of this drink. It is also light and cold and crisp. Adding to it was the next step and I wanted to use something red. Cherry fit perfectly.

Cherry Almond Sparklers | Magnolia Days

Putting together the cherry element took a little work. I thought of cherries in syrup I made last year. This time I came up with an easier version that does not involve pitting cherries. All you have to do is open a can of red tart cherries in water, pour it into a saucepan, add sugar, vanilla bean, and lemon peel and cook it for a while. Strain out the cherries and you have a wonderful dark red cherry syrup. I also used kirschwasser (cherry brandy) for extra punch.

Almond became the final flavor element. Cherry and almond go very well together. Plus it is a nod to how the red carpet hoopla can get a little nutty. The addition of almond liqueur did the trick. All together it makes a lovely beverage to sip while watching the red carpet activities, Academy Awards, or any special event.

Cherry Almond Sparklers | Magnolia Days

Are you looking for red carpet or awards inspired recipes? Scroll down to find ones by Sunday Supper taste makers. There are sips to sweets and everything in between. Special thanks to Katie of Ruffles & Truffles for hosting our virtual Red Carpet Party.

Cherry Almond Sparklers | Magnolia Days
5 from 5 votes
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Cherry Almond Sparklers

Cherry Almond Sparklers is a festive beverage for any occasion. It's made with homemade cherry syrup, kirschwasser, almond liqueur, and sparkling wine.
Course Cocktail
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Author Renee

Ingredients

For the cherry syrup:

  • 1 can red tart cherries in water 14.5 ounces
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 vanilla bean split lengthwise and seeds scraped
  • 1 strip of lemon peel about 1/2- X 1 1/2-inches

For the sparklers:

  • 1 ounce cherry syrup
  • 1 1/2 ounces kirschwasser cherry brandy
  • 1/2 ounce almond liqueur
  • Brut sparkling wine chilled

Instructions

For the cherry syrup:

  1. Put cherries, cherry water, sugar, vanilla bean, vanilla seeds, and lemon peel in a small saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Pour through a fine mesh sieve. Use a spatula to press down on cherries to squeeze out as much of the syrup as possible. Discard cherries, vanilla bean, and lemon peel.
  3. Cool syrup to room temperature then chill thoroughly.

For the sparklers:

  1. Combine cherry syrup, kirschwasser, and almond liqueur in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain mixture into 2 champagne or martini glasses.
  2. Fill glasses with chilled sparkling wine.

Recipe Notes

Cherry Almond Sparklers is a festive beverage for any occasion. It's made with homemade cherry syrup, kirschwasser, almond liqueur, and sparkling wine.

And the winner is…. Well, that is for you to decide. Check out these red carpet and awards inspired recipes and see which ones are best for your celebration:

Nominees for Best Supporting Appetizers:

Nominees for Best Course in a Leading Role:

Nominees for Best Supporting Sips:

Nominees for Best Delectable Desserts:

Nominees for Best Dressed Table:

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Recipe Rating




Julie @ Texan New Yorker

Friday 13th of March 2015

These are so incredibly pretty!!! And I'm sure they taste amazing too. I *love* the glasses - where did you find them? Very cool. :)

Renee

Saturday 14th of March 2015

Thanks Julie! Those are Riedel champagne glasses and I found them at HomeGoods.

Cindys Recipes and Writings

Thursday 26th of February 2015

I love these flavors. What a great idea as a cocktail!

Shaina

Tuesday 24th of February 2015

Oh my gosh these sound SO good!! Is it 5 o'clock yet?!?

Valerie

Monday 23rd of February 2015

The combination of cherry and almond flavors sounds divine! I must try this one!

DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts

Monday 23rd of February 2015

I' would have never thought to pair cherries with almonds but I can see how it works. Genius!