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.
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.
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
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:
-
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.
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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.
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Cool syrup to room temperature then chill thoroughly.
For the sparklers:
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Combine cherry syrup, kirschwasser, and almond liqueur in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain mixture into 2 champagne or martini glasses.
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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:
- Beef Sliders with Sautéed Mushrooms, Onions, Bleu Cheese and Bacon by Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Black and White Olive Cheese Puffs by Peaceful Cooking
- Cheddar Olives by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Chicken Boursin by Recipes Food and Cooking
- Citrus Avocado Shrimp Cocktail by Seduction in the Kitchen
- French Onion Sliders by Momma’s Meals
- Herbed Butter and Cheese Popcorn by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Italian Guacamole with Pesto by Food Done Light
- Lobster Bruschetta by The Texan New Yorker
- Melon and Prosciutto Skewers by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Mini Cheese Balls by Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
- Moroccan Beef Kefta Briouat by Manu’s Menu
- Mushroom Pate by Lifestyle Food Artistry
- Oysters Rockfeller by Noshing With The Nolands
- Pea Pesto Crostini by Ruffles & Truffes
- Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp by Casa de Crews
- Raspberry Brie Bites by Love and Confections
- Roasted Red Pepper Pinwheels by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Smoked Trout Stuffed Baby New Potatoes by Food Lust People Love
- Spinach Bites by Shockingly Delicious
- Sweet Chili Chicken Skewers by Nosh My Way
Nominees for Best Course in a Leading Role:
- Broccoli Calzones by eating in instead
- Bow Ties and Tails Galore by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Chicken Oscar by Palatable Pastime
- Indulgent Lobster-Champagne Risotto by The Weekend Gourmet
- Oscar Worthy Cantonese Lobster with Coconut-Ginger Rice by Confessions of a Culinary Diva
Nominees for Best Supporting Sips:
- Apple Ginger Martini by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Blood Orange Rosemary Spritzer by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Cherry Almond Sparklers by Magnolia Days
- Iced Espresso Martini by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
- Mixed Berry Martini by The Messy Baker
- Oscartini by Family Foodie
- Red Carpet Sparkler by Rhubarb and Honey
- Thank You Peary Much by Sew You Think You Can Cook
Nominees for Best Delectable Desserts:
- 7-Layer Bark by Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Caramel-Almond Latte Ricotta Cookies by What Smells So Good?
- Champagne Truffles by Brunch with Joy
- Chocolate Covered Cherries by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Decadent Flourless Brownies by Recipe for Perfection
- Edible Oscars Envelopes by Sunday Supper Movement
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Crumble Peanut Butter Mousse Parfait Cups by Wallflour Girl
- Imitation Game Guinness Brownies by NinjaBaker.com
- Mini Strawberry Galette by Basic N Delicious
- Mini Strawberry & Chocolate Cheesecakes by Happy Baking Days
- No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Shooters by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Popcorn Puppy Chow by Pies and Plots
- Sweet and Salty Popcorn Ball Bites by The Life and Loves of Grumpy’s Honeybunch
- Tuxedo Cake by The Redhead Baker
Nominees for Best Dressed Table:
- DIY Glitter Vases by Sunday Supper Movement
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Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Oooh, I would love to sip on this while I watch all of the red carpet hoopla!!
Manu says
Beautiful shots!!! And I love cherries and almonds together! This drink sounds divine!
Hezzi-D says
I love drinks with cherry in them and cherry almond sounds even better!
Katy says
So very chic and pretty – and what a wonderful flavour combination! Oscar-worthy indeed!
Nichole says
This sounds so refreshing, and light! I have never made a drink with cherry liqueur, but this drink makes me want to!
Katherine G says
This looks like a really fun drink. I think I would give this a try. It doesn’t sound overpowering at all.
Stacy says
Your easy cherry syrup is genius, Renee! I can see adding it to many things but I can’t wait to try it in a cherry almond sparkler first!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
you’re so right about the ‘other event’ Renee! Tart cherries are one of my favourite foods, so I’m really into the syrup you’re suggesting. Wonderful drink!
Deanna Samaan says
I am in love with this cocktail!!!!!!! It looks very star worthy!
Tara says
Great cocktail, beautiful pictures, it is a winner!!
Christie says
This is the perfect cocktail for award night. It is gorgeous and flavorful.
Mary Ellen says
I love cherry anything! These sound like the perfect drink for tonight.
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
LOVE!! I like your way of making the syrup too.
Liz says
I love the cherry-almond combination, too! Your sparklers sound magnificent!
Tammi @Momma's Meals says
Cherry and Almond it just sounds good together! Match made in heaven in my book and of course I love that they are red!!!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
This cocktail is stunning! I happen to have a bottle of cherry brandy on hand. I can’t wait to make this. Pinned.
The Ninja Baker says
LOL. Yes indeed things can get nutty on the red carpet, in Hollywood and in life! Your cherry syrup does look to be scrumptious, Renee. And as always your photos are fabulous!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
Cherries and almonds with bubbles? Count me in!!
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
Cherry and Almond is one of my favorite flavor combinations and then add some sparkling wine to the mix….Heaven.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I love kirsch.. it’s one of my favourite liqueurs – so these cherry and almond sparklers are something I must make. They look refreshingly delicious!
DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts says
I’ would have never thought to pair cherries with almonds but I can see how it works. Genius!
Valerie says
The combination of cherry and almond flavors sounds divine! I must try this one!
Shaina says
Oh my gosh these sound SO good!! Is it 5 o’clock yet?!?
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
I love these flavors. What a great idea as a cocktail!
Julie @ Texan New Yorker says
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 says
Thanks Julie! Those are Riedel champagne glasses and I found them at HomeGoods.