What is Cherry Bounce
Cherry bounce is a sweet, infused liqueur that dates back to the 1700s when it was customarily served
as a sipping cordial. While it garnered some fame as George Washington's aperitif of choice, it also gained
traction among North Carolina locals in the 1800s and remains popular in the region to this day.

Depending on which Southern state you hail from, your bar cart might be stocked differently. Texas claims
fizzy Ranch Water, while Kentucky has the silver-cupped Mint Julep, and Florida breaks out the blender for
a Bushwacker. It was long believed that North Carolina had no such drink, but rather its many local beers
and hard ciders. (Oh, and milk, which is curiously the official state beverage.)1 But if you dive deep into the
history books, North Carolina does have one original party cocktail: the Cherry Bounce. 

The History Of Cherry Bounce

In the 1700s, cordial was a familiar drink to come across at dinner parties, society events, and local watering holes. Cherry bounce was a type of cordial rumored to be a favorite aperitif of George Washington. In fact, according to Mount Vernon, he enjoyed this particular drink so much he took a “canteen” of it on a trip across the Allegheny Mountains in 1784.2

Cherry bounce was also made famous thanks to an enthusiastic Irishman moonshiner in North Carolina. In the late 1800s, Amos Owens was known as the “Cherry Bounce King.” His recipe, a mixture of corn-based whiskey, honey, and local cherries, became so popular with locals that people would travel to try his signature concoction.

Despite a few stints in jail for evading the then-heavy tax on alcohol imposed after the Civil War, Owens helped keep the cherry bounce spirit alive in North Carolina for generations to come: He founded the popular Cherry Bounce Festival in Forest City, North Carolina, that still occurs today about 60 miles southeast of Asheville.

The lesson: Don’t get in between a Southerner and their heirloom recipe—or a cocktail for that matter. 

 

What's The Meaning Of Cherry Bounce?

The meaning of "cherry bounce" conjures many possible definitions. "Bounce" likely originates from an archaic meaning to strike, blow, or even rebound. In other words, it's most likely an old term for the energetic zap you'd get from a strong "shot" of saccharine alcohol.4 It's an antiquated term that made its way from 17th century England to 18th century North Carolina and stuck.
 

What's In Cherry Bounce?

A classic recipe for cherry bounce calls for cherries, sugar, and some sort of liquor for steeping, typically brandy, whiskey, bourbon, or occasionally vodka. Like fruitcake, it requires much steeping time which results in very intense (and real) cherry flavor. It can taste almost saccharinely sweet, with a strong boozy kick.

To fully appreciate this unique cherry tipple, you'll need to try it yourself. Traditional recipes for Cherry Bounce  only call for seven ingredients. While brandy is the most traditional alcohol of choice, Most recipes  leave the choice of alcohol up to you—opt for bourbon for a distinctively Southern edge.

Uses For Cherry Bounce

While you can certainly enjoy the cherry-infused cordial alone as a sipping drink, it also makes a great mixer for cocktails or spritzes. We recommend adding it to flavored sparkling sodas, such as lemon-lime for a twist on a Shirley Temple. Use it to add a twist to cocktails like Sweet Old Fashioned, Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher, or Red Sangria.

It can also be offered as a festive after-dinner drink during the holidays or added to spiked party punches. It's also a unique food gift to prep during summer when cherries are fresh and save for holiday gifting. After straining the liquid, you can even keep the cherries for snacking. Warning: They’ll be quite strong, so keep away from the kids! 

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This article is from Kaitlyn Yarborough for Southern Living Magazine (July 11, 2024)