DIY Kirsch - Tip of the Day

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted May 13th 2009 @ 9:00AM

What is this thing called kirsch? And what do you do when it pops up in a recipe?

Everything from almond tortes to cheese fondues requires kirsch, or "cherry water," a brandy distilled from cherry juice and pits. If you have it, you're on your way to some truly delectable culinary experiences. If you don't, here are some substitutions, courtesy of "The Food Substitutions Bible," that work in a pinch:

Substitute 3 tablespoons of Kirsch with:

1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons cherry extract plus 3 tablespoons brandy
3 tablespoons cherry liqueur (this will yield a sweeter flavor)
3 tablespoons cherry syrup (also sweeter, and non-alcoholic)
3 tablespoons maraschino liqueur
3 tablespoons cherry vodka

And if you're eager for some experimentation, use 3 tablespoons of another fruit-flavored liqueur and delight in a different flavor altogether. The choice is yours!

Filed Under: Tip of the Day
Tags: cherries, food substitution bible, FoodSubstitutionBible, kirsch, kirsch substitutions, KirschSubstitutions