Drinks

Sour Cherry and Plum Winter Warmer

This warm, spiced fruit pot is a simple comfort for cold nights. Tart sour cherries and sweet plums simmer with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon to make a fragrant, cozy drink. It smells like a holiday kitchen and tastes like warm fruit with a gentle spice. Serve it in mugs for a calm evening or add brandy or red wine for a grown-up version.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: ~280 kcal
Protein: ~1 g
Carbohydrates: ~70 g
Fat: ~0.5 g
Fiber: ~3 g
Sugar: ~68 g
Sodium: ~10 mg

Why Make This Sour Cherry and Plum Winter Warmer

This recipe is quick, comforting, and full of bright, winter fruit flavor. The sour cherries add tartness that balances the natural sweetness of plums and added sugar. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg release warm, familiar aromas. The result is a thick, spoonable warm drink that lifts your mood on cold evenings. It’s great for small gatherings, quiet nights in, or as a festive non-alcoholic option (or spiked if you like).

How to Make Sour Cherry and Plum Winter Warmer

This method is simple: pit and slice the fruit, combine with sugar and spices, then simmer gently until soft and slightly thickened. Finish with lemon for brightness and a splash of alcohol if desired. Stir occasionally and taste as it cooks so you control sweetness and spice.

Ingredients:

2 cups sour cherries, pitted
2 cups plums, pitted and sliced
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups water
Juice of 1 lemon
Optional: red wine or brandy for a stronger flavor

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a large pot, measure and prepare the fruit. Pit the sour cherries and slice the plums into bite-size pieces. Squeeze the lemon and set aside. Preparing everything first makes cooking smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Mixing

Add the pitted sour cherries and sliced plums to the pot. Pour in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Stir well so the sugar begins to dissolve and the spices coat the fruit evenly.

Step 3: Cooking

Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it simmer for about 20–30 minutes, until the fruits are soft and the mixture has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavor. If you want a boozy version, add red wine or brandy now and stir. Let the mixture cool slightly, then ladle warm into mugs. You can serve it thick and spoonable or strain a bit for a looser drink.

How to Serve Sour Cherry and Plum Winter Warmer

Serve warm in heatproof mugs. For a spoonable dessert-drink, leave the fruit chunks in the mug. For a smoother hot beverage, strain lightly through a sieve into mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a thin slice of lemon. Pair with biscotti, shortbread, or sharp cheese for contrast. For holiday gatherings, offer optional brandy or red wine so guests can spike their servings.

(If you like cocktails that use cherry flavors in a lighter way, try a different fruit-forward mix such as a cherry-lime gin — see a related recipe for inspiration: cherry-lime gin and tonic.)

How to Store Sour Cherry and Plum Winter Warmer

Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature then store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.
To preserve texture: If you plan to reheat, slightly undercook the fruit so it keeps some shape after chilling and reheating.
Alcohol note: If you added alcohol, refrigeration still applies, but do not freeze bottles with high alcohol content as a preservation method for this mixed drink.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sour Cherry and Plum Winter Warmer

Taste as you go: cherries and plums vary in sweetness and tartness. Adjust sugar after 15 minutes of simmering.
Control thickness: Simmer longer for a jammy texture or shorter for a looser drink. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.
Use fresh fruit when possible: Frozen fruit works, but it releases more water and may need less added water.
Spice balance: Start with the listed spices. You can toast the cinnamon lightly in a dry pan first for a deeper flavor.
Alcohol addition: Add alcohol off the heat to preserve aroma and alcohol content.
Strain or leave chunky: For a refined cup, press through a sieve. For rustic charm, leave fruit whole and serve with a spoon.

Delicious Variations

Spiced Citrus: Add orange slices and a few whole cloves for a brighter, more aromatic cup.
Honey & Ginger: Replace half the sugar with honey and add 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for warmth.
Less Sweet: Reduce sugar to 1/2 cup and add 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup if needed after cooking.
Boozy Winter Warmer: Stir in 1/2 to 1 cup red wine or 1/4–1/2 cup brandy after removing from heat.
Jam-style Preserve: Cook longer until thick, then jar and process for a spreadable fruit preserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen cherries and plums?
A: Yes. Frozen fruit is fine. Reduce water slightly because frozen fruit releases extra liquid. Simmer until textures match the fresh version.

Q: How do I make this less sweet?
A: Cut sugar to 1/2 cup and taste after simmering. Add 1–2 tablespoons of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to balance sweetness without losing flavor.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make it a day ahead and chill. Reheat gently before serving. If you want a fresher fruit texture, cook fruit slightly less and finish on the day.

Q: Is it safe to add alcohol for children’s servings?
A: No. If serving children, omit the alcohol. Offer the spiked option separately so adults can add it themselves.

Q: How can I thicken the mixture if it’s too runny?
A: Simmer longer uncovered to reduce liquid. Alternatively, mash some fruit in the pot or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1–2 teaspoons cold water) and heat until thickened.

Q: Can I can or preserve this for later without refrigeration?
A: This recipe is not set up as a tested canning recipe. If you want to preserve it shelf-stable, use a trusted jam or preserve canning method and tested recipe for acidity and processing times.

Conclusion

This Sour Cherry and Plum Winter Warmer is an easy, fragrant treat that fills the kitchen with cozy spice and bright fruit aroma. It’s adaptable—serve it thick or thin, boozy or not—and it stores well for busy holiday plans. If you enjoy premade flavored syrups or want a ready-made option with a similar profile, check out Simply Sour Cherry & Plum Winter Warmer | Simply Syrups | IBC … (https://www.ibcsimply.com/product/simply-sour-cherry-plum-winter-warmer/) for inspiration or convenience. Give this recipe a try — it’s a small, warm pleasure that’s simple to make and hard to resist.