What is kirsch and where can you buy it?

What is kirsch?

Kirsch is a clear spirit made from distilling sour cherries. It differs from cherry brandy as this is often brandy infused with cherries, as opposed to being distilled from them. Mainly produced in Germany, it has an alcohol content of around 40% ABV and can be drunk alone, mixed into cocktails or used in desserts, such as Black Forest Gateau, and it’s traditionally used to flavour fondue.

Where to buy kirsch

Kirsch, £7.50/20cl, Waitrose

Kirsch de Cuisine Liquor, £13.09/50cl, Amazon

Kirsch recipes

Cherry pie

Combine cherries in kirsch from a jar with fresh black cherries to make a comforting filling for this sweet shortcrust pastry pie.