Last Updated on December 27, 2025 by Chef Mireille
If you’re looking to explore the rich world of Caribbean beverages, this Haitian Cherry Cordial is what you need! This Cherry Rum Cocktail combines the natural sweetness of cherries with warm spices and rum to create a smooth, complex liqueur that embodies the spirit of Haitian hospitality and love.
Before the Haitian people come at me, I know that Punch Kinep made with quenepa (also known as Spanish lime or mamoncillo) is more common, but I have never liked kinep, so this is the lesser known cherry variation or Punch Seriz, which I prefer.
The beauty of this Cherry Rum Cocktail Recipe lies not just in its incredible flavor, but in its patience-rewarding process – while it requires at least a week to develop properly, the longer you let it mature, the more magnificent it becomes.
This homemade Cherry Liqueur is perfect for special occasions, holiday celebrations, or whenever you want to share something truly special with friends and family. The combination of cherries, brown sugar, aromatic spices, and rum creates a drink that’s both sophisticated and comfortingly familiar, capturing the essence of Caribbean flavor in every sip.
Don’t forget to also check out this Hibiscus Rum Cocktail Recipe!
History Time 📖
The tradition of fruit punches in Haiti runs deep, with roots that combine French colonial influences, African heritage, and indigenous Caribbean practices. These Haitian drinks evolved as a way to preserve seasonal fruits while creating delicious beverages that could be enjoyed any time of year.
Historically, Haitian punch recipes were developed as both practical preservation methods and delicious drinks. The French influence brought techniques for creating cordials and liqueurs, while African traditions contributed knowledge of spice combinations and fermentation processes. This cultural fusion created the unique category of Haitian drinks that we know today which include juices, cocktails and smoothies.
The preparation of these punches was traditionally a community affair, with families gathering to prepare large batches that would be shared during festivals, holidays, and special celebrations. The patience required letting the mixture mature for weeks or months.
No one ever said Haitian cuisine was quick and easy, but the rewards are worth the efforts with rich, complex flavored foods and drinks. Check out more Haitian Recipes here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best type of rum to be used for Haitian Cherry Punch?
Of course, Haitians will always say you should use Rhum Batancourt, which is a Haitian rum brand. However, you can use other rum’s but you a golden or dark rum for a more complex and smoly flavor instead of white rum.
Can I add or substitute spices?
You may be allergic to cinnamon or maybe just don’t like it so you can add or substitute other spices like cloves, nutmeg and vanilla.
Expert Tips
- Choose Your Cherries Wisely – Make sure your cherries are firm and not over ripe. If the cherries have started to spoil, it will have a negative effect on the flavor of your Cherry Cordial.
- Master the Art of Patience and Timing – While you can technically enjoy your Haitian Cherry Punch after 1 week, the depth of flavor once the spices have fully bloomed and the harsh edges of the rum have mellowed is even better. I like to leave it at least a month before drinking.
- Spice Balance is Everything – You may also want to include a vanilla bean or a few cloves for additional complexity.
- Store in a cool, dark place in a glass jar.
Tools Needed
- 32 oz. jar
- cherry pitter (optional)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Haitian Drink!
Ingredients
- Fresh Cherries – use fresh in season cherries that are firm
- Brown sugar – adds more complex flavor that white sugar with the molasses undertones
- Cinnamon sticks – spices add both flavor and nutrition
- Star anise – utilized ubiquitously in Haitian cuisine in both sweet and savory recipes
- Golden Rum or Dark Rum – to add a complex, smoky flavor
How to Make Homemade Cherry Liqueur
- Combine cherries, spices and sugar in a large jar.
- Add the rum..
- Give it a good shake to thoroughly melt the sugar into the rum.
- Stick it in the back of the cabinet and forget about it until ready to consume.
This authentic Haitian Cherry Punch recipe offers a window into the rich tradition of Caribbean drinks while providing you with a versatile, delicious homemade liqueur. While it may be less known than the traditional punch kinep, this cherry cordial recipe stands as a testament to the creativity and adaptability of Haitian culture and the Haitian people.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over ice on the rocks.
- Mix with pineapple juice for a delicious cocktail.
- Mix with club soda or lemon lime soda (Sprite, 7Up etc).
The beauty of this cherry punch cocktail lies not just in its final flavor, but in the process itself. The patience required, the anticipation built over weeks or months, and the joy of sharing something you’ve made with love and care all contribute to making this more than just a drink. It becomes a celebration of tradition, patience, and the simple pleasure of creating something beautiful from humble ingredients.
This cherry punch recipe delivers an authentic taste of Caribbean hospitality that will have you planning your next batch before the first one is finished. Enjoy your own cherry liqueur this year!
Haitian Cherry Cordial
Ingredients
- 3 cups cherries
- 7 cinnamon sticks
- 9 star anise
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 cups rum or more to fill jar
Instructions
- Pull out the stems from the cherries and place in a large jar.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise and brown sugar.
- Add the rum slowly, letting the sugar absorb the rum and fill the jar with as much rum as can fit in the jar.
- Give the jar a good shake to thoroughly combine the ingredients and all the sugar is dissolved into the rum.
- Leave to ferment for at least 1 week, but the longer the better.
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