Quick Summary

• Learn two easy ways to make cherry juice at home: stovetop and steam juicer.

• Discover the best cherry varieties for juicing, including Montmorency tart cherries.

• Get flavor tips, storage guidance, and recipe ideas for using homemade cherry juice.

How to Make Cherry Juice from Fresh or Frozen Cherries (Easy Homemade Method)

Published: November 2025

Introduction 

Ever wondered how to turn fresh or frozen cherries into a delicious, brightly colored cherry juice? Many home cooks love the idea of making their own juice—whether for recipes, health benefits, or simply enjoying the taste of cherries year-round. Cherry juice made from whole fresh cherries has a clean, vibrant flavor. And with just a few ingredients, you can make it right at home.

This guide walks you through two simple methods:

1. Stovetop simmering, perfect for everyday home use

2. Steam juicer extraction, ideal for larger batches or canning

You’ll learn exactly which cherries work best, how to prepare them, how long to cook them, and how to adjust the flavor to your preference. We’ll also explore storage tips and a few fun ways to use your homemade juice.

If you’re looking for a quicker option, check out our guide on How to Make Cherry Juice from Concentrate: The Simple 7:1 Mixing Guide, which shows how to mix Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate into a perfect glass in seconds.

Why People Trust Traverse Bay Farms

• Recognized with 38+ National Awards for Flavor Excellence

• Family-Owned, Community-Focused Company in Northern Michigan

• Sourcing Michigan-Grown Fruit Whenever Possible

• Delivering USA-Made Quality You Can Taste

Key Facts at a Glance

• Fresh or frozen cherries both make excellent juice.

• Montmorency tart cherries produce a richer, deeper red color.

• Stovetop simmering works for any kitchen; steam juicers are ideal for larger batches.

• Homemade cherry juice can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen.

• You can sweeten the juice or leave it naturally tart.

What You Need to Make Fresh Cherry Juice

You only need three basic ingredients:

• Fresh or frozen cherries (tart or sweet)

• Water

• Optional: sugar, honey, maple syrup, lemon juice, or cinnamon

Montmorency tart cherries, often grown in Northern Michigan, create the boldest color and flavor—but any cherry will work. Get fresh Michigan cherries shipped to your door (Summer harvest season only)

Method 1: Stovetop Simmering (Easy Everyday Method)

This is the most accessible approach and works whether you're using fresh or frozen cherries.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh or Michigan frozen cherries

• ½–1 cup water (frozen cherries need less water)

• Optional: sweetener of choice

Steps

1. Prepare the cherries
Remove stems and pits. If using frozen cherries, they can be used directly from the bag.

2. Add cherries and water to a saucepan
Use enough water to prevent scorching—usually ½ cup for frozen and 1 cup for fresh.

3. Bring to a simmer
Heat over medium until the cherries begin to soften and release their juice.

4. Cook 20–30 minutes
Stir occasionally. The cherries will break down and create a deep red liquid.

5. Strain the mixture
Pour through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract juice.

6. Optional: Reduce for stronger flavor
Simmer the strained juice 10–15 minutes to concentrate the flavor.

7. Sweeten if desired
Add sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste.

8. Cool and store
Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months.

This method creates a bright, fresh, naturally flavored cherry juice.

Method 2: Steam Juicer Method (Best for Large Batches or Canning)

A steam juicer offers a nearly hands-free way to make large quantities of cherry juice.

Steps

1. Fill the bottom pot with water
Bring the water to a steady simmer.

2. Place washed cherries in the top basket
Stems and pits can stay—steam opens the fruit easily.

3. Allow cherries to steam 45–60 minutes
The juice collects in the center reservoir.

4. Drain juice into sterilized jars
Use the built-in hose to fill jars directly.

5. Optional: Water bath canning
Process filled jars 10–15 minutes for shelf-stable juice.

This method produces a very clear, smooth cherry juice with minimal effort.

How to Adjust Flavor

You can easily customize your homemade cherry juice:

• For sweetness: Add sugar, honey, agave, or maple syrup.

• For brightness: Add a splash of lemon juice.

• For warmth: Add cinnamon or ginger during simmering.

• For deeper color: Reduce the juice 10–20 minutes on the stove.

Homemade cherry juice is incredibly flexible—perfect for everything from breakfast smoothies to evening mocktails.

How to Store Homemade Cherry Juice

• Refrigerator: up to 7 days

• Freezer: up to 3 months

• Canned (steam juicer method): up to 1 year

For freezing, pour juice into freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace for expansion.

Ways to Use Fresh Cherry Juice

Your homemade juice can be used in:

• Smoothies

• Mocktails and spritzers

• Oatmeal or yogurt

• Popsicles

• Homemade lemonade

• Baking glazes or marinades

• Grab your copy of the no-cost Michigan Cherry Recipe Book

You can also mix it with Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate to enhance color and flavor in any recipe.

Make Healthy Living Easy

Making cherry juice at home is simple using fresh or frozen cherries. Choose between the stovetop simmering method for small batches or a steam juicer for larger ones. After simmering, straining, and optional reducing, you’ll have a rich, flavorful cherry juice perfect for drinking, freezing, or using in recipes.

Taste the Difference

Prefer a faster option or want a more concentrated flavor? Our Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate is made using Michigan-grown Montmorency tart cherries and delivers exceptional color and taste with our industry-first sediment-free guarantee.

FAQ 

Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
A: Yes. Frozen cherries work beautifully and may even release juice more quickly as they thaw.

Q: Do I need to pit the cherries?
A: Yes for stovetop simmering. For steam juicers, pitting is optional.

Q: How can I make the juice stronger?
A: Reduce the strained juice for 10–20 minutes to intensify color and flavor.

Q: Do I need a steam juicer?
A: No. A saucepan and strainer are all you need for the stovetop method.

Q: Can I make cherry juice without added sugar?
A: Absolutely—just leave it unsweetened or add lemon for extra brightness.

People Also Ask

• What cherries are best for making cherry juice?

• How long do you simmer cherries for juice?

• Can you make cherry juice without a juicer?

• How do you preserve homemade cherry juice?

Treat Yourself to a Taste of Wellness

Making cherry juice from fresh or frozen cherries is a rewarding way to enjoy the full, natural flavor of cherries at home. It’s an approachable kitchen project that requires only a few simple ingredients and delivers a vibrant red juice that works well in recipes, drinks, or as a nutritious standalone beverage. Whether you prefer the hands-on stovetop method or the simplicity of a steam juicer, both approaches give you complete control over sweetness, flavor, and color.

Homemade cherry juice is also an excellent foundation for smoothies, cocktail mixers, wellness drinks, cherry juice mocktail recipes and even baking. It’s a versatile option for families, home cooks, or anyone wanting a clean, fruit-forward juice without added fillers or preservatives. And if you’re looking to compare homemade juice with ready-to-mix options, explore our guide to making cherry juice from concentrate for a quick, consistent alternative.

Get Started Today

Ready to explore more cherry flavor? Try our Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate—made using as much Michigan-grown Montmorency tart cherries as possible and supported by our sediment-free guarantee.