As the golden hues of sunset paint the sky on this humid July evening and the crickets begin their nightly chorus, I’m drawn back to the simple, heartfelt traditions that tie us to the rhythms of nature and family.
Cherry picking started alongside my great-grandfather, Herbie, who taught me the joy of harvesting these ruby gems under the warm Wisconsin sun. We spent countless summers together, where every season brought new adventures—from spring blooms to autumn crispness. In July, we’d focus on the cherries, with Grandpa Herbie’s punch card in hand for each pail we picked at the local orchard, earning a modest reward that made the day feel like a grand achievement. Those memories linger like the sweet scent of ripe fruit, inspiring me to preserve that essence in something special: homemade Cherry Bounce. It’s a straightforward recipe, passed down through simple kitchen wisdom, that captures summer in a jar and brings it out for cozy gatherings later in the year.
