Make Ahead

"The Kirsch-Pfirsich Bowle"

by:
June 21, 2010
4.5
4 Ratings
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

That cherry almost rhymes with peach in German makes this fun to say. This is a slightly more traditional version of a "bowle," great for summer, no cooking required. I am fondly remembering my very first visit to Germany when I first discovered this summer tradition. For contrast one photo shows the ingredients when first assembled in a serving glass, while another shows the ripe "bowle" 12 hours later ready to savor, and another 12 hours after that. But I suggest keeping the "bowle" in a large bowl altogether before making any individual servings though, so everything co-mingles equally. What a wonderful reason for a summer evening fête! —Sagegreen

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) white or rosé wine (I prefer a dry riesling for this)
  • 1 1/2 pounds Rainier yellow cherries
  • 3 large white peaches, peeled (or not) and sliced
  • wedge of lemon, Meyer if available
  • 1/8-1.4 cups organic cane sugar, to taste
  • splash of Campari, optional
  • garnish with a lavender or lemon verbena sprig, optional
Directions
  1. Pit and halve the cherries (kirsch).
  2. Add the peeled (or unpeeled) and sliced white peaches (pfirsich). Spritz with lemon (this brightens and highlights the fresh fruit flavor). You could substitute yellow peaches if white is not available, or mix together white and yellow
  3. Cover with the sugar and let stand an hour room temperature.You want at least a few tablespoons of sugar to develop the flavor further. Add a splash of Campari for more depth if you like.
  4. Chill for several hours (from 8-24).
  5. Add lots of fruit to a wide-brimmed glass and some wine.
  6. Garnish with an herbal sprig, if you like.
  7. The fruit becomes delightfully boozy: Celebrate the "bowle" tradition. Zum Wohl. Prost. Cheers, to the onset (or outset) of summer!

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Niknud
    Niknud
  • Sagegreen
    Sagegreen

3 Reviews

Niknud August 22, 2011
Details, details. No matter - all the crust is there to do is get the delicious filling to your mouth. Lovely pictures.
 
Sagegreen August 22, 2011
Thanks, Niknud, So true!
 
Sagegreen August 22, 2011
OK, this is not a pie or tart, but you should savor this drink with a peach pie or tart!