George Washington's Cherry Bounce Liqueur Lives On

The Founding Father's favorite cherry-based spirit is still being made today, 250 years after American independence.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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George Washington was known for his love of cherries, including using them to make a favorite liqueur called cherry bounce. While the cherry tree story is fictional, Washington did grow and consume cherries at his Mount Vernon estate, and his enslaved workers made and preserved the fruit in various ways, including producing cherry bounce. The recipe for this spiced, cherry-infused brandy or rum drink has been passed down, and it is still being made by historians and aficionados today, often using historic methods and ingredients.

Why it matters

Washington's association with cherries has become an enduring part of American lore, and the continued production of his favorite cherry bounce liqueur helps preserve an important piece of 18th-century culinary and drinking history. The story also sheds light on the contributions of Washington's enslaved workers, who were responsible for many of the food and drink preparations at Mount Vernon.

The details

Cherry bounce was a popular 18th-century liqueur made by steeping tart cherries, sugar, and spices in brandy or rum. Washington's enslaved cooks, including Doll and Hercules, would have been responsible for producing the bounce at Mount Vernon. Today, the drink is still being made by historians and enthusiasts, often following historic recipes that call for ingredients like Morello cherries, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. While traditional recipes can take months to fully develop the flavors, some modern interpretations reduce the steeping time to just 24 hours.

  • In 1784, Washington traveled to his land near Pittsburgh, bringing along provisions that included cherry bounce.
  • After Washington's death in 1799, a fictionalized biography by Virginia minister Mason Locke Weems popularized the cherry tree myth.
  • During Washington's presidency in the 1790s, cherry varieties named after him were sold by plant nurseries in Philadelphia.
  • In 2024, archaeologists at Mount Vernon discovered bottles of preserved cherries buried in the mansion's basement, likely processed by the estate's enslaved cook Doll.

The players

George Washington

The first President of the United States, who was known for his love of cherries and for producing cherry bounce liqueur at his Mount Vernon estate.

Doll

An enslaved cook at Mount Vernon who was responsible for processing and preserving the estate's surplus cherries, including making cherry bounce.

Hercules

An enslaved cook at Mount Vernon who likely assisted in the production of cherry bounce and other food and drink preparations.

Frank Lee

An enslaved steward at Mount Vernon who may have also been involved in the production of cherry bounce.

Martha Washington

The wife of George Washington, who sent instructions for preserving cherries and likely oversaw the production of cherry bounce at Mount Vernon.

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What they’re saying

“The astonishing long-term survival of the highly perishable fruit is a testament to the skill and knowledge of Doll, Mount Vernon's enslaved head cook, and to the enslaved people that managed food preparations from tree to table.”

— Jason Boroughs, Principal Archaeologist, Mount Vernon (idahostatesman.com)

“A good cherry bounce is almost like a prebatched cocktail. It tastes a bit like a Manhattan.”

— Steven Grasse, Owner, Tamworth Distilling and Quaker City Mercantile (idahostatesman.com)

What’s next

Mount Vernon plans to continue producing small batches of cherry bounce for special events and demonstrations, allowing visitors to experience a taste of Washington's favorite libation.

The takeaway

George Washington's enduring association with cherries, and the continued production of his beloved cherry bounce liqueur, helps preserve an important piece of 18th-century American culinary and drinking history, while also highlighting the contributions of the enslaved workers who were responsible for many of the food and drink preparations at Mount Vernon.