Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter, powdered sugar and salt. Mix in cherry juice, extract and optional food coloring. Gradually stir in flour and baking soda. Fold in cherries.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on to greased baking sheet.
Bake 8-10 minutes or until bottoms are light brown. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cook. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool.