The 8 best Maraschino cherry cocktails
An editorial shortlist of the Maraschino cherry cocktails most worth starting with.
Introduction
Maraschino Cherry Cocktail Delights Await!
Maraschino cherries add a unique sweetness and vibrant color to cocktails, making them a favored ingredient for mixologists around the world.
Whether you're a professional bartender or a home enthusiast, incorporating Maraschino cherries into your beverages can elevate the flavor and aesthetic of your creations. Their distinct taste—sweet, slightly tangy with a hint of almond—pairs wonderfully with a variety of liquors and mixers, enhancing everything from boozy classics to refreshing modern concoctions. This listicle is a must-read for those looking to explore the versatility and charm that Maraschino cherries bring to the cocktail scene.
Each drink on this list highlights the cherry's unique characteristics and offers a delightful experience that caters to different palates, whether you enjoy citrusy, herbal, or spirit-forward cocktails.
On this page
Jump through the ranked list, then head into the conclusion or FAQs.
This cocktail blends Mezcal with the sweetness of Maraschino cherry to create an exotic, complex drinking experience.
This cocktail blends Mezcal with the sweetness of Maraschino cherry to create an exotic, complex drinking experience. The combination of Green Chartreuse, lime juice, and pineapple juice provides a tangy, herbal, and fruity profile.
Each ingredient complements the others, resulting in a smooth drink with layers of bold flavors. This cocktail stands out for its ability to balance intense ingredients, making it a popular choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet adventurous drink.
Ingredients: Mezcal 22.5ml, Green Chartreuse 22.5ml, Lime juice 22.5ml, Pineapple juice 22.5ml, Water 10ml, Maraschino cherry 22.5ml
Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, this daiquiri offers a citrusy, refreshing taste that's ideal for warm weather.
Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, this daiquiri offers a citrusy, refreshing taste that's ideal for warm weather. The tartness of pink grapefruit juice and lime juice is harmonized with the sweetness of Maraschino cherry and sugar syrup.
The gold rum base provides a rich, robust backbone, while the cherry adds a subtle yet impactful sweetness. This cocktail is beloved for its light, invigorating quality that makes it perfect for summertime sipping.
Ingredients: Gold rum 90ml, Pink grapefruit juice 30ml, Lime juice 30ml, Sugar / simple syrup 15ml, Maraschino cherry 22.5ml
This cocktail hails from the era of refined drinking, featuring an elegant blend of white vermouth and dry sherry.
This cocktail hails from the era of refined drinking, featuring an elegant blend of white vermouth and dry sherry. The Maraschino cherry and orange bitters add layers of complexity, creating a nuanced and aromatic experience.
What sets this cocktail apart is its sophisticated flavor profile that combines dry, sweet, and bitter elements, making it a go-to choice for those who appreciate a well-balanced, classic drink.
Ingredients: White vermouth 30ml, Sherry (dry) 30ml, Orange bitters 2 dashes, Maraschino cherry 5ml
A modern twist on the classic Collins, this cocktail incorporates elderflower liqueur for a floral, fragrant dimension.
A modern twist on the classic Collins, this cocktail incorporates elderflower liqueur for a floral, fragrant dimension. The Maraschino cherry in this mix provides a sweet contrast to the tart lemon juice and the crispness of soda water.
Gin and elderflower liqueur blend seamlessly to create a refreshing, effervescent drink that's perfect for relaxing on a sunny day. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy light, aromatic beverages.
Ingredients: Dry gin 30ml, Maraschino cherry liqueur 5ml, Elderflower liqueur 15ml, Sugar / simple syrup 10ml, Lemon juice 30ml, Soda water 25ml
This adventurous cocktail combines mezcal, lime juice, and Green Chartreuse with the sweet touch of Maraschino cherry, resulting in a smoky, herbal delight.
This adventurous cocktail combines mezcal, lime juice, and Green Chartreuse with the sweet touch of Maraschino cherry, resulting in a smoky, herbal delight. Its flavor profile is both bold and refreshing, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy complex and daring tastes.
The interplay of smoky mezcal and sweet cherry is a striking feature that makes this cocktail uniquely memorable.
Ingredients: Mezcal 22.5ml, Green Chartreuse 22.5ml, Lime juice 22.5ml, Maraschino cherry 22.5ml
A delightful fusion of Aperol, mezcal, and lime juice, this cocktail is lifted by the sweet and tangy notes of Maraschino cherry.
A delightful fusion of Aperol, mezcal, and lime juice, this cocktail is lifted by the sweet and tangy notes of Maraschino cherry. The balance of bitter Aperol and smoky mezcal with the brightness of lime juice and cherry is what makes this drink stand out.
It's a sophisticated option that offers a refreshing twist, appealing to those who enjoy cocktails with a bit of an edge.
Ingredients: Mezcal 30ml, Aperol 22.5ml, Lime juice 22.5ml, Maraschino cherry 15ml
This cocktail is a delightful concoction that brings together bourbon, cherry liqueur, and Maraschino cherry, accented with a touch of orange bitters.
This cocktail is a delightful concoction that brings together bourbon, cherry liqueur, and Maraschino cherry, accented with a touch of orange bitters. The result is a rich, warming drink with a sweet and fruity undertone, perfect for colder months.
This cocktail stands out for its ability to balance strong bourbon flavors with the sweetness of cherry, making it a comforting yet complex beverage.
Ingredients: Bourbon 30ml, Cherry liqueur 20ml, Orange bitters 2 dashes, Maraschino cherry 2.5ml
This cocktail offers a refined taste with a base of rye whiskey and white vermouth, complemented by the unique addition of amaro.
This cocktail offers a refined taste with a base of rye whiskey and white vermouth, complemented by the unique addition of amaro. The Maraschino cherry adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the drink's bitter and spicy notes.
Known for its complexity and robust flavor profile, this cocktail is a favorite among those who appreciate classic, spirit-forward beverages with a touch of modern sophistication.
Ingredients: Rye whiskey 30ml, Amaro 10ml, White vermouth 30ml, Water 10ml, Maraschino cherry 10ml
1. Ultima Palabra
This cocktail blends Mezcal with the sweetness of Maraschino cherry to create an exotic, complex drinking experience. The combination of Green Chartreuse, lime juice, and pineapple juice provides a tangy, herbal, and fruity profile.
Each ingredient complements the others, resulting in a smooth drink with layers of bold flavors. This cocktail stands out for its ability to balance intense ingredients, making it a popular choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet adventurous drink.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by adding all of your ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, ensuring that everything is ready to be mixed thoroughly
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- Vigorously shake the mixture for 10-15 seconds, or until you notice that the outside of the shaker begins to look frosted, indicating that the contents are well-chilled
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- Once shaken, grab a chilled glass prepared beforehand to ensure your drink remains cold for longer
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- Proceed to fine strain the mixture into the glass, which helps to remove any ice shards or unwanted bits, giving your cocktail a smoother texture
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- Enjoy your meticulously crafted cocktail, served at the perfect temperature and consistency for a refreshing experience
2. Hemingway Special Daiquiri (Papa Doble)
Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, this daiquiri offers a citrusy, refreshing taste that's ideal for warm weather. The tartness of pink grapefruit juice and lime juice is harmonized with the sweetness of Maraschino cherry and sugar syrup.
The gold rum base provides a rich, robust backbone, while the cherry adds a subtle yet impactful sweetness. This cocktail is beloved for its light, invigorating quality that makes it perfect for summertime sipping.
Ingredients
Method
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- First, gather all the ingredients you need for your cocktail and place them into a cocktail shaker
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- Add a good amount of ice to the shaker to ensure your drink is perfectly chilled
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- Securely close the shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds, or until you notice the shaker's exterior getting frosted, indicating the drink is well-chilled
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- Take a chilled glass, ensuring it's been prepped in the freezer for a bit to keep your cocktail cold
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- Finally, use a fine strainer to pour your smoothly mixed cocktail into the chilled glass, leaving any unwanted ice chunks or bits behind
3. Coronation No.1
This cocktail hails from the era of refined drinking, featuring an elegant blend of white vermouth and dry sherry. The Maraschino cherry and orange bitters add layers of complexity, creating a nuanced and aromatic experience.
What sets this cocktail apart is its sophisticated flavor profile that combines dry, sweet, and bitter elements, making it a go-to choice for those who appreciate a well-balanced, classic drink.
Ingredients
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Method
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- Begin by stirring all of the ingredients together with ice to blend the flavors thoroughly, aiming for about 10-15 seconds of stirring time
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- Once well mixed, proceed to strain the mixture into a glass that has been pre-chilled, ensuring a refreshing temperature for your drink
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- This sequence guarantees your cocktail will be perfectly mixed and delightfully cold, enhancing the tasting experience
4. Elderflower Collins
A modern twist on the classic Collins, this cocktail incorporates elderflower liqueur for a floral, fragrant dimension. The Maraschino cherry in this mix provides a sweet contrast to the tart lemon juice and the crispness of soda water.
Gin and elderflower liqueur blend seamlessly to create a refreshing, effervescent drink that's perfect for relaxing on a sunny day. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy light, aromatic beverages.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by combining the first 5 ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice
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- Vigorously shake the mixture for about 10-15 seconds, or until the shaker feels frosty on the outside
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- Next, strain the concoction into a glass filled with fresh ice, ensuring a smooth pour
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- Finally, gently top off the drink with soda, adding a refreshing fizz to your cocktail
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- Enjoy your expertly mixed beverage!
5. Closing Argument
This adventurous cocktail combines mezcal, lime juice, and Green Chartreuse with the sweet touch of Maraschino cherry, resulting in a smoky, herbal delight. Its flavor profile is both bold and refreshing, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy complex and daring tastes.
The interplay of smoky mezcal and sweet cherry is a striking feature that makes this cocktail uniquely memorable.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Start by adding all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes
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- Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels cold and frosted
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- Next, grab a glass from the fridge or freezer to ensure it's nicely chilled
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- Carefully strain the mixture from the shaker into the chilled glass, leaving the ice behind
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- Finally, for a touch of elegance or additional flavor, consider garnishing the drink according to the cocktail's character
6. Division Bell
A delightful fusion of Aperol, mezcal, and lime juice, this cocktail is lifted by the sweet and tangy notes of Maraschino cherry. The balance of bitter Aperol and smoky mezcal with the brightness of lime juice and cherry is what makes this drink stand out.
It's a sophisticated option that offers a refreshing twist, appealing to those who enjoy cocktails with a bit of an edge.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Start by combining all of your ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, ensuring a smooth blend
-
- Vigorously shake the mixture for 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty, indicating it's well-chilled
-
- Next, grab a glass from the fridge or freezer to preserve the cocktail's chill
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- Carefully strain the shaken mixture into this chilled glass, leaving any unwanted ice chips behind
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- Lastly, take a moment to admire your creation before taking the first sip of your perfectly crafted cocktail
7. Hunter
This cocktail is a delightful concoction that brings together bourbon, cherry liqueur, and Maraschino cherry, accented with a touch of orange bitters. The result is a rich, warming drink with a sweet and fruity undertone, perfect for colder months.
This cocktail stands out for its ability to balance strong bourbon flavors with the sweetness of cherry, making it a comforting yet complex beverage.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Begin by combining all your ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice
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- Gently stir the mixture together for about 10-15 seconds to ensure it's well mixed and chilled
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- Once thoroughly mixed, strain the cocktail into a glass prefilled with ice, aiming for a large cube or block of ice to keep your drink cooler for longer without diluting it quickly
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- Enjoy your carefully crafted drink
8. Brooklyn
This cocktail offers a refined taste with a base of rye whiskey and white vermouth, complemented by the unique addition of amaro. The Maraschino cherry adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the drink's bitter and spicy notes.
Known for its complexity and robust flavor profile, this cocktail is a favorite among those who appreciate classic, spirit-forward beverages with a touch of modern sophistication.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by combining 10 ml Maraschino Cherry, 30 ml White vermouth, 30 ml Rye Whiskey, and 10 ml Amaro in a mixing glass filled with ice, ensuring an even mix through gentle stirring for about 10-15 seconds
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- Once well combined and chilled, carefully strain the mixture into a glass that has been pre-chilled
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- This ensures your drink stays cooler for longer, enhancing the overall experience
Conclusion
The cocktails featured in this list were carefully selected based on their innovative use of Maraschino cherries and their distinct flavor profiles.
What makes these drinks stand out is the way they harmonize various ingredients to create a balanced and memorable experience. From the tropical flair of the Ultima Palabra to the classic refinement of the Brooklyn, each cocktail showcases the versatile charm of Maraschino cherries, making them the top choices for any cherry-loving enthusiast. Elevate your mixology game by trying out these recipes and discover why Maraschino cherries are a beloved addition to the world of cocktails.
More about Maraschino cherry
What is the most popular cocktail made with a Maraschino cherry?
Maraschino cherries are most commonly used as a garnish rather than a primary spirit, so “most popular” often depends on the drink list you’re using. On makemeacocktail.com, popular cocktails that feature Maraschino cherry include the Ultima Palabra and the Hemingway Special Daiquiri (Papa Doble).
What ingredients pair well with Maraschino cherries in cocktails?
Maraschino cherries pair well with bright citrus (like lime or grapefruit) to balance their sweet-tangy syrup. They also work nicely with aged spirits and bitters, where the cherry’s sweetness can round out sharper, more aromatic notes.
How many cocktails can you make with a Maraschino cherry?
On makemeacocktail.com, there are 14 cocktails that include Maraschino cherry as an ingredient. This typically means it’s used as a garnish or an accent flavor rather than the main component.
What is a Maraschino cherry and what does it taste like?
A Maraschino cherry is a cocktail cherry known for its vivid red color and syrupy finish, often made by soaking cherries in a sweetened syrup. In drinks, it tastes sweet and tangy with a rich, candied cherry character that adds both flavor and visual appeal.
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