The 9 best Maraschino Cherry cocktails
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.
Top 9 Maraschino Cherry cocktails
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· · · · · · Ultima Palabra
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· · · · · · Hemingway Special Daiquiri (Papa Doble)
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· · · · · · Coronation No.1
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· · · · · · Elderflower Collins
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· · · · · · Closing Argument
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· · · · · · Division Bell
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· · · · · · The Last Word
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· · · · · · Hunter
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· · · · · · Brooklyn
Conclusion
More about Maraschino Cherry
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
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- 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
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- Start by combining all of your ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, ensuring a smooth blend
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- Vigorously shake the mixture for 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty, indicating it's well-chilled
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- 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. The Last Word
This cocktail is a timeless classic that skillfully balances the flavors of dry gin, Green Chartreuse, and lime juice with the subtle sweetness of Maraschino cherry. The use of water ensures a smoother drink, allowing the complex flavors to meld seamlessly. It's celebrated for its herbal, citrusy, and slightly sweet profile, making it a favorite for those who appreciate well-crafted, traditional cocktails.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by adding all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, ensuring a good mix of the flavors
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- Vigorously shake the concoction for about 10-15 seconds, or until you observe the shaker's exterior has frosted over, indicating the drink is well chilled
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- Next, grab a chilled glass, which will help maintain the cocktail's temperature
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- Use a fine strainer to pour the mixture into the glass, ensuring a smooth drink by removing any ice chips or unwanted bits
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- Lastly, admire your handiwork briefly before enjoying your perfectly chilled cocktail
8. 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
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- 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
9. 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 all the ingredients 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 info
Want to discover more?
- View all the cocktails that contain Maraschino Cherry where you can filter and search the list.
- View the dedicated ingredient page for Maraschino Cherry
More about Maraschino Cherry
What is the origin of Maraschino cherries?
Maraschino cherries trace their origins back to the 18th century in Dalmatia (modern-day Croatia), where local monks began sweetening Marasca cherries with honey and soaking them in Maraschino liqueur, derived from the same cherries. The method evolved, and by the 19th century, the cherries were being preserved in a syrup made from their own juice and the Maraschino liqueur. This tradition laid the groundwork for the Maraschino cherries known today, although the modern version has adapted to include varieties of sweet cherries and is preserved in a different manner.
How can Maraschino cherries enhance the presentation of cocktails?
Maraschino cherries can significantly enhance the visual appeal of cocktails with their vibrant red color and glossy texture. They can be added to drinks in various ways, such as perching one on the rim of a glass, dropping it into the bottom for a surprise burst of color, or skewering several on a cocktail pick for a classic look. Their unique color and sweet flavor make them a perfect finishing touch for a wide range of cocktails, from the sophistication of a Manhattan to the fun and whimsy of a Shirley Temple.
What types of cherries are used to make Maraschino cherries?
Originally, Maraschino cherries were made from the Marasca cherry, a sour Morello cherry grown primarily in Dalmatia. Today, however, most commercially available Maraschino cherries are made from sweet cherry varieties such as Royal Ann, Rainier, or even Bing cherries. These are preserved in a brine solution with added sugar and flavors, then colored with red food dye to achieve their characteristic appearance, differing from the traditional preservation in Maraschino liqueur.
How are Maraschino cherries made?
The modern process of making Maraschino cherries generally involves several steps. First, sweet cherries are harvested and then pitted. They are soaked in a brine solution to firm up the flesh and remove their natural color. Following this, the cherries are soaked in a sweet syrup that often contains almond flavoring to mimic the original taste and are then colored with red food dye. Some premium brands still follow a more traditional method, using Marasca cherry juice and Maraschino liqueur for flavoring.
Are Maraschino cherries suitable for all diets?
While Maraschino cherries can be a delightful addition to many dishes and drinks, individuals with certain dietary restrictions should consume them with caution. Maraschino cherries are not suitable for those on low-sugar or artificial-free diets due to the high sugar content and the use of food dyes. For vegans, it’s important to check the brand, as some might use non-vegan coloring agents. However, there are some brands that offer organic or naturally preserved Maraschino cherries without artificial colors or flavors, catering to a wider dietary audience.