Cocktail Cherries

Best Cocktail Cherries

Maraschino Cherries

Maraschino cherries are preserved cherries known for their vibrant red color and sweet, slightly tart flavor. Made from sour cherries called Marasca cherries and preserved in a liqueur called Maraschino (hence, the name), these cherries are a go-to for everything from cocktails, mocktails (like a Shirley Temple), ice cream sundaes, and other desserts.

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are a renowned brand of cocktail cherries highly regarded for their exceptional quality and authentic flavor. Produced by the Luxardo family, an Italian distillery with a long history dating back to 1821, these premium cocktail cherries are a top choice among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts.

Alcohol-Infused Cherries

Bourbon cherries and brandy cherries are variations of cocktail cherries infused with the rich flavors of bourbon or brandy. These cherries are often used as a premium garnish for cocktails, adding a touch of sophistication and a hint of the spirit's distinctive taste. Rum Cherries and Bordeaux-soaked cherries are also common.

Amarena Cherries

Named after the Italian town of Amarena, where they were traditionally made using a specific variety of sour cherries, Amarena cherries have a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and slightly tart, with a subtle bitterness. They are smaller than other cherry varieties and have a firm texture. These cherries are typically preserved in a syrup made from their own juice, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds a rich, syrupy consistency.

How do you serve cocktail cherries?

When it comes to serving cocktail cherries, there are various ways to make them visually appealing and enhance the overall drinking experience. Here are a few popular methods:

Garnish on the Rim:

Place a cocktail cherry on the rim of the glass as a simple yet elegant garnish.

Skewered or Toothpick:

Insert a skewer or toothpick through the stem end of the cocktail cherry and rest it across the rim of the glass.

Stirrer or Swizzle Stick:

Use a cocktail stirrer or swizzle stick to skewer a cocktail cherry and place it in the drink.

Muddled or Mashed:

Place a cherry or two at the bottom of the glass and gently muddle or mash them with a muddler or spoon. This releases their flavors and adds richness to the cocktail.

Floating:

Allow the cocktail cherries to float on top of the drink for visually stunning cocktails.

Garnish Skewer:

Create a garnish skewer by combining cocktail cherries with other garnishes like citrus twists, fruit slices, or herbs like mint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are cocktail cherries alcoholic?

A: No, standard cocktail cherries themselves are not alcoholic. They are typically made using sweet cherries preserved in syrup or brine. The cherries absorb the flavors of the syrup or brine, adding a sweet and tangy taste to cocktails.

However, specialty cocktail cherries are available that are infused with alcohol. For example, bourbon-soaked cherries or brandy-infused cherries are popular options. These varieties have cherries soaked in alcohol, enhancing their flavor profile with a hint of the respective spirit. While these alcohol-infused cocktail cherries contain trace amounts of alcohol, they are not typically consumed in large enough quantities to have an intoxicating effect.

Q: How long do cocktail cherries last?

A: Cocktail cherries are preserved in jars or cans. These cherries can typically last 1 to 2 years if unopened and stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within a few months for optimal quality. Make sure to check your product label for storage information and expiration dates.

Q: Can cocktail cherries be substituted with other fruits?

A: While there are only so many direct replacement options for cocktail cherries, there are options if you're okay with modifying the taste profile of your cocktail. Substituting cocktail cherries with citrus fruits (lemon, lime, orange) or berries (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry) will add sweetness and color to your cocktail.

Q: Are cocktail cherries gluten-free?

A: Yes, in general, cocktail cherries are considered gluten-free. Cherries themselves do not contain gluten naturally. However, it's important to note that some brands may use additional ingredients or processing methods that could introduce gluten into their cocktail cherries. Look for "gluten-free" or "certified gluten-free" indications on the packaging.

Q: Where to buy cocktail cherries?

A: Cocktail cherries are readily available at grocery stores and liquor stores. However, most stores only carry a small variety of cocktail cherries. At Dramson, we source cocktails cherries from the best producers, both large and small batch producers, to ensure that our customers have a large variety of cocktail cherries to choose from.

Compliment your cocktail cherries with other great cocktail products

Take your cocktails from good to great! At Dramson, we offer a curated collection of the very best cocktail product to cover all of your home mixology needs, including:

• Clear Ice
• Whiskey Glasses
• Cocktail Shakers
• Garnishing Tools
• Cocktail Mixers