Cherries and cocktails, a marriage made in mixology heaven. But not all cherries are created equal. The bright red, almost artificial-looking cherries you might first imagine are a far cry from the nuanced, complex flavor bombs that elevate a well-crafted cocktail. This article delves into the world of cocktail cherries, exploring the different types, what makes them special, and how to choose the perfect cherry for your next drink.
The Maraschino Cherry: More Than Just a Garnish
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: the maraschino cherry. Often relegated to the status of a sugary garnish, the story of the maraschino cherry is far more complex than its neon red hue suggests.
The Original Maraschino
The term “maraschino” originally referred to cherries preserved in Marasca liqueur, a spirit distilled from Marasca cherries. These cherries, grown in the Dalmatian region of Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia), were a delicacy enjoyed by royalty and the wealthy. They were naturally preserved, retaining a deep, rich cherry flavor and a slightly bitter almond undertone. This is where the true essence of a maraschino cherry lies.
The Modern, Bright Red Imposter
The maraschino cherry we see today, the bright red, sugary one, is a far departure from its origins. During Prohibition in the United States, importing Marasca cherries became difficult. American producers sought to create a domestic version. The process involved brining cherries in sulfur dioxide and calcium chloride to bleach them, then soaking them in high-fructose corn syrup and artificial red dye. This resulted in the sweet, almost candied cherry we now commonly associate with the name. While these cherries serve a purpose, mostly as a visual garnish, they lack the complexity and depth of flavor that a true maraschino offers.
When to Use a “Modern” Maraschino
Despite their lack of sophistication, modern maraschino cherries do have a place in certain cocktails and garnishes. They are often used in drinks where a strong cherry flavor isn’t desired but a sweet, visual element is. Think Shirley Temples or as a simple garnish in ice cream sundaes. Their bright color and sweetness can be appealing in certain contexts, particularly for those who prefer a sweeter, less complex flavor profile.
Luxardo Cherries: The Gold Standard
If you’re looking to elevate your cocktails, Luxardo cherries are the quintessential choice. These are arguably the most recognized and widely used brand of premium cocktail cherries.
A Return to Tradition
Luxardo cherries are produced using the original Marasca cherry variety, grown in Luxardo’s own orchards in Italy. They are preserved in Marasca cherry syrup, a mixture of cherry juice, sugar, and Marasca cherry liqueur. This process preserves the natural cherry flavor and adds a subtle almond note from the cherry pits.
Flavor Profile and Uses
The flavor of Luxardo cherries is complex, offering a balance of sweetness, tartness, and a hint of bitterness. They are far less sweet than the typical maraschino cherry, and their rich, intense flavor complements a wide range of cocktails. Luxardo cherries are a fantastic addition to classic cocktails like Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Sazeracs. They also work well in more modern creations where a sophisticated cherry flavor is desired.
The Luxardo Syrup Advantage
The syrup that Luxardo cherries are packed in is just as valuable as the cherries themselves. This rich, flavorful syrup can be used to add a touch of cherry sweetness and complexity to cocktails. A dash of Luxardo syrup can elevate a simple drink to something truly special. Don’t discard the syrup, use it to enhance your cocktails.
Other Premium Cocktail Cherry Options
While Luxardo cherries are a popular choice, several other brands offer equally delicious and high-quality cocktail cherries. Exploring these alternatives can broaden your palate and allow you to discover your personal favorite.
Fabbri Amarena Cherries
These Italian cherries are similar to Luxardo cherries but are often slightly sweeter and have a more pronounced almond flavor. Fabbri Amarena cherries are candied and preserved in a rich, dark syrup, making them a decadent addition to cocktails and desserts.
Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries
These cherries are known for their plumpness and intense cherry flavor. Tillen Farms uses Bing cherries, a variety known for its sweetness and juiciness, and preserves them in a light syrup. These cherries offer a bright, fruity flavor that is a great alternative.
Filthy Food Black Cherries
These dark, intense cherries are preserved in a bourbon-infused syrup, giving them a unique and boozy flavor profile. Filthy Food Black Cherries are a great choice for adding a touch of sophistication and complexity to cocktails.
Beyond the Sweet: Exploring Tart Cherry Options
While sweetness is a common characteristic of cocktail cherries, some varieties offer a more tart and complex flavor profile. These tart cherries can add a welcome element of acidity to cocktails, balancing out sweeter ingredients and creating a more refreshing drink.
Michigan Tart Cherries
Michigan is known for its tart cherry production, and several companies offer cocktail cherries made from these tart varieties. These cherries are typically less sweet than maraschino or Luxardo cherries and have a more pronounced sourness. They can be a great addition to cocktails like Cherry Sours or as a counterpoint to sweeter spirits and liqueurs.
Choosing the Right Tart Cherry
When selecting tart cherries for cocktails, look for varieties that are packed in a light syrup to balance out the tartness. Experiment with different brands to find one that suits your taste preferences. The tart cherry flavor is a great complement to some spirits.
Making Your Own Cocktail Cherries
For the adventurous home bartender, making your own cocktail cherries is a rewarding experience. It allows you to control the ingredients and flavor profile, creating a truly unique and personalized garnish.
The Process
Making cocktail cherries involves simmering fresh cherries in a syrup of sugar, water, and various flavorings. Common flavorings include bourbon, brandy, spices like cinnamon and cloves, and citrus zest. The cherries are then packed in the syrup and allowed to macerate for several weeks, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
Choosing Your Cherries
When making your own cocktail cherries, you can use any variety of cherry you prefer. Bing cherries offer a sweet and juicy flavor, while tart cherries provide a more complex and acidic profile. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite.
Experimenting with Flavors
The possibilities for flavoring homemade cocktail cherries are endless. Try adding a splash of your favorite spirit, experimenting with different spices, or incorporating citrus zest for a bright, aromatic flavor. Homemade cherries are a unique touch for a personal cocktail party.
Storing Cocktail Cherries Properly
To maintain the quality and flavor of your cocktail cherries, proper storage is essential. Whether you’re using commercially produced cherries or making your own, following these guidelines will help ensure they stay fresh and delicious.
Unopened Jars
Unopened jars of cocktail cherries can typically be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet. Check the expiration date on the jar and consume the cherries before that date for optimal flavor.
Opened Jars
Once opened, cocktail cherries should be stored in the refrigerator. Ensure the cherries are submerged in the syrup to prevent them from drying out. Properly stored, opened jars of cocktail cherries can last for several months in the refrigerator.
Homemade Cherries
Homemade cocktail cherries should also be stored in the refrigerator. Ensure the cherries are fully submerged in the syrup and stored in an airtight container. Homemade cherries typically last for several weeks in the refrigerator.
Pairing Cherries with Cocktails: Some Suggestions
Choosing the right cherry for your cocktail is a matter of personal preference, but here are some suggestions to guide you:
- Manhattan: Luxardo cherries or Fabbri Amarena cherries are classic choices. Their complex flavor complements the whiskey and vermouth beautifully.
- Old Fashioned: Luxardo cherries or bourbon-infused cherries add a touch of sophistication to this classic cocktail.
- Cherry Sour: Tart cherries provide a welcome counterpoint to the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Shirley Temple: Modern maraschino cherries are a traditional garnish for this non-alcoholic drink.
Cherry Substitutes in a Pinch
Sometimes, you may find yourself without the perfect cocktail cherry on hand. While nothing truly replicates the flavor and texture of a high-quality cherry, here are some substitutes you can use in a pinch:
- Brandied Cranberries: These offer a similar boozy and slightly tart flavor profile, though the texture is different.
- Dried Cherries: Soaking dried cherries in warm water or a small amount of liqueur can plump them up and add some moisture, making them a passable garnish.
- Fresh Berries: While not a direct substitute, fresh raspberries or blackberries can add a similar fruity element to your cocktail.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Cocktails with the Perfect Cherry
Choosing the right cocktail cherry can make all the difference in the world. From the original Marasca cherries to modern variations, understanding the different types and flavor profiles allows you to elevate your cocktails to a new level. Whether you opt for the classic Luxardo, explore other premium brands, or even try your hand at making your own, the perfect cocktail cherry is waiting to be discovered. Experiment, explore, and enjoy the journey of finding your favorite cherry! Remember that fresh ingredients and attention to detail are what truly make a cocktail great. And the humble cherry, when chosen wisely, plays a vital role.
What’s the difference between maraschino cherries and cocktail cherries?
Maraschino cherries, in their most common form, are bright red, overly sweet, and often artificially flavored. They’re made from light-sweet cherries, like Royal Anne, that are bleached to remove their natural color. Afterward, they’re soaked in a high-fructose corn syrup solution with food coloring and preservatives. Their primary appeal is their sweetness and visual pop, making them a popular garnish for ice cream sundaes and children’s drinks.
Cocktail cherries, on the other hand, are typically dark, rich, and subtly flavored. These cherries, often Luxardo or Amarena varieties, undergo a different process. They are preserved in a syrup made from their own juices, sugar, and sometimes spices or liqueurs. The result is a more complex, nuanced flavor that complements cocktails instead of overpowering them, offering a sophisticated and less artificial taste experience.
Why are Luxardo cherries so popular in cocktails?
Luxardo cherries boast a unique, sophisticated flavor profile that stems from the Marasca cherries used in their production. These cherries are grown exclusively by Luxardo in Italy, giving them a distinct terroir. The cherries are preserved in a marasca cherry syrup, imparting a rich, slightly tart, and subtly bitter taste that perfectly balances sweet and sour elements in cocktails.
Beyond their superior flavor, Luxardo cherries offer a pleasing texture that is both firm and chewy, unlike the often-mushy texture of mass-produced maraschino cherries. This satisfying texture enhances the overall drinking experience. Their deep red color also adds a touch of elegance to any cocktail presentation, making them a bartender’s favorite for both taste and aesthetics.
Are there any good alternatives to Luxardo cherries?
While Luxardo cherries are considered the gold standard, several worthy alternatives offer comparable flavor and quality. Amarena cherries, typically found in dark syrup, provide a similar rich and slightly bitter flavor profile, though they often possess a softer texture than Luxardo. Several artisanal producers create cocktail cherries using local cherry varieties and unique flavoring combinations.
Look for brands that emphasize natural ingredients and traditional preservation methods. Researching reviews and experimenting with different brands will help you discover alternatives that suit your taste and budget. Consider factors such as sweetness level, texture, and syrup flavor when making your choice.
Can I make my own cocktail cherries?
Absolutely! Making your own cocktail cherries is a rewarding project that allows you to customize the flavor to your preferences. The process involves simmering fresh cherries with sugar, liqueur (such as Kirsch or bourbon), and spices like vanilla or cinnamon. This process gently preserves the cherries while infusing them with complex flavors.
Homemade cherries offer complete control over ingredients, ensuring no artificial flavors or excessive preservatives. You can choose the type of cherry, the level of sweetness, and the specific spices to create a truly unique cocktail garnish. While the process requires some time and patience, the results are well worth the effort for the discerning cocktail enthusiast.
What are the best cocktails to use cocktail cherries in?
Cocktail cherries enhance a wide variety of cocktails, adding a touch of elegance and complexity. They are a classic addition to Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, where their rich flavor complements the whiskey base. Sazeracs also benefit from the addition of a high-quality cocktail cherry, providing a sweet counterpoint to the anise flavor of the absinthe.
Beyond the classics, cocktail cherries can elevate more modern creations. They work well in drinks with bourbon, rye, or rum, as well as in cocktails featuring citrus or herbal notes. Experimenting with different cherry varieties and cocktail combinations is a great way to discover your own favorite pairings. Consider using the cherry syrup as a sweetener in other cocktails for a complimentary cherry flavor.
How should I store cocktail cherries after opening the jar?
Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality and flavor of your cocktail cherries. After opening the jar, ensure that the cherries are completely submerged in their syrup. This prevents them from drying out and preserves their color and texture.
Store the opened jar of cocktail cherries in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps to slow down oxidation and microbial growth, extending their shelf life. Tightly sealing the jar is also essential to prevent the cherries from absorbing unwanted odors from the refrigerator. Properly stored, cocktail cherries can last for several months in the refrigerator.
Are all cocktail cherries pitted?
While many commercially available cocktail cherries are pitted for convenience, not all of them are. Some brands, particularly those focusing on artisanal production or European varieties like Amarena cherries, may offer cherries with the pits intact.
Leaving the pit in can contribute to a slightly more intense cherry flavor and may also help the cherry retain its shape and firmness. However, be sure to inform your guests if you’re serving cocktails with unpitted cherries to avoid any surprises. The choice between pitted and unpitted cherries ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired aesthetic and flavor profile.