Cocktails with Maraschino Liqueur
Maraschino is a dry, crystal-clear cherry liqueur made from Marasca cherries. Essential for Aviation, Last Word, and other classic cocktails.
No Maraschino Liqueur? What to use instead
- Type
- Liqueur
- Strength
- 32% ABV
- Aroma
- Cherry, Almond, Floral, Subtle herbs
- Taste
- Dry cherry, Almond, Slightly sweet, Delicate
- Finish
- Clean, Nutty, Dry, Medium length
18 drinks with Maraschino Liqueur
- AviationGin, Lemon Juice, Crème de Violette
- BensonhurstRye Whiskey, Dry Vermouth, Cynar
- Brandy CrustaCognac, Triple Sec, Lemon Juice
- BrooklynRye Whiskey, Dry Vermouth, Amer Picon
- CasinoGin, Orange Bitters, Lemon Juice
- Division BellMezcal, Aperol, Lime Juice
- Fancy FreeBourbon, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters
- Final WardRye Whiskey, Green Chartreuse, Lemon Juice
- Hemingway SpecialWhite Rum, Lime Juice, Grapefruit Juice
- IBA TikiFresh Ginger, Dark Rum, Smoked Rum
- IllegalMezcal, White Rum, Simple Syrup
- Improved Holland Gin CocktailGenever, Simple Syrup, Absinthe
- Last WordGin, Green Chartreuse, Lime Juice
- MartinezGin, Sweet Vermouth, Orange Bitters
- Mary PickfordWhite Rum, Pineapple Juice, Grenadine
- NewarkApple Brandy, Sweet Vermouth, Fernet-Branca
- Red HookRye Whiskey, Punt e Mes
- TuxedoGin, Dry Vermouth, Absinthe
History
Developed in Dalmatia (modern Croatia) in the 18th century using local Marasca cherries. Luxardo, founded in 1821, became the defining producer. Unlike sweet cherry liqueurs, maraschino is dry and complex, with flavors from the cherry pits as well as fruit.
How it’s made
Made by distilling fermented Marasca cherries, including stems, leaves, and pits. The distillate is aged in Finnish ash wood vats for at least two years, then sweetened slightly. The pit infusion provides distinctive almond-like notes.
Bottles to try
Luxardo MaraschinoMid-range
The definitive maraschino, family-made since 1821. Essential for classic cocktails.
Maraska MaraschinoMid-range
Croatian producer with slightly sweeter, fruitier character than Luxardo.
Leopold Bros. MaraschinoPremium
American craft version using Colorado cherries, with more pronounced fruit flavor.
Got Maraschino Liqueur at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.