Cherry Brandy substitutes
The closest substitute for Cherry Brandy is Cherry Heering, which works and barely changes the drink. Cherry Liqueur also works. In a pinch, use Kirsch.
What to use instead of Cherry Brandy
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Cherry HeeringAlmost the same Same amount | Same amount | 24% ABV | About the same |
Cherry LiqueurAlmost the same Same amount | Same amount | 18–30% ABV | About the same |
KirschLast resort Dry; add a little simple syrup. Same amount | Same amount | 40–50% ABV | +3 points |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Cherry Brandy, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Rosé
20ml (⅔ oz) Cherry Brandy → 20ml (⅔ oz) Cherry Heering
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Cherry Brandy | Cherry Heering |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 20–30% ABV | 24% ABV |
| Taste | Sweet cherry, Fruity, Light bitterness, Smooth | Rich cherry, Almond, Sweet, Complex stone fruit |
| Aroma | Cherry, Sweet, Almond, Fruity | Dark cherry, Almond, Spice, Deep fruit |
| Finish | Sweet, Cherry, Medium | Long, Cherry, Slightly bitter almond |
| Property | Cherry Brandy | Cherry Liqueur |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 20–30% ABV | 18–30% ABV |
| Taste | Sweet cherry, Fruity, Light bitterness, Smooth | Sweet cherry, Candy-like, Some almond |
| Aroma | Cherry, Sweet, Almond, Fruity | Cherry, Sweet, Almond notes |
| Finish | Sweet, Cherry, Medium | Sweet, Cherry, Light |
Already have one of these?
If you have Bols Cherry Brandy, De Kuyper Cherry Brandy or Giffard Cherry Brandy, you don't need a substitute: they are all Cherry Brandy.
What is Cherry Brandy?
Cherry brandy is a general term for cherry-flavored liqueurs, distinct from cherry eau-de-vie. Used in various classic cocktails requiring cherry sweetness.
Got Cherry Brandy? It also replaces
Questions about Cherry Brandy substitutes
What is the best substitute for Cherry Brandy?
Cherry Heering is the closest substitute for Cherry Brandy and barely changes the drink. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Cherry Brandy in a Rosé?
Cherry Heering: swap 20ml (⅔ oz) of Cherry Brandy for 20ml (⅔ oz) of Cherry Heering.
Which Cherry Brandy brands can I use?
If you have Bols Cherry Brandy, De Kuyper Cherry Brandy or Giffard Cherry Brandy, you don't need a substitute: they are all Cherry Brandy. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Cherry Heering instead of Cherry Brandy change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the drink on this page that use Cherry Brandy, Cherry Heering changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Cherry Brandy?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.