Cherry Liqueur substitutes
The closest substitute for Cherry Liqueur is Cherry Heering, which works and barely changes the drink. Cherry Brandy and Maraschino Liqueur also work.
What to use instead of Cherry Liqueur
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Cherry HeeringAlmost the same Same amount | Same amount | 24% ABV | About the same |
Cherry BrandyAlmost the same Same amount | Same amount | 20–30% ABV | About the same |
Maraschino LiqueurWorks, tastes different Clear and funkier. Same amount | Same amount | 32% ABV | +1 point |
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 Liqueur, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Cherry Sour
25ml (¾ oz) Cherry Liqueur → 25ml (¾ oz) Cherry Heering
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Cherry Liqueur | Cherry Heering |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 18–30% ABV | 24% ABV |
| Taste | Sweet cherry, Candy-like, Some almond | Rich cherry, Almond, Sweet, Complex stone fruit |
| Aroma | Cherry, Sweet, Almond notes | Dark cherry, Almond, Spice, Deep fruit |
| Finish | Sweet, Cherry, Light | Long, Cherry, Slightly bitter almond |
| Property | Cherry Liqueur | Cherry Brandy |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 18–30% ABV | 20–30% ABV |
| Taste | Sweet cherry, Candy-like, Some almond | Sweet cherry, Fruity, Light bitterness, Smooth |
| Aroma | Cherry, Sweet, Almond notes | Cherry, Sweet, Almond, Fruity |
| Finish | Sweet, Cherry, Light | Sweet, Cherry, Medium |
Already have one of these?
If you have Bols Cherry Brandy, Heering Cherry Liqueur or Giffard Cerise Griotte, you don't need a substitute: they are all Cherry Liqueur.
What is Cherry Liqueur?
Cherry liqueur is a broad category of cherry-flavored spirits. Distinct from Cherry Heering or kirsch, these are typically sweeter, simpler cherry liqueurs for cocktails.
Got Cherry Liqueur? It also replaces
Questions about Cherry Liqueur substitutes
What is the best substitute for Cherry Liqueur?
Cherry Heering is the closest substitute for Cherry Liqueur and barely changes the drink. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Cherry Liqueur in a Cherry Sour?
Cherry Heering: swap 25ml (¾ oz) of Cherry Liqueur for 25ml (¾ oz) of Cherry Heering.
Which Cherry Liqueur brands can I use?
If you have Bols Cherry Brandy, Heering Cherry Liqueur or Giffard Cerise Griotte, you don't need a substitute: they are all Cherry Liqueur. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Cherry Heering instead of Cherry Liqueur change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the drink on this page that use Cherry Liqueur, Cherry Heering changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Cherry Liqueur?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.