Maraschino Liqueur substitutes
The closest substitute for Maraschino Liqueur is Kirsch, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Dry cherry spirit; add a little simple syrup. In a pinch, use Cherry Liqueur or Cherry Heering.
What to use instead of Maraschino Liqueur
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
KirschWorks, tastes different Dry cherry spirit; add a little simple syrup. Same amount | Same amount | 40–50% ABV | +1 point |
Cherry LiqueurLast resort Sweeter and jammier, without the funk. Same amount | Same amount | 18–30% ABV | −1 point |
Cherry HeeringLast resort Sweeter and jammier, without the funk. Same amount | Same amount | 24% 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 Maraschino Liqueur, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Aviation
15ml (½ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 15ml (½ oz) Kirsch
About 22% ABV → about 23% ABV+1 point
- Bensonhurst
10ml (⅓ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 10ml (⅓ oz) Kirsch
About 27% ABV → about 28% ABV+1 point
- Brandy Crusta
7.5ml (¼ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Kirsch
About 23% ABV → about 24% ABV+1 point
- Brooklyn
7.5ml (¼ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Kirsch
About 27% ABV → about 28% ABV+1 point
- Casino
10ml (⅓ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 10ml (⅓ oz) Kirsch
About 23% ABV → about 24% ABV+1 point
- Division Bell
15ml (½ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 15ml (½ oz) Kirsch
About 16% ABV → about 18% ABV+2 points
- Fancy Free
15ml (½ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 15ml (½ oz) Kirsch
About 32% ABV → about 34% ABV+2 points
- Final Ward
22ml (¾ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 22ml (¾ oz) Kirsch
About 24% ABV → about 26% ABV+2 points
- Hemingway Special
15ml (½ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 15ml (½ oz) Kirsch
About 16% ABV → about 17% ABV+1 point
- Illegal
7.5ml (¼ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Kirsch
About 17% ABV → about 18% ABV+1 point
- Last Word
22.5ml (¾ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Kirsch
About 23% ABV → about 25% ABV+2 points
- Martinez
1 barspoon Maraschino Liqueur → 1 barspoon Kirsch
About 22% ABV → about 23% ABV+1 point
- Red Hook
10ml (⅓ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 10ml (⅓ oz) Kirsch
About 30% ABV → about 31% ABV+1 point
- IBA Tiki
Swap the 5 drops Maraschino Liqueur for Kirsch to taste
About 9% ABV
- Improved Holland Gin Cocktail
1 dash Maraschino Liqueur → 1 dash Kirsch
Same strength
- Mary Pickford
7.5ml (¼ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Kirsch
Same strength
- Newark
7.5ml (¼ oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Kirsch
Same strength
- Tuxedo
2.5ml (0 oz) Maraschino Liqueur → 2.5ml (0 oz) Kirsch
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Maraschino Liqueur | Kirsch |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 32% ABV | 40–50% ABV |
| Taste | Dry cherry, Almond, Slightly sweet, Delicate | Dry, Cherry essence, Bitter almond, Clean |
| Aroma | Cherry, Almond, Floral, Subtle herbs | Cherry, Almond, Clean, Aromatic |
| Finish | Clean, Nutty, Dry, Medium length | Dry, Clean cherry, Warming |
Already have one of these?
If you have Luxardo Maraschino, Maraska Maraschino or Leopold Bros. Maraschino, you don't need a substitute: they are all Maraschino Liqueur. How they differ
What is Maraschino Liqueur?
Maraschino is a dry, crystal-clear cherry liqueur made from Marasca cherries. Essential for Aviation, Last Word, and other classic cocktails.
Got Maraschino Liqueur? It also replaces
Questions about Maraschino Liqueur substitutes
What is the best substitute for Maraschino Liqueur?
Kirsch is the closest substitute for Maraschino Liqueur, though the drink will taste a little different. Dry cherry spirit; add a little simple syrup. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Maraschino Liqueur in an Aviation?
Kirsch: swap 15ml (½ oz) of Maraschino Liqueur for 15ml (½ oz) of Kirsch. It ends up about 23% ABV instead of about 22%.
Which Maraschino Liqueur brands can I use?
If you have Luxardo Maraschino, Maraska Maraschino or Leopold Bros. Maraschino, you don't need a substitute: they are all Maraschino Liqueur. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Kirsch instead of Maraschino Liqueur change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Division Bell, which goes from about 16% to about 18% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Maraschino Liqueur?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.