Modern cocktail making is an art that combines flavors, aromas and textures to create unique experiences for the most demanding palates. Nowadays, an ingredient is essential in cocktails: maraschino cherries. Their vibrant color, sweet flavor and versatility make them a perfect complement to a wide range of modern cocktails.
This small fruit, preserved in a special syrup, not only adds a touch of color to cocktails, but is also a symbol of elegance and sophistication. In this post we are going to see how to use maraschino cherries in modern cocktails, highlighting some classic and modern cocktails that include them.
What role do maraschino cherries play in modern cocktails?
In modern cocktails, maraschino cherries are much more than just a garnish. Its unique flavor, color and texture add an additional dimension to the cocktail and allow the consumer to enjoy a multi-sensory experience. From timeless classics to original creations, maraschino cherries have become an essential component in any cocktail bar.
The origin of these cherries is in the region of Dalmatia, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It is believed that they were created by the monks of the Order of Saint Romuald in the 16th century, who macerated the cherries in a local liquor called maraschino. Already in the 19th century they began to be used in Europe as a very special dessert aimed at the upper classes and increasingly appreciated throughout the world.
Over time, their use extended to cocktails, where they were used as a garnish for such well-known cocktails as the Manhattan or the Old Fashioned. Today, maraschino cherries are an indispensable ingredient thanks to their sweet flavor and smooth texture that add an unmistakable touch to all types of cocktails, from reinvented classics to innovative creations.
Cocktails with maraschino cherries
These are some cocktails that use maraschino cherries in their preparation:
Maraschino cherries for the Manhattan
The Manhattan is a cocktail that has stood the test of time and the maraschino cherry is one of its hallmarks. The combination of whiskey, vermouth and Angostura bitters is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the cherry, creating a sophisticated and timeless cocktail.
Cherry Bomb
This cocktail is a variant of the classic Manhattan. It is prepared with bourbon, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth and a few drops of Angostura. Mix with ice, strain and serve in a cocktail glass with a maraschino cherry to decorate.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is another classic cocktail that stands out for its simplicity and elegance. It is made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, a slice of orange and a touch of water. In addition, a maraschino cherry is placed at the bottom of the glass that perfectly complements the rest of the ingredients and offers a sweet finish to each drink.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling is a tropical cocktail that includes gin, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice and lemon, among other ingredients. The maraschino cherry, floating on top of the cocktail, adds a juicy and festive touch to this refreshing mix.
Cherry Caipirinha
This cocktail is a modern version of the traditional Brazilian caipirinha that includes maraschino cherries. It is prepared by crushing lime and sugar in a short glass, then adding the maraschino cherries, cachaça and crushed ice. Mix well and serve decorated with more cherries.
Cherry Mojito
This variant of the classic mojito is prepared by crushing sugar, mint and lime in a tall glass, then adding maraschino cherries, white rum and crushed ice. Mix everything and complete with soda. Finally, it is decorated with more cherries and a sprig of mint.
Cherry Collins
This cocktail is a modern version of the classic Tom Collins. It is prepared by mixing gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and maraschino cherries in a tall glass with ice. Finally, soda is added and decorated with a cherry and a slice of lemon.
Cherry Fizz
This refreshing cocktail combines vodka, lemon juice, sugar syrup and maraschino cherries. Shake everything in a mixing glass with ice and strain into a tall glass with fresh ice. Finally, soda is added and garnished with a cherry.
Maraschino cherries for Hemingway Daiquiri
This famous cocktail has white rum, lime juice, grapefruit and maraschino liqueur. Shake all the ingredients in a shaker with ice for 15 seconds, then strain twice and garnish with one or two maraschino cherries.
Quality maraschino cherries in cocktails
As we have seen, cherries are more than just a garnish; they are an essential component and a bridge between tradition and innovation that can elevate a cocktail to extraordinary levels. Its presence in modern cocktails not only pays homage to the classics, but also inspires creators to explore new possibilities.
To differentiate themselves from their competitors, cocktail professionals always choose high-quality cherries manufactured by established companies in the sector that are capable of satisfying all their demands.
The choice of a firm, juicy and perfectly preserved maraschino cherry in its characteristic syrup undoubtedly makes a big difference in the final flavor of a cocktail, in addition to enhancing the tasting experience and providing a touch of luxury and distinction.
For any supplier of maraschino cherries, offering a quality product is not only a commitment to tradition, but also to the future of cocktails. In the case of Lazaya Preserved Fruits, with more than 80 years in the market and with our own cherry plantation, we are always committed to professionals and offer maraschino cherries for modern and traditional cocktails with multiple formats and packaging to cover all your needs. Contact us, we will be happy to help you.