Maraschino Liqueur

Clear liqueur from Marasca cherries — funky, nutty, distinctive.

Liqueurs Italy (Padua) 32% ABV

Flavor profile: sweetfruity

Maraschino (mah-ras-KEE-no) is a clear liqueur distilled from Marasca sour cherries and their crushed pits. The best bottling is Luxardo, continuously produced since 1821 (now in Padua; the original Zadar distillery was destroyed in World War II). Maraschino is sneaky — a half ounce has a huge aromatic footprint, funky and almond-nutty behind the cherry. It's the defining note of the Aviation, the Last Word, and the Hemingway Daiquiri. Not to be confused with the syrupy juice from a jar of neon red cherries.

History

Luxardo has been producing maraschino continuously since 1821, first in Zadar on the Dalmatian coast and, after the Second World War destroyed that distillery, in Torreglia near Padua.

Common uses

Aviation, Last Word, Martinez.

Cocktails that use Maraschino Liqueur

Last Word — Equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino, and lime — complex and assertive
Aviation — Gin, maraschino, crème de violette, and lemon — sky-blue and floral