Updated on: 6/3/2025
What Cocktails Commonly Use Maraschino Cherries?
Maraschino cherries aren’t just a nostalgic garnish—they’re a staple for adding sweet, visual flair to a wide range of classic and contemporary cocktails. Their vibrant red hue and distinct almond-cherry flavor bring more than just looks to the glass. Whether embedded in stirred-down whiskey drinks or popping up in refreshing sodas, maraschino cherries serve both tradition and taste.
Iconic Cocktails Featuring Maraschino Cherries
- Manhattan — Classic rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, typically garnished with one or two maraschino cherries for richness and balance.
- Old Fashioned — Bourbon or rye, sugar, bitters, and a single maraschino cherry to complement orange peel and mellow the bitters.
- Whiskey Sour — Sometimes crowned with a cherry along with a citrus wedge, for a burst of color and subtle sweetness.
- Shirley Temple — The ultimate non-alcoholic favorite, with grenadine and lemon-lime soda, made special by a bright red maraschino cherry.
- Amaretto Sour — A popular twist on the classic sour, with an amaretto almond note that pairs well with a cherry garnish.
- Tequila Sunrise — Iconic for its color gradient, always topped with a cherry to accent the orange and red layers.
- Tom Collins — A gin highball often finished with both a lemon slice and maraschino cherry.
- Mai Tai — Many tiki drinks, including the Mai Tai, use maraschino cherries for visual pizzazz alongside mint and citrus garnishes.
Why Bartenders Choose Maraschino Cherries
Beyond tradition, maraschino cherries offer consistent sweetness, an unmistakable pop of color, and reliable presentation. Unlike fresh cherries, they keep their vivid color and texture in syrup, making them a favorite for busy bars. Luxardo cherries, a premium type soaked in their own liqueur, are now prized for richer flavor in high-end settings.
Tips for Using Maraschino Cherries in Cocktails
- Drain the cherry before garnishing to avoid diluting the drink with syrup.
- Skewer the cherry with a cocktail pick for a polished look and easy retrieval.
- Experiment with high-quality cherries (like Luxardo or Amarena) for deeper flavor and a more sophisticated finish.
- Add the cherry on top, not at the bottom, so the color and shape are visible and crisp.
Are Maraschino Cherries Just for Classics?
While ingrained in cocktail tradition, maraschino cherries can enliven modern drinks, spiked punches, and even dessert-inspired recipes. Their syrup can also infuse sweetness directly—try a dash in an Old Fashioned, or stir a spoonful into a whiskey highball for a subtle cherry note. The classic look remains, but creative bartenders are always finding new ways to use their flavor and color.