How Are Maraschino Cherries Made?

Maraschino cherries are a cocktail garnish known for their vibrant color and candy-like sweetness. But the way they’re made today is quite different from their origins. Understanding how these distinctive cherries are produced—both traditionally and in contemporary processes—reveals why they taste and look the way they do.

The History of Maraschino Cherries

The original maraschino cherries came from the Dalmatian coast—typically using Marasca cherries preserved in maraschino liqueur. This European tradition favored a dark, sour cherry profile with subtle almond-vanilla notes from the liqueur. When the style was imported elsewhere, especially to America, local cherries and new preservation methods were adapted, leading to today’s iconic bright-red, sugar-soaked maraschino.

Traditional Maraschino Cherry Method

If you’re seeking the real old-world approach, it starts with sour cherries, usually the Marasca variety. These retain their texture after soaking. The process prioritizes flavor and preservation rather than extreme sweetness or color.

Harvest fresh Marasca or other tart cherries, keeping the stems intact if possible.
Soak the cherries in a brine—typically a mild salt solution—briefly to firm up their texture.
Preserve the cherries in maraschino liqueur (a distillate from Marasca cherries with almond notes) or an almond-flavored syrup, often with sugar added.
Store in sterilized jars for extended shelf life.

Modern Maraschino Cherry Production

Most maraschino cherries found atop cocktails today—including those in bars and supermarkets—use sweet varieties like Royal Ann or Rainier. The priority is shelf stability, color, and sweetness, rather than the original cherry’s flavor. Here’s the general process used by most manufacturers:

Soak pitted, de-stemmed fresh cherries in a brine—often calcium chloride and sulfur dioxide—for up to two weeks. This bleaches them and firms their texture.
Rinse the cherries thoroughly to remove brine and flavor.
Soak the neutralized cherries in a sugar syrup (common ratio: 50–60% sugar) flavored with almond extract, sometimes with a little vanilla or cherry flavoring.
Tint the cherries with food coloring—usually a cherry red.
Package in jars with extra syrup to maintain their shape and gloss.

Flavor, Appearance, and Use in Cocktails

Traditional maraschino cherries are darker and have a balanced sweetness with subtle bitterness from the liqueur. The modern variety has a vibrant red hue, candy-sweet taste, and a firmer bite, with the flavor leaning heavily on almond (benzaldehyde) and sugar. Both styles serve as cocktail garnishes, but the classic version is often reserved for upscale bars or home enthusiasts who make them from scratch.

Classic cocktails: Use dark artisanal maraschino cherries for a Manhattan, Martinez, or Aviation.
Modern maraschino cherries (bright red): Found on Shirley Temples, sundaes, and as a garnish in many Old-Fashioneds.

Making Maraschino-Style Cherries at Home

While recreating the industrial process in a home kitchen is challenging, you can make a simple maraschino-style cherry using basic methods and still achieve delicious results for your cocktails.

Pit 250 g fresh cherries, keeping the stems attached if desired.
In a saucepan, combine 120 ml water, 100 ml sugar, and 5 ml lemon juice. Simmer to dissolve.
Add 5 ml almond extract and (optional) 30 ml maraschino liqueur for an authentic note.
Pour the hot syrup over the cherries in a sterilized jar. Cool and refrigerate at least 24 hours before using.

homemade maraschino cherries in syrup jar

Key Ingredients That Shape Maraschino Cherries

Cherries: Marasca for tradition, or sweet varieties for brightness.
Brining agents: Salt, sometimes calcium chloride for texture.
Sugar syrup: Essential for sweetness and shelf life.
Almond extract or maraschino liqueur: Dictates flavor authenticity.
Food coloring (if using the modern method).

Final Thoughts: Choosing Maraschino Cherries for Cocktails

Whether you choose classic, liqueur-soaked cherries or bright-red, supermarket varieties, how maraschino cherries are made directly influences your cocktail’s presentation and flavor profile. For the most authentic taste in drinks like a Manhattan, look for small-batch or European-style maraschino cherries—or try making your own at home for an upgrade from the standard red garnish.