Maraschino Cherries

Also known as cocktail cherries, maraschino cherries were traditionally made by steeping small, wild Dalmatian cherries in a sweet, sticky cherry liqueur called maraschino. However, nowadays, they are more likely to be made using ordinary cherries that have been bleached, coloured red or green and then steeped in flavoured syrup. Bright red cherries are soaked in a syrup flavoured with oil of bitter almonds, whilst green maraschino cherries are preserved using a mint flavoured syrup.

Red Maraschino Cherries

Green Maraschino Cherries

In addition to being used as a cocktail garnish, maraschinos may be added to a variety of baked goods such as biscuits or cakes.