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9 Best Substitutes For Maraschino Liqueur

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Maraschino liqueur is an exceptionally flavorful and surprisingly refreshing ingredient with mildly sweet and slightly sour flavors. It’s versatile and can be used in baking, cooking, confectionery, and mixology.

But, and it’s a big but, it’s very hard to find. There aren’t many manufacturers so when stores eventually do get stock, it gets sold out almost immediately.

So, what are the best substitutes for maraschino liqueur? First, decide what you want to replace. Is it the flavor, the function, or the alcohol? Then, choose an appropriate substitute. Our favorite options include Amaretto, Cherry Heering, Kirsch, and cherry syrup.

These are only a few of the many options we’ll be looking at today. We’ll discuss in detail how you should choose the best alternative for your recipe, and discuss exactly how and when to use these alternatives.

What Is Maraschino Liqueur?

Have you ever heard of maraschino cherries? Well, maraschino liqueur is similar in flavor, but it is an alcohol-based product instead.

Maraschino liqueur is made from Marasca cherries.

These are unique types of cherries that are small, round, and plump. They have a uniquely sweet and slightly sour flavor profile when eaten raw.

However, as you may know, most maraschino products today are extremely sweet.

This liqueur first originated in Croatia, arguably during the 16th century. Naturally, the process of making maraschino liqueur has changed drastically over the centuries. Today, the process is very similar to brandy production.

The Marasca cherries are crushed with their pits and stems. This mixture is macerated in some alcohol. The exact type of alcohol base mainly depends on the manufacturer’s preferences.

The mixture is usually distilled in copper pot stills or wooden vats made from ask. After the distillation process is completed, the mix is blended with some simple syrup and reduced to the correct bottling strength.

The liqueur may also be blended with additional flavors like honey, herbs, and spices.

What Does Maraschino Liqueur Taste Like?

Now, this liqueur is very unique. There aren’t many producers that make maraschino liqueur today — the main ones are arguably Maraska and Luxardo.

However, the only thing the different products (albeit a few) have in common is a cherry flavor.

This liqueur has an incredibly diverse flavor profile, but naturally, maraschino liqueur should have a very prominent cherry flavor.

All of these liqueurs are also relatively sweet. However, the exact level of sweetness varies greatly.

Some are more like syrup while others have undertones of sweeter flavors.

Then, most of these liqueurs have a sour flavor too. This flavor is caused by the pits and stems that are added during the maceration process.

Other flavors that are commonly picked up in this liqueur are almonds, honey, and sweet herbs

Depending on the exact product you buy, you may pick up more specific herbs and spices.

Where Can You Find Maraschino Liqueur?

Here is where the problem starts. Because there aren’t many manufacturers of maraschino liqueur, it isn’t very easy to find — especially in areas where cherries don’t grow.

Therefore, your best bet is always to look online. But again, where it comes from may not deliver to where you are. Then, you can also look at your local bottle store (liquor store). They may have some in stock, but it’s often very pricey.

So, all of these factors led to more people looking for alternatives. Luckily, there are quite a few!

Choosing The Best Substitute For Maraschino Liqueur

Green Chartreuese Last Word Cocktail with Gin, Maraschino liqueur, Mint, and Lime. Ready to Drink.

Even though there are numerous alternatives for Maraschino liqueur, not all of them are suitable for all functions.

For example, what if you want to change a maraschino cocktail into a mocktail? There’s no point in choosing an alcohol-containing alternative.

Next, it may surprise you, but maraschino liqueur isn’t a bright red color — it’s actually clear!

So, if you are making a white maraschino liqueur cake, you cannot use a substitute that has a bright red color.

These are only a few examples of things you need to consider before just picking anything at random. So, let’s have a look at other important factors to consider when choosing a substitute for maraschino liqueur.

Flavor

The flavor is arguably the most important thing to consider when choosing a substitute. After all, why use maraschino liqueur if you aren’t after the cherry flavor

So, as an example, you could use any other berry liqueur to substitute it with and functionally, they would work great. They contain alcohol, probably have a similar consistency, and can be found in clear colors.

However, they aren’t going to have the cherry flavor! In that case, you are better off looking at another type of cherry-flavored alcohol, like Kirsch or Cherry Heering.

You also have to consider other deciding factors. If you are looking for an alcohol-free cherry-flavored alternative, choose one that actually tastes like cherry — a maraschino cherry syrup or cherry-flavored cocktail syrup will work best.

At the end of the day, you may need to sacrifice some things (like color and consistency) to get the flavor that you want.

If you don’t care that much about an authentic maraschino flavor, any of the below-mentioned substitutes will work.

Color

Many people prefer using the clear maraschino liqueur over other cherry-flavored products that are colored.

If this is your case too, something like a maraschino cherry extract will be your best substitute. Otherwise, look for a colorless liqueur instead with a slightly different flavor.

Most cherry syrups are colored red. If you don’t mind your recipe changing color, then your options will be much broader.

Consistency

This doesn’t necessarily apply to everything. But, let’s say you are making a cocktail. You add maraschino liqueur to the mix, which naturally also adds volume.

If you substitute it with an extract (which you only need a drop or two of), you will also need to add volume in another way. 

Another way to look at it is by adding a thick syrup instead of the runny water-like liqueur. The syrup won’t mix in with the rest of the cocktail ingredients. So, it won’t work as a substitute.

Know what the functions are of the maraschino liqueur in your recipe before choosing a substitute.

A syrup can work in cakes and baked goods, as long as it’s thinned. But, it won’t work in a cocktail or cold dessert, where it won’t blend with the other ingredients.

Alcohol Level

Naturally, if you don’t want the alternative to have alcohol in it, then choose one that doesn’t. There are hundreds of options out there.

Just one thing we do need to mention is that you have to consider the alcohol level of extracts and essences. These are often made with alcohol bases, which may be unsuitable for certain people.

Availability And Price

And finally, don’t break the bank on an alternative. If it’s already expensive for the original ingredient, there really is no point to spend more on an alternative.

The only exception is if you are planning on using it for many different functions. If you make cocktails using this liqueur, it may be worth investing in a good quality tasty alternative. 

But, if it’s only for baking and cooking, use an affordable option instead. 

Best Substitutes For Maraschino Liqueur

Without further ado, here are our favorite substitutes for maraschino liqueur. As always, we included a range of options that will suit your every possible need!

1. Amaretto

Amaretto is a completely underrated liqueur because of its unique flavor.

This is an Italian liqueur made from sour cherries. So naturally, it is far less sweet than most maraschino liqueurs and has a predominantly sour flavor. But, it also has that unique almond flavor!

The lack of sweetness is easily fixable and is worth the extra effort to get that authentic cherry flavor. In any recipe that you use, just add some additional sugar syrup.

Amaretto is a great option that is easy to find across the globe, and that is relatively affordable. It has a similar consistency to maraschino liqueur and will function in the same way.

The biggest downside is that it has an amber color that will affect the color of your final product.

2. Cherry Heering

The only reason Cherry Heering is not our number one option is that it’s more difficult to find than Amaretto and often more expensive. However, if you do manage to get your hands on some, it’s well worth the purchase.

Cherry Heering has a much sweeter flavor profile than your average maraschino liqueur, but it’s incredibly tasty.

It has noticeably sweet flavors with floral and fruity undertones. You also pick up an almond flavor with hints of wood.

This alternative has a beautiful deep red color, which is a downside to some people. But, as with Amaretto, it will function in exactly the same way.

3. Cherry Syrup

Cherry syrup is extremely easy to find, very cost-effective, and it doesn’t contain alcohol. The downside of this option is that it is almost always colored red and has a thicker consistency.

Now, there’s not much you can do about the red color. But, you can adjust the consistency of the syrup to incorporate it into your recipes! In most cases, you will be able to slightly heat the syrup to make it more pourable.

It will thicken eventually, but in recipes like baked goods, it doesn’t matter at all. And in cocktails — well, let’s be honest. You’ll likely finish it before it ever starts solidifying again!

You can also use cherry-flavored simple syrup, cherry-flavored cocktail syrup, or cherry syrup (which is concentrated cherries).

4. Kirsch

Kirsch is a German liqueur made from Morello cherries instead of Masacra. This option is also colorless like maraschino liqueur. And it has a very similar sweet and sour flavor to it with hints of almonds.

What makes Kirsch more unique is that it also has tangy undertones. This is due to the fermentation process that the cherries go through. Some people like the tangy flavors while others don’t.

If you aren’t sure what to expect, buy a small bottle of Kirsch first and give it a try. You may just end up loving it more than maraschino liqueur!

5. Cherry Brandy

Cherry brandy won’t work if you don’t like the flavor of brandy, whiskey, or bourbon. It isn’t nearly as intense as the unflavored versions, but it does have strong brandy flavors.

If you do like these hard liquors, then you have to give cherry-flavored brandy a try! It works especially well in desserts like fruit cake.

The sweetness is this alternative is extremely mild in comparison to even the least sweet maraschino liqueur. But, you can adjust the sugar levels of the recipe to make up for that. 

The flavors are rich, and slightly sweet, with prominent cherry flavors. 

6. Port Wine

Port wine may be a strange option to wine experts as it tastes almost nothing like cherries. This is true, but that’s not why this substitute works.

First, port wine has very prominent cherry aromas even if you don’t always pick them up on your pallet. Some port wine options do have undertones of cherry, but not all. 

The reason why this wine works so well as an alternative for a cherry liqueur is that it is similarly sweet and has slightly butter flavors. It has hints of berries in them, which makes them suitable as an alternative in baked goods.

It adds volume, moisture, flavor, and of course, has alcohol in it. Port wine is easy to find globally and relatively affordable.

7. Cherry Vodka

Cherry-flavored vodka is similar in concept to cherry-flavored brandy. But, it is even easier to find and often more affordable. So, why is it ranked below cherry brandy? 

Personally, we think the flavor that cherry brandy adds to your dishes is just far superior to vodka. Cherry vodka works best as a substitute in beverages.

This alternative is still heavily cherry-flavored and often slightly sweet. Some brands even have a slight tartness in their vodka, which can help create a more balanced flavor profile.

8. Cherry Extract

Cherry extract is a fantastic option to add pure maraschino cherry flavors. The biggest downside is that its form is completely different. Maraschino extract is a highly concentrated mix of which you literally only need a drop or two.

So, you lose the volume that is likely needed for the recipe. So, how can you fix this? Add more liquid in a form that makes the most sense.

Let’s say you are making a cake. Add 1-2 drops of cherry extract along with extra milk, water, or even unflavored vodka (any liquid that doesn’t have a major effect on the structure of the cake). If you added oil, the cake would’ve become dense.

If you’re whipping up some cocktails, add more of any other liquid that’s already in the recipe. If you are making a maraschino and gin cocktail, add more mixers along with the extract.

This option is easy, but you will need to make adjustments to your recipe.

9. Homemade Cherry Liqueur

Last but not least, you can make your very own cherry liqueur at home — and no, it doesn’t involve brewing anything!

You simply need to combine 24 ounces of pitted cherries, 3 cups of vodka, and 8 ounces of sugar. Place these ingredients inside a glass jar and shake so the sugar dissolves. Then, leave the jar tightly closed for 8 weeks.

This process is a time-consuming one. However, if you regularly use maraschino liqueur for baking, it’s a great affordable alternative.

There are also a ton of in-depth recipes that describes the process. Here’s one from Alkofan 1984 on YouTube that shows a slightly different recipe:

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