Cherry Liqueur
Sweet, dark and rich, the cherry liqueur behind the Singapore Sling. Not to be confused with maraschino or kirsch.
About Cherry Liqueur
Cherry liqueur is a sweet, deep red liqueur made from cherries, sugar and a neutral or aged spirit. The best-known example is Cherry Heering, the Danish liqueur made by Peter F. Heering and usually dated to the early 19th century. It is rich, jammy and gently spiced.
Three cherry products get mixed up, so it is worth separating them. Cherry liqueur such as Heering is dark, sweet and fruity. Maraschino liqueur, such as Luxardo, is clear, drier and made from marasca cherries, with a nutty, slightly funky character. Kirsch is a clear, unsweetened cherry brandy (an eau-de-vie).
In cocktails it is a modifier, used in small measures to add colour, fruit and depth. It features in the Singapore Sling, Blood and Sand, and Remember the Maine.
The Classic Recipe
Classic Remember the Maine — Serves 1
- 60 ml (2 oz) rye whiskey
- 20 ml (¾ oz) sweet vermouth
- 10 ml (⅓ oz) cherry liqueur
- 3–4 dashes absinthe (or an absinthe rinse)
- Cherry, to garnish
Method
- Rinse a chilled coupe with the absinthe and discard any excess.
- Add the rye, vermouth and cherry liqueur to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled, then strain into the coupe.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Tips for Using Cherry Liqueur
- Do not swap it for maraschino. They are different products. Maraschino is drier and funkier, and will not give the same sweet, jammy result.
- Measure carefully. It is a strong, sweet modifier, so even small changes in the measure shift the balance.
- Fresh-ish bottle. Keep it sealed and cool, and use within a reasonable time to retain the fruit.
- Pair with citrus. A squeeze of lime or lemon balances the sweetness in sours and slings.
- Use good cherries. Garnish with quality cocktail cherries, not the bright red maraschino-style kind.
Popular Variations
Singapore Sling
Gin, cherry liqueur and other modifiers, topped with pineapple. Entry to follow.
Blood and Sand
Scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur and orange juice.
Cherry Daiquiri
A rum sour with a spoonful of cherry liqueur for colour and fruit.
Cherry spritz
A short measure topped with sparkling wine and soda.
How to Serve
Glass: A chilled coupe for stirred and sour drinks; a highball for slings and spritzes.
Ice: Strain up for stirred drinks; add cubed ice for long drinks.
Batching for a crowd: Pre-mix the base spirit and modifiers for stirred drinks and chill. Add citrus-led sours and fizzy serves to order.
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