Elevate your cocktails with homemade maraschino cherries: a flavorful adventure – serious eats

In the realm of cocktail garnishes and baking delights, maraschino cherries hold a special place. Their vibrant red hue and sweet, slightly tart flavor have made them a beloved ingredient for generations. But what if we told you that the secret to truly exceptional maraschino cherries lies in making them from scratch?
This Serious Eats guide will take you on a culinary journey, uncovering the secrets of creating homemade maraschino cherries that will elevate your cocktails, desserts, and more to new heights of flavor and sophistication.

The History of Maraschino Cherries

The origins of maraschino cherries can be traced back to the 16th century, when Croatian monks used a local variety of sour cherry known as the Maraska to create a liqueur called maraschino. The cherries were steeped in the liqueur, giving them their distinctive flavor and vibrant color.
Over time, the production of maraschino cherries spread throughout Europe, with Italy becoming a major producer. Today, maraschino cherries are made using a variety of cherry varieties, including Bing, Royal Ann, and Rainier.

The Commercial Production of Maraschino Cherries

Commercial maraschino cherries are typically made using a process that involves:

• Soaking the cherries in a brine solution
• Treating the cherries with sulfur dioxide to preserve their color
• Adding artificial flavors and colors
• Sweetening the cherries with sugar or corn syrup

While this process produces a shelf-stable product, it often results in cherries that are overly sweet and lack the natural flavor and complexity of homemade maraschino cherries.

Why Make Homemade Maraschino Cherries?

There are several compelling reasons to make homemade maraschino cherries:

• Superior flavor: Homemade maraschino cherries have a more natural and complex flavor than their commercial counterparts. They retain the inherent sweetness and tartness of the fresh cherries, resulting in a more balanced and nuanced taste.

• Control over ingredients: By making your own maraschino cherries, you have complete control over the ingredients used. You can choose high-quality cherries, avoid artificial flavors and colors, and adjust the sweetness level to your preference.

• Versatility: Homemade maraschino cherries can be used in a wide range of applications, from cocktails and desserts to salads and savory dishes. Their versatility makes them a valuable addition to any kitchen.

The Serious Eats Maraschino Cherry Recipe

Our Serious Eats maraschino cherry recipe is designed to produce exceptional cherries with a vibrant color, natural flavor, and balanced sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound fresh sour cherries, pitted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup maraschino liqueur (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the cherries: Rinse and pit the fresh sour cherries.
2. Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly.
3. Add the cherries: Add the pitted cherries to the simple syrup. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the cherries have softened and the syrup has reduced by half.
4. Add the optional ingredients: If desired, add the maraschino liqueur and almond extract to the cherries. Stir to combine.
5. Transfer to jars: Once the cherries have cooled slightly, transfer them to clean glass jars. Pour the remaining syrup over the cherries, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jars.
6. Seal and store: Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before using. The maraschino cherries will continue to develop flavor over time.

Tips for Making Exceptional Maraschino Cherries

• Use high-quality cherries: The quality of the cherries you use will have a significant impact on the final product. Choose fresh, ripe sour cherries for the best flavor.

• Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the cherries, as this can cause them to lose their color and texture. Simmer them gently over low heat to preserve their delicate flavor.

• Adjust the sweetness: The amount of sugar in the recipe can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer sweeter cherries, add more sugar.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding spices, herbs, or extracts to the simple syrup. Some popular variations include cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.

• Store properly: Homemade maraschino cherries can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. The syrup will help to preserve the cherries and prevent them from spoiling.

Using Homemade Maraschino Cherries

Homemade maraschino cherries can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• Cocktails: Garnish classic cocktails like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Aviation with homemade maraschino cherries for a touch of sophistication.

• Desserts: Add homemade maraschino cherries to ice cream, cakes, pies, and other desserts for a burst of flavor and color.

• Salads: Use homemade maraschino cherries to add a sweet and tangy touch to salads, such as Waldorf salad or spinach salad.

• Savory dishes: Homemade maraschino cherries can also be used to add a touch of sweetness and acidity to savory dishes, such as pork tenderloin or chicken stir-fries.

A Sweet Conclusion: The Joy of Homemade Maraschino Cherries

Making homemade maraschino cherries is a rewarding endeavor that will elevate your culinary creations to new heights. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients and following our step-by-step instructions, you can create exceptional maraschino cherries that are bursting with flavor and versatility. So, embrace the lost art of homemade maraschino cherries and experience the joy of crafting a truly special ingredient that will add a touch of sweetness and sophistication to your favorite dishes.

Popular Questions

1. What is the difference between maraschino cherries and regular cherries?
Maraschino cherries are made from sour cherries that have been preserved in a sweet syrup. They have a distinctive red color and a slightly tart flavor. Regular cherries are not preserved in syrup and have a more natural, less sweet flavor.
2. Can I make maraschino cherries without maraschino liqueur?
Yes, you can make maraschino cherries without maraschino liqueur. Simply omit the liqueur from the recipe and replace it with an equal amount of water.
3. How long do homemade maraschino cherries last?
Homemade maraschino cherries can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. The syrup will help to preserve the cherries and prevent them from spoiling.