Originating in Croatia in the 1700s, maraschino liqueur has become an integral ingredient in many modern and classic cocktails. Historically, maraschino features prominently in drinks like the Hemingway Daiquiri and the Aviation Cocktail—but modern mixologists have used the liqueur to craft imaginative new creations.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a few of my favorite cocktails using maraschino liqueur (Luxardo is my go-to brand). So, let’s get started on our delicious exploration of maraschino-infused libations.
1. Aviation
The Aviation is a classic cocktail made with a combination of gin, lemon juice, and maraschino liqueur. The maraschino liqueur adds a balanced sweetness to the drink, which is accentuated by a hint of lemon and the unmistakable flavor of gin.
Its bright, refreshing flavor and pleasant aroma make this cocktail perfect for a summer evening. The Aviation is an outstanding way to experience the distinctive and sophisticated flavor of maraschino liqueur, which has been used in cocktails for centuries. Its flavor adds a unique sweetness and complexity to the drink, making it a true classic and a favorite among cocktail lovers.
Aviation
Ingredients
- 4.5 cl Gin
- 1.5 cl lemon juice
- 1.5 cl maraschino liqueur
How to make it
- Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
2. Boomerang
The Boomerang is one of the classic cocktails that features maraschino liqueur. This traditional combination of gin, dry vermouth, bitters, and the sweet, cherry-flavored liqueur creates a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and savory.
Perfect for special occasions, the Boomerang is equally at home sipped solo or served as a nightcap after a meal. The balance of the bright, herbal quality of the gin and the slight bitterness of the vermouth is complimented by the cherry notes of the maraschino liqueur. The sweet, yet pungent maraschino cherry perched atop the drink provides a welcomed contrast to the rest of the flavors. Whether you're a novice looking to make a classic drink or you're an experienced mixologist, the Boomerang is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Boomerang
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
- 2 dashes Bitters
- 1/2 tsp Maraschino liqueur
- 1 Maraschino cherry
How to make it
- In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, combine the gin, vermouth, bitters, and maraschino liqueur.
- Stir well.
- Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with the cherry.
3. Brooklyn
The Brooklyn cocktail is an easy-to-make classic with a flavor profile that will satisfy anyone's taste buds! This refreshing beverage combines rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur and angostura bitters, creating a combination of sweet and sour flavors that perfectly balance each other out.
To top it off, it's garnished with a cherry for the perfect touch of sweetness. This drink is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual night out or a special occasion. Maraschino liqueur adds a curious flavor that can't be duplicated by any other liqueur. It's sweet taste makes it the ideal ingredient in cocktails, such as this one, as well as other popular drinks like a Manhattan or a Hemingway Daiquiri. The Brooklyn is an outstanding example of how maraschino liqueur can add a fascinating twist to an otherwise simple cocktail.
Brooklyn
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1/4 oz Maraschino Liqueur
- 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 Maraschino Cherry
How to make it
- Combine ingredients with ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Casa Blanca
The Casa Blanca is a delicious cocktail that features maraschino liqueur as one of its primary ingredients. The liqueur adds an elegant and complex flavor to the drink.
The combination of light rum, triple sec, lime juice, and maraschino liqueur creates a sweet but tart flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying. The drink is traditionally served in a cocktail glass, making it ideal for a night out gathering with friends. With its balanced blend of sweet and tart, the Casa Blanca is sure to become a fast favorite for cocktail lovers.
Casa Blanca
Ingredients
- 2 oz Light rum
- 1 1/2 tsp Triple sec
- 1 1/2 tsp Lime juice
- 1 1/2 tsp Maraschino liqueur
How to make it
- Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.
5. Casino
The Casino cocktail is a gin-based concoction that features the elegant complexity of maraschino liqueur. This liqueur, made from the juice of marasca cherries, brings a curious balanced sweetness to this tart and tangy drink.
The gin pairs well with the maraschino for a spirited base, and lemon juice, orange bitters, and a cherry provide an extra kick of flavor. Enjoy this drink’s delightful taste and aroma with a chilled glass and a lemon twist and maraschino cherry garnish. The Casino is a timeless classic for any occasion and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of gin aficionados.
Casino
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1/4 tsp Maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 tsp Lemon juice
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- 1 Cherry
How to make it
- Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake well.
- Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve without a straw.
6. Casino Royale
The Casino Royale is an elevated take on a classic sour. It's an exceptional cocktail for those looking to explore the distinctive flavor of maraschino liqueur.
This concoction packs a punch with its combination of gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and orange bitters. The addition of an egg yolk helps to create a rich, creamy and tart body that's sure to impress. The Casino Royale is a unique and flavorful way to enjoy maraschino liqueur. Whether you're looking to switch up your usual sour orders or shake up a batch for a special occasion, the Casino Royale is definitely one to try!
Casino Royale
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Maraschino liqueur
- 1 dash Orange bitters
- 1 Egg yolk
How to make it
- In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine all of the ingredients.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a sour glass.
7. Hemingway Special
The Hemingway Special is an exciting and curious twist on the classic daiquiri cocktail. This combination of rum, grapefruit juice, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice creates an eye-catching mix of flavors.
The addition of the maraschino liqueur in this drink gives a nice sweet and sour touch and the grapefruit juice helps to balance out the sweetness. This simple and elegant cocktail is sure to make an impression. The Hemingway Special is definitely a must-try for anyone who loves maraschino liqueur in their cocktails!
Hemingway Special
Ingredients
- 12 parts Rum
- 8 parts Grapefruit Juice
- 3 parts Maraschino Liqueur
- 3 parts Lime Juice
How to make it
- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice.
- Shake.
8. London Town
The London Town is an elegant cocktail made with gin, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. Maraschino liqueur is a sweetened cherry liqueur made with Marasca cherries, which gives this cocktail its distinctive flavor.
The combination of juniper-forward gin, tart cherry liqueur, and bitter orange bitters yields a complex and well-balanced drink that's perfect for sipping. The London Town is an exceptional representation of the versatility of maraschino liqueur, which is often used to add a succulent sweetness to cocktails, but can also be used to add a lightly sour flavor as well. This is certainly a cocktail worth trying if you want to explore the flavor possibilities of maraschino liqueur.
London Town
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Maraschino liqueur
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
How to make it
- In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, combine all of the ingredients.
- Stir well.
- Strain into a cocktail glass.
9. Martinez 2
The Martinez 2 is another classic cocktail that puts a curious spin on the traditional Martinez recipe. Instead of dry vermouth, this recipe calls for sweet vermouth and a hint of maraschino liqueur.
This combination creates a deep, complex flavor that is surprisingly smooth. The sweet vermouth and the maraschino liqueur pair nicely together and it helps to bring out the juniper-y botanical notes of the gin. To finish, a few drops of Angostura bitters add a subtle spice that completes the drink. With its robust flavor, this cocktail is perfect for those looking for something a little different than a gin and tonic or a martini.
Martinez 2
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 1 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 tsp Maraschino Liqueur
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
How to make it
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with ice.
- Stir until chilled, and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
10. Mary Pickford
The Mary Pickford is a delicious cocktail that combines light rum with pineapple juice and maraschino liqueur for a sweet and tart flavor. The addition of grenadine and a maraschino cherry is the perfect finishing touch for this vibrant cocktail.
The combination of fruit flavors, sweetness, and subtle hints of maraschino liqueur create an exquisite drink for any occasion. Those looking for a curious blend of cocktail flavors will definitely appreciate this beverage.
Mary Pickford
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Light rum
- 1 oz Pineapple juice
- 1/2 tsp Maraschino liqueur
- 1/2 tsp Grenadine
- 1 Maraschino cherry
How to make it
- Shake and strain into a chilled large cocktail glass.
11. The Last Word
The Last Word marries the herbal flavor of Green Chartreuse with the sweet, fruity flavor of maraschino liqueur and tartness of lime juice. A perfect balance of flavor and complexity, The Last Word is an exquisite choice for those looking to explore the possibilities of drinks featuring maraschino liqueur.
The liqueur's curious taste is the perfect complement to the other ingredients, creating an incredibly smooth, yet complex cocktail. Enjoy The Last Word and discover what maraschino liqueur can really do when it's mixed with the right ingredients.
The Last Word
Ingredients
- 1 oz Green Chartreuse
- 1 oz Maraschino Liqueur
- 1 oz Lime Juice
How to make it
- Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
12. Tuxedo Cocktail
The Tuxedo Cocktail is my final cocktail that uses maraschino liqueur as one of its main ingredients. Maraschino liqueur is a sweet and savory cherry-flavored spirit that adds a hint of sweetness and a special depth of flavor to a variety of cocktails.
In the Tuxedo Cocktail, the maraschino liqueur is balanced out by dry vermouth, gin, anis, and orange bitters for a curious and flavorful drink. Topped off with a cherry for garnish, this cocktail is a twist on the traditional gin martini that is sure to please even the most sophisticated palate. So if you're looking for an alluring and distinct cocktail, look no further than the Tuxedo Cocktail.
Tuxedo Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 1/4 tsp Maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 tsp Anis
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- 1 Cherry
How to make it
- Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry and a twist of lemon zest.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, maraschino liqueur is a unique and flavorful addition to any cocktail. Although Luxardo can be a challenge to find at regular liquor stores, specialty and online retailers will have it on hand.
From the traditional Aviation cocktail to the more modern Lemon Drop, there is an array of delicious cocktails that incorporate maraschino liqueur. Get creative, mix and match, and experiment your way to find your perfect combination. Now that you’ve become a maraschino master, it’s time to get to mixing and enjoy a delicious drink!
