What is a maraschino cherry?
When you envision the vibrant red cherry adorning an ice cream sundae, you're likely picturing a maraschino cherry. These cherries are incredibly sweet and are perfect for evoking a sense of nostalgia in desserts. You can incorporate them into a pineapple upside-down cake, use them in a cream pie, or crown any ice cream delight, such as a milkshake or banana sundae.
Can maraschino cherries be used as a cocktail garnish? Certainly! It’s not a culinary faux pas. However, since they are typically preserved in a sugary syrup, maraschino cherries primarily taste like sugar, which means they don’t contribute much to the flavor of your drink. Additionally, their almost fluorescent color can seem a bit jarring or out of place in a sophisticated cocktail like an old fashioned or a Manhattan.
The overly sweet, eye-catching maraschinos we adore today have a fascinating backstory. They were originally crafted from Marasca cherries in Croatia, specifically at a distillery that produced Maraschino liqueur. To preserve the cherries, they were jarred with the liqueur, effectively infusing them with alcohol. This product gained international popularity, but when Prohibition was introduced in the United States, these alcohol-soaked cherries became illegal. A professor and horticulturist at Oregon State University, Ernest Wiegand, took it upon himself to ensure that Americans could still enjoy these delightful cherries. Instead of preserving them in liqueur, Wiegand discovered that brining the cherries and packing them in a sugary syrup was just as effective. However, this brining process caused the cherries to lose their natural color, which is why maraschino cherries today are dyed that striking red hue.
What is an amarena cherry?
In contrast, Amarena cherries offer a far more intricate and adaptable flavor profile compared to maraschinos. While they are certainly sweet, they also possess a tartness that balances the sugar, resulting in a more sophisticated taste. These cherries pair wonderfully with light desserts such as panna cotta or cheesecake, and their sweet-tart flavor makes them an excellent choice for savory dishes, like pork tenderloin with a red wine cherry sauce.
Remember how we mentioned that the bright red maraschinos might not suit the ambiance of your upscale cocktail? Amarena cherries, with their deep, dark red color, enhance both the visual appeal and flavor of your drink. Their hue beautifully contrasts with the copper tones of whiskey, and their tart-sweet taste complements the spicy and oaky notes of the spirit. Incorporating a jar of Amarena cherries into your bartending essentials could lead to crafting the finest old fashioned you've ever enjoyed.
The primary distinctions between maraschino and Amarena cherries lie in their flavor and color, as well as their origins. Maraschinos hail from Croatia, while Amarenas are Italian and free from any alcohol-related controversies in the U.S. Ultimately, your choice of cherry will depend on your culinary needs and personal taste. Maraschinos excel in playful desserts, whereas Amarena cherries are versatile, making them a delightful addition to sophisticated sweets, savory sauces, and cocktails alike.
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