Cherry Liquor is Perfect Year-Round
Cherry liquor is one of the most versatile items you can have in your home bar — or liquor cabinet, bottle rack, or pile of goodies next to the microwave. Depending on which specific one you’re talking about, cherry liquor can enhance a range of drinks, from Manhattans and Old Fashioneds to a simple glass on its own. Let’s take a look at what makes it so special.
What is cherry liquor?
Cherry liquor goes by many names — cherry liqueurs, cherry Schnapps, cherry Cordial, cherry Brandy, and more — and while they are all a bit different, the one thing that all cherry liquors have in common is the fact that they’re derived in one way or another from cherries.
Where does cherry liquor come from?
Cherry liquor can come from literally anywhere in the world since the cherries don’t need to be grown in the same place that the cherry liquor is made. There’s a long history of cherry liquor production in Europe and, to a lesser extent, the United States, but cherry liqueur brands — with their vast range of cherry liqueur recipe concepts — can certainly be produced in many, many other places, too.
How is cherry liquor made?
Cherry liquor can be made by fermenting and distilling cherry juice, or from the pits of the cherries instead of the juice, or even by infusing a neutral spirit with the flavor of cherries. There are as many ways of producing cherry liquor as there are recipes for cherry-based desserts.
How do you drink liqueur?
Liqueur, in general, and cherry liqueur in particular, is a remarkably versatile product. It can be enjoyed in a snifter on its own, in a rocks glass with ice, in the place of sweet vermouth in a Manhattan, and a million other ways.
Can you drink straight liqueur?
Like the vast majority of spirits, liqueurs can certainly be enjoyed straight. But given the nature of cherry liqueur and cherry liquor, it often improves nearly everything it’s enjoyed with … even in the place of chocolate syrup on a scoop (or three!) of vanilla ice cream.
Does cherry liqueur have alcohol?
By definition, liqueur has alcohol. However, if you’re in the mood for a cherry drink that doesn’t have alcohol, then you can always reduce some jarred cherry juice on the stovetop with a bit of sugar, or in a pinch, you can even use the syrup in the jar of maraschino cherries. Just be careful: Its sweetness can overwhelm other flavors if you use too much of it.
What is the best cherry liqueur?
As with all questions of personal taste, each person is likely to have their own opinion. However, certain brands stand out, including Luxardo, Heering, and Grand Marnier, among others. Our recommendation is to pick up several different ones at your local Total Wine and More to discover the range of cherry liqueur and cherry liquor for yourself.
Browse our full selection of cherry liquor online or check out our selection of highly-rated cherry liquor for a great new cherry liquor to try this week!
