This decadent and luxurious gin tonic cocktail with maraschino cherry juice combines sweet cherry notes and bitter quinine aromas from the tonic water. It's an eye-catching cocktail and a must-try for your next summer cocktail party!
In the US, Maraschino cherries got famous for ice cream sundaes, milkshake toppings and the renowned cherry poke cake. However, they are also a huge part of the classic cocktail culture. There's no Tequila sunrise without a bright red cherry garnish!
While they make a fancy and festive garnish, they can also be used as the main ingredient in a drink. I'll show you how to make this unconventional Maraschino cherry gin tonic cocktail.
For more fruity cocktails, check out our grapefruit and Martini Rosato cocktail and our frozen pornstar Martini.
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Maraschino cherries 1-0-1
Maraschino cherries are sweetened cherries preserved in sugar syrup. They are usually made from light-colored, sweet varieties of cherries (e.g., Royal Ann cherries).
Contrary to popular belief, Maraschino cherries from the jar as we know them today DO NOT contain alcohol. In the past, however, freshly picked Mascara cherries were often soaked in Maraschino liqueur for preservation purposes.
Store-bought Maraschino cherries taste more like candied fruit than actual cherries. They often have a slight Amaretto or almond flavor due to the addition of aromas, to replicate the taste of cherries preserved in maraschino liqueur.
Maraschino cherries are pitless as they are usually removed during the preservation process. However, it can always happen that one was missed, especially in artisanal Maraschino cherry jars.
Luxardo and Maraschino cherries are theoretically the same. However, Luxardo cherries are often considered premium and artisanal. They have a darker deeper color and make the perfect cocktail garnish. Maraschino cherries, on the other hand, have a lighter, bright red color and are often used as an ice cream topping.
If stored properly, a jar of Maraschino cherries can last several months to a year after opening. At room temperature, you can store it for about a month in a dark and dry space. In the refrigerator, it will last at least 6 months. Always check the jar for proper storage instructions.
Key ingredients and substitutions
- Gin is the base spirit of this cocktail.
- Jarred Maraschino cherries or Luxardo cherries make a great garnish but also a great addition to this cocktail. Use the juice to slightly sweeten the gin tonic and give it a gorgeous pink color.
- Lemon juice adds some freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cherries.
- Tonic water is needed for a classic G&T. I recommend using classic Indian tonic water to sublime the Maraschino cherry flavor.
Elo's tips
- Go for high-quality artisanal Maraschino cherries. Cheap Maraschino cherries are often bleached, then artificially colored to get that bright red color.
- Check the ingredients list and try to find cherries without corn syrup, coloring agents, natural flavorings, and preservatives.
Step-by-step instructions
STEP 1: Add ice cubes to a gin tonic glass.
STEP 2: Pour the gin, Maraschino cherry syrup and lemon juice into the glass. I recommend using a cocktail jigger to measure out the liquids. If you don't have one, follow the tablespoons measurements on the recipe card.
STEP 3: Fill up the glass with tonic water. Give it a good stir.
STEP 4: Garnish the cocktail with a few Maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick.
Watch the video!
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The recipe
Gin Tonic Cocktail With Maraschino Cherry
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) gin 4 tablespoons
- ½ oz (15 ml) Maraschino cherry juice (from a jar of Maraschino cherries) 1 teaspoon
- ½ oz (15 ml) lemon juice 1 teaspoon
- 6 oz (180 ml) tonic water ¾ cup
- 3 Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Pink peppercorns for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a gin tonic glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice and Maraschino cherry juice.
- Top it with tonic water. Give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with Maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick and some pink peppercorns.
Video
Notes
- Go for high-quality artisanal Maraschino cherries. Cheap Maraschino cherries are often bleached, then artificially colored to get that bright red color.
Nutrition
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