Imagine a vibrant ruby gem perched atop a creamy milkshake, or adding a bright pop of color to a fancy cocktail. That’s the magic of a maraschino cherry! These little wonders bring a touch of sweetness and fun to so many treats. But have you ever stood in the grocery store, staring at rows of jars, and wondered which maraschino cherries are *actually* good?
It can be tough to know what to look for. Some taste too artificial, while others have a strange texture. You want that perfect balance of sweet and tart, a cherry that enhances your drink or dessert, not overpowers it. Choosing the wrong ones can leave your creations tasting a little… off.
That’s where we come in! By the end of this post, you’ll be a maraschino cherry expert. We’ll explore what makes these cherries so special, how they’re made, and most importantly, how to pick the best ones for your next culinary adventure. Get ready to unlock the secrets to perfectly dressed drinks and desserts!
Our Top 5 Maraschino Cherries Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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365 by Whole Foods Market | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Amazon Grocery | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Amazon Grocery | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Maraschino Cherries Detailed Reviews
1. 365 by Whole Foods Market
Rating: 8.7/10
Elevate your drinks and desserts with 365 by Whole Foods Market Maraschino Cherries. This 13.5-ounce jar holds bright, ruby-red cherries that add a pop of color and sweet flavor. They are made from good quality cherries, making them a fantastic choice for anyone who loves a touch of sweetness and a classic garnish.
What We Like:
- These cherries are made from premium quality fruit.
- They are perfect for adding a festive touch to cocktails.
- You can also use them to decorate cakes, pies, and ice cream sundaes.
- The jar is a good size, offering plenty of cherries.
- They are certified kosher, which is great for those with dietary needs.
- They are also Non-GMO verified, meaning they are made without genetically modified ingredients.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sweetness level might be a bit high for some palates.
- While good, they are not as intensely cherry-flavored as some gourmet options.
Overall, 365 by Whole Foods Market Maraschino Cherries are a reliable and tasty addition to your pantry. They offer a classic garnish that works well for many occasions.
2. Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries
Rating: 8.6/10
Elevate your drinks and desserts with Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries. These aren’t your average bright red cherries. They are made from sour marasca cherries that are candied and soaked in a delicious syrup. This syrup is a mix of cherry juice and sugar. You’ll get a jar of 400 grams (14.1 oz) of these special cherries.
What We Like:
- They are candied fresh, not dyed neon red.
- These cherries have a dark, rich taste from real sour marasca cherries.
- They add a decadent touch to classic and modern cocktails like Old Fashioned and Manhattans.
- They are a must-have for any home or professional bar.
- They are also perfect for topping desserts.
- The jar is packed in a special protective bubble for safe arrival.
- They are Kosher Certified.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some might find the price a bit high compared to cheaper alternatives.
- The rich flavor might be too intense for those who prefer very sweet, mild cherries.
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries offer a superior taste and quality for your favorite drinks and treats. They are a worthwhile addition for anyone who appreciates fine ingredients.
3. Amazon Grocery
Rating: 8.7/10
These Maraschino Cherries with Stems from Amazon Grocery are a sweet and fun addition to your kitchen. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color and flavor to desserts, drinks, and more. Even though the packaging might look a little different now that they’re part of the Amazon Grocery brand, the delicious cherries inside are still the same great quality you know and love from Amazon Fresh. You can trust that Amazon Grocery offers all your favorite items at good prices, making it easy to grab everything you need for tasty meals in one go.
What We Like:
- Bright red color makes treats look extra special.
- Stems are still attached, which is nice for garnishes.
- Great for topping ice cream sundaes and cakes.
- Can be used to make fun, fruity drinks.
- Good value for the price.
- Convenient to buy as part of your regular Amazon Grocery order.
What Could Be Improved:
- The packaging may change, which can be a little confusing at first.
- Requires refrigeration after opening, so plan ahead for storage.
These maraschino cherries are a simple way to make everyday treats more exciting. Grab a jar and start adding a touch of sweetness to your day!
4. Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries
Rating: 8.8/10
Elevate your drinks and desserts with Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries. These aren’t your average bright red cherries. They are gourmet Italian treats that bring a rich, authentic cherry flavor to any creation. Each jar is packed with about 65 dark, decadent cherries, ready to add a touch of elegance.
What We Like:
- These cherries are made from real sour marasca cherries. They are candied fresh, not artificially colored.
- You get a deep, rich cherry flavor that’s perfect for both fancy cocktails and sweet desserts.
- They are a must-have for any home bar or professional bartender.
- The jar contains around 65 cherries, offering good value.
- They are Kosher Certified.
What Could Be Improved:
- The syrup, while delicious, can be quite sweet for some palates.
- The price point is higher than standard maraschino cherries, making them more of a premium choice.
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries offer a superior taste experience. They are a worthwhile indulgence for anyone who appreciates quality in their culinary creations.
5. Amazon Grocery
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to add a pop of sweetness to your favorite treats with Amazon Grocery’s Stemless Maraschino Cherries! These bright red cherries come in a 10-ounce jar, perfect for baking, decorating, or just enjoying straight from the jar. They’re made with real cherries and packed in a delicious syrup, giving you that classic maraschino cherry flavor you love. Even though the packaging might look a little different as they transition from Happy Belly to Amazon Grocery, the great taste and quality you expect stay the same.
What We Like:
- These cherries are stemless, making them super easy to use for drinks and desserts.
- They are made with real cherries, so you get an authentic, sweet flavor.
- The 10-ounce jar is a good size for many recipes.
- Amazon Grocery offers these favorites at a good price.
- You can find them easily as part of your Amazon Grocery shopping.
What Could Be Improved:
- The syrup can be a bit sticky, so clean up is sometimes needed.
- Some people might prefer cherries with stems for a more traditional look on drinks.
These stemless maraschino cherries are a convenient and tasty addition to your pantry. They’re a sweet way to brighten up any meal or snack.
Your Guide to Delicious Maraschino Cherries
Maraschino cherries are bright red, sweet, and a little bit fancy. They add a pop of color and flavor to many drinks and desserts. Whether you’re a baker, a cocktail maker, or just love a sweet treat, knowing what to look for will help you pick the best ones.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for maraschino cherries, keep these features in mind:
- Color: The most famous feature is their vibrant red color. This comes from food coloring. A good maraschino cherry has a bright, consistent red.
- Sweetness: They are very sweet. Some are sweeter than others. If you prefer less sugar, look for brands that mention a balanced sweetness.
- Texture: Good maraschino cherries are firm but still have a slight chew. They shouldn’t be mushy or too hard.
- Flavor: While they are sweet, you might notice a hint of almond or cherry flavor. The best ones have a pleasant, not overpowering, cherry taste.
- Stem: Some maraschino cherries come with stems, while others are pitted. If you plan to use them for garnishes, stems can look pretty. For baking or mixing into recipes, pitted is usually easier.
Important Materials
Maraschino cherries are made from a few main things:
- Cherries: Most maraschino cherries start as light-colored sweet cherries, like Royal Ann or Rainier cherries. These are chosen for their firm texture.
- Sweetener: Sugar or high-fructose corn syrup is used to make them sweet. This also helps preserve them.
- Coloring: Red food coloring is what gives them their signature bright look. Common types are Red 40.
- Flavoring: Almond extract or natural cherry flavor is often added to enhance the taste.
- Preservatives: Some brands may use preservatives to keep them fresh longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make maraschino cherries better or not so great:
- How they are made: Cherries that are soaked for a longer time in syrup tend to absorb more flavor and have a better texture.
- Natural ingredients: Some people prefer cherries made with natural colors and flavors. These might cost a little more but can offer a more subtle taste.
- Too much artificial flavor: If the almond or cherry flavor is too strong, it can be unpleasant.
- Mushy texture: Over-processing or poor storage can make cherries soft and mushy. This is not ideal.
- Artificial colors: While common, some people avoid artificial food dyes.
User Experience and Use Cases
Maraschino cherries are very versatile. People use them in many ways:
- Cocktails: They are a classic garnish for drinks like a Shirley Temple, a Manhattan, or a cherry cola. They add a festive touch.
- Desserts: You can add them to ice cream sundaes, cakes, cupcakes, and fruit salads. They bring color and sweetness.
- Baking: Chop them up and mix them into batters for cakes or cookies. They add a burst of cherry flavor.
- Snacking: Some people enjoy eating them straight from the jar as a sweet treat.
Maraschino Cherry FAQs
Q: What are maraschino cherries?
A: Maraschino cherries are sweet cherries that have been preserved in a sugar syrup. They are known for their bright red color and sweet flavor.
Q: What is the main ingredient in maraschino cherries?
A: The main ingredient is cherries. Sweet cherry varieties are typically used.
Q: Why are maraschino cherries so red?
A: They get their bright red color from red food coloring, often Red 40.
Q: Do maraschino cherries have stems?
A: Some do, and some don’t. You can find them with or without stems, depending on your preference and how you plan to use them.
Q: Are maraschino cherries healthy?
A: Maraschino cherries are mostly sugar. They are a treat and not considered a health food. They offer some antioxidants from the cherries, but the sugar content is high.
Q: How should I store maraschino cherries?
A: You should store them in their original syrup in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they are best kept in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Q: Can I make maraschino cherries at home?
A: Yes, you can make them at home. It involves pitting cherries, soaking them in a sugar syrup, and adding color and flavorings.
Q: What is the difference between maraschino cherries and regular cherries?
A: Maraschino cherries are processed and preserved in syrup with added color and flavor. Regular cherries are fresh and have a natural taste and texture.
Q: Are there maraschino cherries without artificial coloring?
A: Yes, some brands offer maraschino cherries made with natural food colorings derived from fruits or vegetables.
Q: What does “maraschino” mean?
A: The word “maraschino” comes from a type of cherry liqueur made from Marasca cherries. While modern maraschino cherries don’t always use this liqueur, the name stuck.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!