Homemade Maraschino Cherries

Transform your favorite cocktails and desserts with the vibrant flavor of Homemade Maraschino Cherries! This recipe combines fresh cherries with a simple syrup infused with vanilla, almond extract, and the optional addition of Luxardo Maraschino liqueur for an authentic, sophisticated twist. In just 25 minutes of prep and cooking, you’ll create a batch of juicy, sweet-tart cherries that make the perfect garnish for classic cocktails like Manhattans or Old Fashioneds, or a decadent topping for sundaes and pastries. Unlike store-bought versions, these maraschino cherries are preservative-free and brimming with natural flavor, making them an ideal treat that elevates any serving presentation. Treat yourself to this easy, gourmet upgrade that brings homemade elegance to your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound Fresh cherries
• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon Almond extract
• 0.5 cup Luxardo Maraschino liqueur (optional for traditional flavor)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the cherries thoroughly and remove the stems. Use a cherry pitter to remove the pits, keeping the cherries as intact as possible.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. If using the Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, add it at this stage for a more traditional maraschino flavor.

Step 4

Add the pitted cherries to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat the cherries in the syrup and let them simmer for about 5–7 minutes, until they are just slightly softened but still retain their shape.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cherries cool completely in the syrup. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Transfer the cherries and syrup to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the cherries are fully submerged in the syrup.

Step 7

Refrigerate the jar for at least 24 hours before using to enhance the flavor. The cherries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Step 8

Serve the homemade maraschino cherries as a cocktail garnish, a topping for ice cream or sundaes, or enjoy them as a sweet-tart snack!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1048.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1478.1

Total Fat 1.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 8.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 319.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.9g	0%
Total Sugars 303.1g
Protein 6.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 75.1mg	0%
Iron 1.5mg	0%
Potassium 1040.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 0.7%

Protein: 1.8%

Carbs: 97.5%