DIY Maraschino Cherries: A Sweet and Simple Recipe

Have you ever wanted to try making your own maraschino cherries? These sweet, bright red cherries often add a pop of color and flavor to cocktails, desserts, and even savory dishes. While store-bought maraschino cherries are readily available, making your own at home can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.

The good news is, making maraschino cherries is relatively easy and doesn’t require a lot of time or special equipment. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can make your own jar of delicious maraschino cherries that are tastier and healthier than the ones found at the grocery store. So, let’s get started on making some homemade maraschino cherries that will impress your friends and family!

1. What are maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries are a type of preserved cherries that are typically used as a garnish for cocktails or desserts. They are made by preserving sweet cherries in a solution made of sugar, water, and maraschino liqueur or cherry brandy. Maraschino cherries should have a bright red color, firm texture, and a sweet, slightly tart flavor.

2. Choosing the right cherries

To make delicious maraschino cherries, you need to start with high-quality cherries. Look for fresh, plump cherries that are free of bruises and blemishes. You can use any variety of sweet cherries, but some of the best for maraschino cherries are the Bing and Royal Ann varieties.

3. Pitting the cherries

Before you can preserve the cherries, you need to remove the pits. You can do this with a cherry pitter, which is a tool designed specifically for this task. Alternatively, you can use a knife to cut the cherries in half and remove the pits manually.

4. Preparing the brine

The brine is the solution that the cherries will be preserved in. To make the brine, you will need sugar, water, and maraschino liqueur or cherry brandy. Combine these ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

5. Adding flavorings

To give your maraschino cherries extra flavor, you can add various ingredients to the brine. For example, you can add cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or citrus peel. This will infuse the cherries with additional aromas and flavors.

6. Sterilizing the jars

To ensure that your maraschino cherries stay fresh and safe to eat, you need to sterilize the jars that you will be storing them in. To do this, wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry them. Place them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, then remove and let dry.

7. Packing the cherries

Once the jars are sterilized, pack the cherries tightly into the jars, leaving some headspace at the top. Pour the brine over the cherries, making sure that they are completely covered. Add any flavorings or spices at this point.

8. Sealing the jars

To seal the jars, wipe the rims clean with a cloth, then place the lids on top and screw on the bands. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This will create a vacuum seal that will help preserve the cherries.

9. Storing the cherries

After processing, remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool. Check the seals to make sure they are tight. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, store the cherries in the fridge for up to one month.

10. Using maraschino cherries

Now that you have made your own maraschino cherries, you can use them in a variety of ways. They are perfect for garnishing cocktails such as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, or you can use them to top ice cream or baked goods. Enjoy!

Tools and Ingredients Needed for Making Maraschino Cherries

Before embarking on making your own maraschino cherries, it is important to know which tools and ingredients are necessary. Here are the main things you will need:

1. Cherries – Maraschino cherries are usually made with the Royal Ann variety, which is a large, yellow cherry. You can find them fresh or canned.

2. Maraschino Liqueur – This is an essential ingredient for making maraschino cherries. You will need a good quality maraschino liqueur, such as Luxardo or Maraska.

3. Sugar – You will need granulated sugar to make the syrup that the cherries will soak in.

4. Water – The sugar syrup will be made with water, so it is important to have a good source of clean water.

5. Lemon Juice – This is an optional ingredient that helps to balance out the sweetness of the cherries.

6. Cinnamon – This is an optional ingredient that adds a warming flavor to the cherries.

7. Vanilla Bean – This is an optional ingredient that adds a subtle sweetness to the cherries.

8. Sterilized Jars – You will need jars with tight-fitting lids to store the cherries. It is important to sterilize the jars before using them to avoid bacterial contamination.

9. Cheesecloth – You will need cheesecloth to strain the syrup once it is made.

10. Saucepan – You will need a large saucepan to heat the ingredients for the syrup.

Preparing the Cherries

Once you have gathered all of the necessary tools and ingredients, it is time to prepare the cherries:

1. If you are using fresh cherries, wash them with water and remove the stems. If you are using canned cherries, drain them from their syrup.

2. Use a cherry pitter or a knife to remove the pits from the fresh cherries. This step is optional, but it will make the cherries easier to eat and give them a more uniform appearance.

3. Make sure the cherries are dry before placing them in the jars.

Making the Syrup

The syrup is what gives maraschino cherries their sweet taste and preserves them for long-term storage. Here is how you can make the syrup:

1. In a large saucepan, add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved.

2. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to high and let the mixture come to a boil.

3. Lower the heat to a simmer and add the cinnamon (if using) and the vanilla bean (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the maraschino liqueur and lemon juice (if using) to the mixture and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

5. Remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean (if used) from the mixture and discard.

6. Place a few cherries in each sterilized jar and pour the hot syrup over the cherries, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top of the jar.

7. Cover the jars with their lids and let them cool to room temperature.

Storing the Cherries

Maraschino cherries can be stored for several months in the refrigerator. To ensure that they stay fresh, it is important to follow these storage tips:

1. Store the jars in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard.

2. Once they are opened, store the jars in the refrigerator.

3. Make sure the cherries are completely covered in syrup to avoid spoilage.

4. Use clean utensils when removing cherries from the jar to avoid bacterial contamination.

Making maraschino cherries at home is a fun and rewarding project that can be enjoyed all year round. By following these steps, you can create your own delicious and unique take on this classic treat.

How to Make Maraschino Cherries: Best Practices

In this section, we’ll go over some best practices for making maraschino cherries. These tips will help you ensure that your cherries turn out sweet, tangy, and delicious.

Choose the Right Cherry

The first step in making maraschino cherries is to choose the right cherry. While you can make maraschino cherries with any variety of cherry, some are better than others. The best cherries for maraschino cherries are firm and sweet. Bing cherries are a popular choice. If you can’t find fresh cherries, you can also use frozen cherries.

Pit the Cherries

Once you’ve chosen your cherries, you’ll need to pit them. You can pit cherries with a cherry pitter or a knife. If you’re using a knife, be careful not to cut yourself. You can also use a paper clip or similar tool to extract the pit.

Make the Syrup

The next step is to make the syrup. The syrup is what gives maraschino cherries their sweet and tangy flavor. To make the syrup, combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar has dissolved, add in maraschino liqueur and almond extract. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.

Infuse the Cherries

Now it’s time to infuse the cherries with the syrup. Carefully pour the syrup over the cherries in a glass jar, making sure that the cherries are fully submerged. Let the cherries sit in the syrup for at least 24 hours. This will allow the cherries to absorb the flavor of the syrup.

Store the Cherries Properly

Once your cherries have infused for at least 24 hours, they are ready to be stored. You can store your maraschino cherries in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.

By following these best practices, you’ll be able to make delicious maraschino cherries that are sure to impress. Whether you use them in cocktails, desserts or enjoy them as a sweet snack, your homemade maraschino cherries are guaranteed to be a hit!

Sweet Success

Now that you know how to make your own maraschino cherries, you can add a special touch to your cocktails, desserts, and snacks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and spices to make them truly your own. Thanks for reading and feel free to come back for more recipes and tips that will add flavor and fun to your life! Cheers!