The Best Cherries for an Authentic Old-Fashioned Cocktail

Cherries are one of the most beloved fruits arund the world and have been a part of human culture for thousands of years. Their sweet, tart flavor is perfect for both desserts and main dishes, making them an incredibly versatile ingredient. In addition to their delicious taste, cherries are also highly nutritious and contain many beneficial vitamins and antioxidants.

When it comes to old-fashioned recipes, there is no better cherry than the sour or tart cherry. These cherries have a unique flavor that is perfect for baking pies, cobblers, jams, and jellies. They're also great for adding a bit of sweetness to savory dishes like pork chops or chicken breasts. Not only do they add flavor but they're packed with health-promoting nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Another popular option for old-fashioned recipes is the sweet cherry variety. These cherries are naturally sweeter than other varieties which makes them ideal for desserts like cheesecakes or clafoutis. Sweet cherries are also great in salads and sauces because their sweetness complements other flavors like basil or balsamic vinegar. Plus they offer plenty of health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties and cancer-fighting antioxidants.

No matter what kind of old-fashioned recipe you're creating, you can't go wrong with cherries! They add a unique sweetness to dishes while providing plenty of nutritional vale as well. So next time you're looking to add some extra flavor to your favorite recipe, reach for some fresh or frozen cherries!

Which Cherries are Best for an Old-Fashioned Cocktail?

The best cherries for an old fashioned are Luxardo Maraschino Cherries. These cherries are a type of Italian maraschino cherry, and they have a distinct flavor that really sets an Old Fashioned aart from other . They are made from the Marasca cherry, which is grown exclusively in the Veneto region of Italy. The cherries are then soaked in a syrup made from Marasca and sugar. This syrup also gives the cherries their signature dark red color and unique flavor. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are sweeter, more flavorful, and less artificial-tasting than traditional maraschino cherries, making them the perfect choice for the perfect Old Fashioned.

cherries for cocktail 1671284169

Bartenders' Use of Cherries

Bartenders typically use maraschino cherries for their cocktails. Maraschino cherries are bright red and have a sweet and tart flavor that complements many cocktails. These cherries are made by soaking whole cherries in a syrup made from marasca cherries and then bleaching them to give them their signature red color. Sour cherries and sweet cherries are also popular choices for cocktails, but they tend to be less common due to their more intense flavor profiles. Maraschino cherries are the most popular option because of their combination of sweetness, tartness, and vibrant color.

The Best Cherries for Cocktails

The best cherries for cocktails are Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, Filthy Black Amarena Cherries, Woodford Reserve Cherries, and Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries.

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are a classic choice for any cocktail. These cherries offer a sweet and slightly tart flavor that makes them the perfect addition to any drink. They are packed in their own syrup which gives them a unique flavor and aroma.

Filthy Black Amarena Cherries have a unique black color and sweet-tart flavor that make them stand out from other types of cherries. The syrup they come in is made from Italian Morello cherries and has a unique almond taste to it. These cherries work great in drinks like Manhattans or Old Fashioneds.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries are perfect for adding flavor to whiskey-based drinks like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. These cherries are soaked in Woodford Reserve bourbon which gives them an extra kick of flavor that makes any cocktail better.

Tillen Farms Rum Bada Bing Cherries are the perfect choice for tiki drinks such as a or Zombie. They are soaked in Bacardi dark rum, giving them a sweet rum flavor that will complement any tiki drink perfectly.

Types of Cherries Used in Cocktails

Maraschino cherries are the most popular type of cherry used in cocktails. These cherries are made by soaking and preserving cherries in a brine solution, before being sweetened with a syrup made from marasca juice or neutral spirit. They have a bright red color and a tart, sweet flavor that makes them an ideal garnish for drinks. Maraschino cherries are commonly used as an ingredient in many alcoholic and drinks and cocktails, including the Sunrise, the Queen Mary and the Shirley Temple, earning them the nickname ‘cocktail cherries'.

Does the Traditional Old Fashioned Cocktail Include a Cherry?

No, a traditional Old Fashioned does not have a cherry. The Old Fashioned is a classic whiskey cocktail that is typically made with bourbon or whiskey, bitters, sugar, and an orange twist for garnish. There are some modern variations of the drink that may include additional ingredients, but these ingredients usually do not include cherries. The Old Fashioned is typically served over ice in an old-fashioned glass and is meant to be savored slowly.

The Type of Cherries Used in Ole Smoky Moonshine

Ole Smoky's moonshine is made from maraschino cherries, a type of cherry that is preserved in a brine solution with the addition of food coloring. The cherries are soaked in Ole Smoky's 100 proof original moonshine for an extended period of time, infusing them with the sweet heat flavor that Ole Smoky is known for. The cherries have a firm texture and are bright red in color, making them perfect for use in recipes or as garnishes.

The Varietal of Cherries Used in Luxardo Liqueur

Luxardo cherries, also known as OG Maraschino cherries, are a unique type of cherry grown in the Luxardo region of Italy. They are made from a variety of sour Marasca cherry that has been specially cultivated for centuries by the Luxardo family. Unlike traditional maraschino cherries, which are made from sweet cherries soaked in sugary syrup, Luxardo cherries undergo a complex multi-step process involving maceration and infusion with Marasca syrup. The process results in an intensely flavored candy-like cherry that is packed with flavor and has a unique texture.

Are Luxardo Cherries the Ultimate Choice?

Luxardo cherries are one of the most popular cocktail cherries on the market, and with good reason. They have a meaty texture and are soaked in a rich syrup that provides just the right amount of sweetness for old-fashioned cocktails. While they may be more expensive than other cherries, they are definitely worth it for their versatility and quality. Ultimately, whether Luxardo cherries are “the best” depends on personal preference and budget, but they certainly deserve consideration as one of the top contenders.

The Difference Between Luxardo and Maraschino Cherries

Luxardo cherries are a high-end, artisanal variety of Maraschino cherries. They are often used as garnishes for craft cocktails due to their flavor profile and dark, rich color. Luxardo cherries are made from whole fruit, stemmed and pitted before being preserved in Luxardo's signature Marasca syrup. The syrup is made from the juice of the Marasca cherry, which gives these cherries a unique tartness.

On the other hand, classic maraschino cherries are typically made from artificially flavored sweetened red cherry pieces that have been jarred or canned in a clear syrup. They are usually bright red in color and tend to be much sweeter than Luxardo cherries; making them ideal for topping ice cream sundaes or other desserts.

Which Type of Cherries are Better: Darker or Lighter?

Darker cherries tend to have a sweeter flavor than lighter cherries. When selecting sweet cherries, look for ones that are shiny and bright regrdless of their color. Darker cherries may be slightly sweeter and juicier than lighter-colored cherries, but this can vary depending on the variety and ripeness of the fruit. You may want to try a few different types of cherries until you find your preferred flavor.

The Most Delicious Variety of Cherry

The most delicious cherry is arguably the Bing cherry. This dark, heart-shaped fruit is renowned for its sweetness and juiciness, often likened to candy when eaten fresh. Bing cherries are part of a larger family whih includes Lambert, Chelan, Sweetheart, and Tulare cherries. All of these have an intense sweetness that makes them incredibly popular for snacking or use in desserts.

The Cost of Luxardo Cherries

Yes, Luxardo cherries are more expensive than store-brand varieties. At approximately 33 cents each, they are over five times more costly than regular maraschino cherries. However, for those loking for a higher quality experience in their cocktails and drinks, the extra cost is worth it. These cherries have a sweet flavor with hints of almond and a deep red hue that adds an eye-catching appeal to any . Their texture is firmer than other brands and they also last longer due to their higher sugar content. Luxardo cherries can be enjoyed in a variety of drinks including Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and others.

The Soaking Liquid Used for Luxardo Cherries

Luxardo marasca cherry syrup is a high-quality syrup made from marasca cherries that have been soaked in the syrup. The cherries are harvested from a variety of trees grown in the Veneto region of Italy and the syrup is made with no added thickening agents or preservatives, giving it its dark red colour. The percentage of marasca cherries in jars and tins is aound 50%, as is the percentage of syrup. This makes it an ideal ingredient for cocktails and desserts, as it adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavour to any dish.

Uses for Dark Morello Cherries

Dark Morello cherries are a tart, dark-red variety of cherry renowned for ther acidic flavor. As a result, they are typically used in candied form or as an ingredient in confectionary and preserves. They can also be used to garnish cakes and mousse, as well as other desserts. Additionally, Dark Morello cherries can be cooked into side dishes for meat or game dishes. They are also often found in factory-made baked goods such as pies and tarts.

The Benefits of Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are a type of sour marasca cherry that has been candied and steeped in a syrup made of cherry juice and sugar. These Italian cherries are essential to many classic and modern cocktails, as they provde a pleasant sweet-tart flavor. They are also a great addition to desserts or other snacks. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and kosher. The syrup is made from natural ingredients like cane sugar and is free of preservatives or artificial colors. The cherries themselves have a crisp texture that contrasts with their sweet flavor, making them ideal for use in drinks or as a garnish.

Conclusion

Cherries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in many diferent ways. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and potassium, making them a great addition to any healthy diet. Cherries have been used over the centuries for medicinal purposes, including as a digestive aid and as a natural remedy for insomnia. They are also known for their ability to reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar levels. With their sweet taste and abundance of health benefits, cherries truly make for an ideal snack or dessert.

Photo of author

Thomas Ashford

Thomas Ashford is a highly educated brewer with years of experience in the industry. He has a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Brewing Science. He is also BJCP Certified Beer Judge. Tom has worked hard to become one of the most experienced brewers in the industry. He has experience monitoring brewhouse and cellaring operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and optimizing brewery operations for maximum efficiency. He is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier. Tom is an expert organizer of beer festivals, wine tastings, and brewery tours.