Cherries to Put in Drinks

Most people think of cherries as a healthy and delicious summertime snack on their own or within a fruit salad. Some people enjoy cherries in the context of a baked dessert, in which their sweet and juicy texture creates a decadent filling. However, one of the most underrated contexts in which cherries can play a starring role is the world of cocktails.

Since a cocktail can consist of liquor mixed with basically anything, the possibilities are truly endless. Some cocktails are extremely simple and just use sparkling water or juice as a mixer, while others contain several ingredients for a more complex flavor profile. Among the many types of cocktails, a significant number include some type of fruit as a garnish or as a main ingredient, and a common example of this is the cherry.

The Different Types of Cherries to Put in Drinks

Just like there are different types of cherries to eat off the stem, the types of cherries to put in drinks vary based on the alcohol and mixer being used. The context will also change depending on whether the cherry has been soaked in syrup, spiked with liqueur, or is simply fresh and pitted.

In order to make preserved cocktail cherries to put in drinks, most manufacturers will utilize tart Morello or Montmorency cherries. These keep well in syrupy concoctions that are used as the base of many beverages, often mixing with thick liquors like rum or brandy.

Some cocktails require Maraschino cherries, which are soaked in syrup or liqueur but still maintain their shape. Maraschino cherries are often used as a garnish for cocktails of all kinds rather than a base ingredient, as their flavor isn’t as pervasive. Some bartenders will also use fresh cherries as a garnish or topper for their signature cocktails.