The Surprising History of the Maraschino Cherry
The story of the maraschino cherry is a tale of adaptation and prohibition that fundamentally changed the product. It began centuries ago in what is now Croatia, where sour marasca cherries were preserved in a clear, cherry-flavored spirit known as maraschino liqueur. This was a luxury item, enjoyed by European royalty and the wealthy as a prized delicacy. These liqueur-soaked cherries were celebrated for their rich, nuanced flavor that retained the authentic taste of the fruit with a hint of almond from the crushed pits.
American Prohibition and a New Cherry is Born
When these liquor-soaked cherries were imported into the United States, they gained popularity in cocktails and desserts. However, the arrival of Prohibition in the 1920s brought an abrupt end to their availability. To rescue the cherry industry and provide a non-alcoholic alternative, Oregon State University professor Ernest H. Wiegand developed a new method of preservation. His process involved brining sweet Royal Anne cherries in a calcium salt solution, which bleached their natural color and stripped their flavor. The cherries were then soaked in a sugar syrup, artificially dyed a vibrant red, and flavored with almond extract to mimic the original. This is the familiar, bright red maraschino cherry found in most grocery stores today.
The Two Faces of Maraschino Cherries
Today, you can find two distinct categories of maraschino cherries on the market. Understanding the difference is key to knowing whether they contain alcohol.
The Standard, Non-Alcoholic Maraschino Cherry
This is the most common type, produced using the method developed during American Prohibition. It is widely available, inexpensive, and used as a garnish for ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, and Shirley Temples. It is important to note that this version is completely alcohol-free.
The Gourmet, Liqueur-Soaked Cherry
For those seeking a more authentic experience, traditional or gourmet brands offer a different product. Some European brands, most famously Luxardo, continue to produce cherries preserved in a marasca cherry syrup that does not contain alcohol, while their liqueur is sold separately. Meanwhile, other versions may be macerated in various spirits. Brands selling alcohol-infused cherries will always specify the presence of alcohol on their labeling. A list of key distinctions can be seen below.
- Key Differences in Maraschino Cherry Types:
- Commercial (American-Style): Uses a brine-bleaching process, followed by artificial red dye and sugar syrup. No alcohol is used in the modern process.
- Traditional (European): Originally soaked in maraschino liqueur. Modern versions may be soaked in marasca cherry juice syrup without alcohol, but specialty versions with alcohol still exist.
- Gourmet Cocktail Cherries: Brands like Luxardo use high-quality marasca cherries in a thick, flavorful syrup that is non-alcoholic. Other gourmet brands may use brandy or other spirits for preservation.
How to Check if Your Cherries Have Alcohol
The easiest way to determine the alcohol content is to read the product label. All products containing alcohol are required to state it clearly. For imported products or those sold by specialty liquor stores, checking the ingredient list or asking a store employee is the best course of action. Look for keywords such as "liqueur" or specific spirits like "brandy". The price and appearance can also offer clues: premium, higher-priced cherries with a deep, natural color are more likely to have a traditional or gourmet preparation, which might include alcohol.
Comparison: Standard vs. Premium Cheraschino Cherries
| Feature | Standard (American-Style) Maraschino Cherries | Premium Cocktail Cherries (e.g., Luxardo) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Bright, artificial red color | Dark purple or brownish-red, natural color |
| Flavor | Very sweet, with a distinct almond extract flavor | Rich, complex cherry flavor, with subtle almond notes |
| Texture | Firm and slightly crunchy due to calcium brine | Softer, more tender fruit |
| Alcohol Content | Non-alcoholic | Generally non-alcoholic in premium syrup versions, but check label for boozy varieties |
| Cost | Inexpensive, widely available | Considerably more expensive |
| Best For | Desserts, garnishes for kids' drinks | Cocktails like Manhattans, upscale desserts |
Conclusion: Do Maraschino Cherries Have Alcohol in Them?
The answer to "Do maraschino cherries have alcohol in them?" is both yes and no, depending on the cherry in question. The ubiquitous bright-red cherries found in most grocery stores and used for sundaes are non-alcoholic. Their creation during U.S. Prohibition was a deliberate effort to offer a booze-free alternative. However, genuine, high-end European-style cherries or specialty cocktail cherries can sometimes be preserved in alcohol, echoing their traditional origins. To be certain, always check the product's label, especially for imported or artisanal varieties, and assume the standard supermarket version is free of alcohol.
For more information on the processing of cocktail cherries, visit this article on The Spruce Eats.
The Many Uses of Maraschino Cherries
- Classic Desserts: Top ice cream sundaes, banana splits, and cakes for a nostalgic touch.
- Cocktail Garnishes: Essential for drinks like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Shirley Temple.
- Baked Goods: Include them in fruitcakes, cookies, or bread puddings for bursts of sweet flavor.
- Savory Dishes: Premium varieties can be used in savory glazes for pork or duck.
- Beverages: The syrup can be added to sodas, milkshakes, or mocktails for a cherry flavor.
The Role of Alcohol in Traditional Cherries
Maraschino liqueur, which traditionally preserved the cherries, served a crucial purpose beyond flavor. The alcohol acts as a powerful preservative, extending the shelf life of the cherries. When Prohibition necessitated a change, the sugar syrup and artificial flavors became the new method of preservation for the American market. Today, many producers use pasteurization for safety, even in their non-alcoholic versions.
The Modern Maraschino: A Tale of Two Tastes
The stark difference between the standard and premium maraschino cherry highlights a divergence in consumer preferences. The mass-market version is prized for its bright color and consistent sweetness, offering a recognizable garnish for countless dishes. The premium variety, with its more authentic and complex flavor profile, appeals to gourmands and cocktail aficionados who appreciate the subtleties of a quality, non-artificial ingredient. Both have their place, but only one directly traces its lineage back to the original, alcoholic roots of the confection.
Key Takeaways on Maraschino Cherries
- Traditional Method: The original European maraschino cherries were preserved in maraschino liqueur, an alcoholic spirit.
- American Non-Alcoholic: The common bright-red cherries sold in most grocery stores are non-alcoholic, developed during U.S. Prohibition.
- Labeling is Key: Always check the label, as gourmet or imported versions might contain alcohol, though many premium brands now offer non-alcoholic versions.
- Flavor vs. Garnish: Standard maraschinos offer a sweet, candied flavor, while premium, non-alcoholic versions (like Luxardo's cherries) have a more complex, natural cherry taste.
- Process Difference: American-style maraschinos are brined and dyed, while traditional methods involve infusion in spirits or flavorful syrups.
The Final Word on Alcohol in Maraschino Cherries
Ultimately, the average consumer can rest assured that the familiar, candy-like maraschino cherries are safe for all ages, with no alcohol content. For those seeking out a more traditional, boozy garnish for cocktails or a more complex flavor profile for cooking, specialty products are available and will be clearly labeled as containing alcohol. Knowing the history and the different types on the market allows you to make an informed choice, whether for a child's ice cream sundae or a sophisticated adult cocktail.
