Homemade Maraschino Cherries (Two Ways)

Here's how to make homemade maraschino cherries two ways: a kid-friendly version for Shirleys and desserts and a boozy, adults-only version for cocktails.

Why we love this recipe

Nothing tops off an ice cream sundae or a Shirley Temple like a maraschino cherry. But the jarred version is, shall we say, not 100% natural. If you're lucky enough to have sour cherries on hand, making your own maraschinos couldn't be quicker, easier, or more rewarding.

I'm also including a boozy version for cocktails, which is even quicker and easier to make.

What you'll need

Here's a glance at the ingredients you'll need to make this recipe.

• Sour cherries, also called tart cherries, are delicate, thin-skinned, and bright red. As the name suggests, they're very sour, and they have a floral briskness that really shines when lightly sweetened. They come in several varieties, including Moreno and Montmorency (pictured). You can use them interchangeably.
• Note: For the grownup version, all you'll need is sour cherries and a maraschino liqueur such as Luxardo.

How to make it

Here's what you'll do to make a beautiful batch of homemade maraschino cherries.

1. Pit the cherries, leaving stems intact.
2. Stir together the water and sugar. Heat until sugar dissolves completely.
3. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla.
4. Pour syrup over cherries, submerging completely. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight before using.

Expert tips and FAQs

More favorite ways to use sour cherries

• Crisp
• French 75
• Syrup
• Shirley Temple
• Frozen yogurt
• Muffins

Continue to Content

Yield: 50

Homemade Maraschino Cherries

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Here's how to make homemade maraschino cherries two ways: a kid-friendly version for Shirleys and desserts and a boozy, adults-only version for cocktails.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 12 hours

Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups (300 grams) sour cherries
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Pit the cherries, leaving stems intact, and place into a pint-sized jar.
2. Stir together the water and sugar in a small pot and heat until sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla.
4. Pour syrup over cherries, submerging completely.
5. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight before using.

Notes

1. Sour cherries, also called tart cherries, are delicate, thin-skinned, and bright red. As the name suggests, they're very sour, and they have a floral briskness that really shines when lightly sweetened. They come in several varieties, including Moreno and Montmorency (pictured). You can use them interchangeably.
2. To make the adults-only version, all you'll need is the sour cherries and a cup of maraschino liqueur (such as Luxardo). Instead of making the sugar syrup, heat the liqueur until very hot to the touch. Pour over cherries and proceed as directed.
3. Both versions of the cherries will keep in the fridge for at least a month.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

50

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

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