Marasca is a varietal of cherry originally from central Asia, but now more commonly grown in central and eastern Europe, specifically the countries of Croatia, Solvenia, Hungary, and northern Italy. Marasca cherries are small and dense, with a complex cherry flavor and moderate bitterness.
Marasca cherries are used to make [ingredient=maraschino-liqueur Maraschino] liqueur, and Maraschino cherries, which, before they turned evil, were simply Marasca cherries preserved in Maraschino liqueur.
The Luxardo company is famous for their marasca cherry products: jam, cherries preserved in syrup, and Maraschino liqueur.
Some popular cocktails containing Maraska
- Last Word (Cocktail variant) — Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Herbal liqueur, Orange bitters, Cherry, Key lime
- Red Envelope — Gin, Averna, Aperol, Bénédictine, Bitters, Cherry
- los muertos — Reposado mezcal, Averna, Bitters, Cherry
- Mississippi Sour — Brandy, Bourbon, Jamaican rum, Lemon juice, Egg white, Sugar, Cherry
- Beach Blossom — Gin, Grapefruit juice, Cherry, Grenadine, Grade B maple syrup
Explore more Maraska cocktails.