Garnishing Ideas with Cocktail Cherries
The colourful and flavourful garnishes can seem simple, but they can turn a mediocre drink into a masterpiece. Similarly, correctly positioned cocktail cherry adds aesthetic appeal and enticing taste to any cocktail recipe.
If you are throwing a cocktail party at your house and want your guests to be delighted with delicious bar drinks that will leave them speechless, then you're in luck because we're going to unravel the secrets of cocktail cherries that can instantly enhance your easy cocktail recipes.
Cocktail Cherry Garnishing Ideas
Cocktail Cherries Secrets For Your Next Colourful Cocktail Recipe
Cocktail cherries are preserved and bathed in sugar syrup, which gives them a luscious sweetness and taste. However, not all cocktail cherries are the same. Here are some of the most common categories and their distinguishing characteristics:
1. Maraschino Cherries
A traditional cocktail cherry, maraschinos are distinguished by their vibrant red colour and sweet yet slightly sour kick. These are flexible and work well with Old Fashioned cocktail and Cherry Mojitos.
2. Luxardo Cherries
Hailing from Italy, these premium cherries are macerated in Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, offering notes of almond and vanilla. Perfect for elevating classics like the Manhattan.
3. Amarena Cherries
Slightly tart cherries preserved in concentrated cherry syrup. Add an Italian flair to Negronis or Bellinis.
Garnishing Ideas with Cocktail Cherries
Here are some clever ways to incorporate them into your cocktail recipe:
1. Muddle Them
Muddling releases cherry juice for added flavour. Try muddling maraschino cherries in an Old Fashioned cocktail or Amarena cherries in a Whisky Sour.
2. Make Syrups
Steep cherries in simple syrup to create a sweet, fruity cocktail component. Use the syrup in cocktails like a Cherry Limeade.
3. Freeze Them
Add cherries in ice cubes as you shake or stir a cocktail for a showstopping look.
4. Make it a Duo
Skewer a pair of different cherry varieties for a flavorful contrast.
Easy Cocktail Recipes to Try with Cocktail Cherries
Ready to put cocktail cherries to the test? Whip up one of these popular cocktails at your next house party:
1. Manhattan with Luxardo Cherries
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Two dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 Luxardo cherry
Directions: Mix the initial trio of components over ice, then strain gracefully into a chilled glass. Adorn with a delightful Luxardo cherry for that finishing touch.
2. Amarena Fizz
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz cherry syrup
- 1 oz soda water
- 1 Amarena cherry
Directions: Mix gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and cherry syrup in a shaker that is generously filled with ice. Give it a vigorous shake, then gracefully pour it into a glass. To add some delightful fizz, gently pour soda water on top. Adorn it with an exquisite Amarena cherry for a final touch of elegance.
Summing Up
Transform your cocktail gatherings into extraordinary events with the perfect cocktail cherry garnishing ideas. You'll discover the ideal complements for your cocktail concoctions with many options. Whether you're aiming for a classic touch or a modern twist, these versatile gems provide an elegant and delectable finishing note to your popular cocktails.