Ingredients
- 3 Shot(s) Gin
- 1 Shot(s) Maraschino Liqueur
Instructions
Shake Ingredients:
- Pour 3 shots of gin and 1 shot of maraschino liqueur into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake Well:
- Shake the mixture well to chill and combine the ingredients.
Strain into Glass:
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Maraschino Gin, like many simple two-ingredient cocktails, likely emerged during the early to mid-20th century when gin was king and liqueurs were becoming more widely available. Its exact birthright is unrecorded, but it fits squarely into the era of classic, spirit-forward drinks enjoyed in cocktail lounges across Europe and America. It is a testament to the idea that sometimes less is more when quality ingredients are involved.
This cocktail sits in the broad family of spirit and liqueur combinations, akin to a Gin and It or a pre-Prohibition Martini. Unlike those drinks, which rely on vermouth for their aromatic and bitter notes, the Maraschino Gin leans into the distinct, dry cherry flavor of maraschino liqueur. It is a simpler, more direct relative of later, more complex gin and cherry drinks like The Last Word, stripping away the citrus and herbal elements for a focused two-ingredient experience.
You would typically order a Maraschino Gin in a classic cocktail bar, a speakeasy-style establishment, or at a well-stocked home bar where an appreciation for traditional drinks runs deep. It is a refined drink, best served in a quiet setting where its nuances can be savored, rather than a loud, high-volume environment. Think of it as a thinking person’s drink, not a party starter.
What it tastes like
On the palate, the Maraschino Gin leads with the crisp, botanical notes of juniper and other aromatics from the gin. This quickly gives way to the distinct, dry sweetness of maraschino liqueur, which offers a unique profile of sour cherry, bitter almond, and a hint of floral complexity. The finish is clean and spirit-forward, leaving a pleasant, lingering echo of both the gin’s botanicals and the maraschino’s signature cherry notes.
Using standard 1.5 oz shots, this drink clocks in around 38% ABV. That puts it in the same league as a strong Martini or a double pour of neat spirit. It is significantly more potent than a typical 5% ABV beer, so pace yourself accordingly. This is a drink designed to be sipped and savored, not guzzled.
The technique
Building a Maraschino Gin is straightforward. Combine your gin and maraschino liqueur in a shaker filled with plenty of fresh ice. Give it a good, hard shake for about 15-20 seconds to ensure it is thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted. Then, fine strain the mixture into a pre-chilled cocktail glass, such as a coupe or a martini glass. Serve it immediately while it is still frosty.
The most crucial step here is ensuring proper chilling and dilution. Shaking with plenty of fresh, solid ice achieves this quickly and effectively. If you skimp on the ice or shake too briefly, the drink will be warm and harsh, letting the alcohol dominate rather than integrate smoothly with the maraschino’s sweetness. A properly chilled drink tastes infinitely better and allows the flavors to truly shine.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- A classic London Dry Gin works best here. Brands like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire provide a robust juniper backbone that stands up to the maraschino without overpowering it. Their crisp, botanical profiles are a perfect match.
- Skip
- Avoid overly floral or citrus-heavy gins, as their delicate notes can get lost or clash with the strong character of maraschino. Also, skip Old Tom gins, which might add too much sweetness to an already sweet-leaning drink.
- Why
- Gin is the foundational spirit, providing the aromatic and botanical complexity that balances the maraschino’s unique sweetness. Its juniper and herbal notes are essential for defining the drink’s character and giving it structure.
Maraschino Liqueur
- Use
- Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur is the gold standard and the benchmark for this ingredient. Maraska is another solid option. These liqueurs offer a dry, slightly bitter cherry flavor with a distinct almond note that is crucial.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with cherry brandy, cherry liqueur, or grenadine. Cherry brandy is often much sweeter and lacks the dry, complex, slightly nutty profile of true maraschino. Grenadine is a completely different flavor profile and will ruin the drink.
- Why
- Maraschino liqueur is the star ingredient that defines the drink’s unique flavor. Its distinctive sour cherry, almond, and subtle floral notes are irreplaceable and give the Maraschino Gin its signature taste profile.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Maraschino Gin Sour
- Add a citrus kick
- Introduce 0.75 oz of fresh lemon juice to the recipe. This brightens the drink, adding a tart counterpoint to the liqueur’s sweetness and creating a more balanced, refreshing profile.
Maraschino Gin & Vermouth
- For added depth
- Stir 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz maraschino, and 0.5 oz dry vermouth with ice. This variation offers a more classic Martini-like complexity, with the vermouth adding herbal and aromatic layers to the cherry and botanical notes.
The Cherry Blossom
- A floral twist
- Combine 2 oz gin, 0.75 oz maraschino, and 0.5 oz kirschwasser or another clear fruit brandy. This deepens the cherry flavor while adding an extra layer of fruit spirit complexity, making it even more potent.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Vodka can work for a neutral spirit base, though you will lose the botanical complexity. A light, unaged rum could also provide a different, slightly sweeter, but still clean foundation.
Cherry Heering is a possible, though sweeter, alternative. Use it sparingly. For a drier approach, a dash of cherry bitters with a touch of simple syrup might approximate some of the flavor.
You can stir the ingredients with ice in a large mixing glass or even a pint glass. Stir until well chilled, typically for 30-45 seconds, then strain.
A chilled coupe glass or a small rocks glass (over a large ice cube) can serve as suitable alternatives. The key is to keep the drink cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Maraschino Gin?
A Maraschino Gin contains gin and maraschino liqueur, typically in a ratio of three parts gin to one part maraschino.
Is the Maraschino Gin a sweet drink?
It has a distinct sweetness from the maraschino liqueur, but it is balanced by the dry, botanical nature of the gin. It is not cloyingly sweet, but rather a spirit-forward drink with a pleasant sweetness.
What kind of gin should I use?
A classic London Dry Gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray is recommended. Its robust juniper and botanical profile pairs well with the unique flavor of maraschino.
What does maraschino liqueur taste like?
Maraschino liqueur has a unique flavor profile. It is a dry, clear cherry liqueur with notes of sour cherry, bitter almond, and a subtle floral aroma. It is not like sweet cherry syrup.
Is the Maraschino Gin a strong cocktail?
Yes, it is a spirit-forward cocktail with a high alcohol content, similar to a Martini. It is meant to be sipped and savored.
How should I serve a Maraschino Gin?
Serve it chilled, strained into a pre-chilled cocktail glass, such as a coupe or martini glass. It is typically served without a garnish to let the two main ingredients shine.
Is the Maraschino Gin a classic cocktail?
While its exact origin is murky, the combination of gin and maraschino liqueur is a classic pairing that fits within the tradition of early 20th-century spirit-forward cocktails.
Can I make a batch of Maraschino Gin ahead of time?
You can pre-batch the gin and maraschino liqueur mixture. Store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, pour over ice in a shaker, shake to chill and dilute, then strain into glasses.
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