Cherry-Flavored Liqueurs

Maraschino is a mildly sweetened liqueur made from wild marasca cherries and their stones. Originally from what is now Croatia, it is now most often available in Italian brands, and is most easily found at liquor stores in Italian neighborhoods. Kirsch (also known as kirschwasser) is a clear cherry eau-de-vie. I once accidentally purchased a bottle of crème de kirsch, which turned out to be a sweetened kirsch, perfect for baking but not so great in savory recipes. Don’t be tempted to substitute inexpensive products such as artifically flavored kirsch, which is harsh-tasting, or cherry schnapps, which has an artificial lollipop flavor.