As a bartender, I have come across many cocktail recipes in my career. However, there is one combination that never fails to tantalize my taste buds – gin and maraschino.
Gin is a classic spirit that is made from juniper berries and other botanicals, while maraschino is a sweet liqueur made from sour cherries. The combination of these two ingredients creates a unique flavor that is both sweet and tart.
What I love about gin and maraschino cocktails is their versatility. They can be served straight up, on the rocks, or even as a base for other cocktails.
Whether you prefer a classic gin martini or a modern twist on a gin fizz, the addition of maraschino will elevate the drink to a whole new level.
One of the best things about gin and maraschino cocktails is that they are easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a drink that is both elegant and delicious.
The key is to use quality ingredients and to experiment with different ratios until you find the perfect balance of flavors.
In this blog post, I will be sharing some of my favorite gin and maraschino cocktail recipes.
From classic cocktails to modern twists, these recipes are sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail connoisseur. So, grab your shaker and let's get mixing!
1. The Casino
The Casino is a classic gin cocktail that is perfect for those who love Old Tom gins. This cocktail combines Old Tom gin with maraschino, lemon, and bitters to create a bold and strong drink. The level of sweetness in the gin will determine how much of the sweet maraschino liqueur you should add.
This recipe is inspired by the famous book, The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock, and is an acquired taste that is definitely worth trying. The recipe calls for a bar spoon, which is a handy tool that can be used for measuring, stirring, and muddling. The Casino is a great addition to any cocktail menu and is sure to impress your guests.
2. The Martinez
The Martinez is a classic cocktail that predates the Martini and is made with Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. It's a perfectly balanced drink that's not too sweet, not too tart, not too bitter, not too light, and not too dark.
The Old Tom gin gives it a sweeter and fuller-bodied taste, while the maraschino liqueur adds a dry cherry flavor. The bitters bring a hint of warm spices and fruitiness to the drink. The Martinez is a must-try for those who enjoy a well-balanced cocktail with a bit of history behind it.
3. The Pink Cherry Blossom Maraschino Liqueur Cocktail
The Pink Cherry Blossom Maraschino Liqueur Cocktail is a delightful and feminine cocktail that is perfect for special occasions like Easter, Mother’s Day, or a bridal shower. Made with Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur and Gin Lane Victoria Pink Gin 1751, this cocktail has a lightly sweet and citrusy flavor with a subtle hint of cherry.
The Maraschino Liqueur adds a refined and subtle cherry essence to the cocktail, while the pink gin adds a whimsical touch and a lovely pink color. The garnish is also a work of art, featuring a Luxardo maraschino cherry with cherry blossoms delicately placed on top. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet and fruity drink with a touch of elegance.
4. Aviation Cocktail
The Aviation Cocktail is a classic and beautiful gin-based cocktail that is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast. The flowery taste of creme de violette and St. Germain liqueurs blends perfectly with the sweetness of maraschino liqueur and the sourness of lemon, creating a well-balanced and refreshing drink.
The deep purple color of creme de violette adds to the appeal of this cocktail, making it a feast for the eyes as well. The combination of botanicals in gin makes it a natural fit for flowery liqueurs, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors. If you're looking for a sophisticated and elegant cocktail that is sure to impress, the Aviation Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
5. Gin Elderflower Cocktail
The Gin Elderflower Cocktail is a refreshing and floral drink that is perfect for any occasion. Made with gin, elderflower liqueur, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice, this cocktail has a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The botanical notes of the gin and the floral notes of the elderflower liqueur work together to create a unique and delicious taste.
The Maraschino liqueur adds a subtle cherry flavor to the drink, while the lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness. The cocktail is garnished with a lemon twist and a cocktail cherry, adding a beautiful touch to the presentation. If you are looking for a new and exciting gin cocktail to try, the Gin Elderflower Cocktail is definitely worth a shot.
6. The Last Word
"The Last Word" is a classic gin cocktail that originated in the prohibition era. It's a well-balanced blend of gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino, and lime, topped with a Luxardo Maraschino Cherry.
The cocktail is refreshing, sophisticated, and has made a recent resurgence in popularity. The Luxardo cherry adds a luxurious touch to the drink, making it even more delicious. If you're looking for a classic gin cocktail with a modern twist, The Last Word is definitely worth trying.
7. Sakura Martini
The Sakura Martini is a delicate and impressive cocktail that combines gin, maraschino cherry liqueur, and sake. This cocktail is perfect for a special occasion or a night in, and it's sure to impress anyone who tries it. The name Sakura means cherry blossom in Japanese, and this cocktail is inspired by the national flower of Japan.
The salted cherry blossoms add a beautiful touch to the drink and represent the short but magnificent blooming period of cherry blossoms. The sake used in this cocktail is Junmai, which is a type of sake made of rice and rice koji. The Sakura Martini is a unique and delicious cocktail that is perfect for anyone who loves to try new and exciting drinks.
8. The Last Word Cocktail
"The Last Word Cocktail" is a must-try for gin lovers. This herbaceous cocktail is a perfect balance of gin, Chartreuse, and maraschino liqueur, with a refreshing lime twist. The Chartreuse liqueur, made from a blend of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers, gives this cocktail a unique and complex flavor.
The Luxardo Maraschino liqueur adds a subtle sweetness that complements the gin's botanical notes. The Last Word Cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time, and it's easy to see why. It's a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. If you're looking for a new gin cocktail to try, The Last Word Cocktail should be at the top of your list.
9. Cherry Gin Bramble Cocktail
The Cherry Gin Bramble Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity twist on the classic bramble cocktail. Made with fresh pitted cherries, maraschino liqueur, gin, and a squeeze of lemon juice, this cocktail is perfect for those who love a sweet and tangy drink.
The combination of cherries and maraschino liqueur gives the cocktail a unique flavor that is sure to impress your taste buds. Whether you're looking for a new cocktail to try or just want to switch up your usual drink, the Cherry Gin Bramble Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
10. Seventh Heaven Cocktail
The Seventh Heaven Cocktail is a vintage gin-based cocktail that is not for the faint of heart. The drink is heavy on the gin and has a medicinal flavor from the maraschino liqueur, but is balanced with a burst of freshness from the grapefruit juice. This three-ingredient cocktail is perfect for a fancy night in or pre-gaming before a night out.
The inspiration for this cocktail comes from The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock, and the recipe has been adjusted to create a well-balanced and bright drink. The Seventh Heaven Cocktail is best served ice-cold in a chilled glass, and can be garnished with Luxardo cherries or fresh mint sprigs. If you're ready to up your cocktail game, give this vintage classic a try!
11. Martinez Cocktail
The Martinez Cocktail is a classic gin-based cocktail that combines sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. This sophisticated drink has an amber color and a balanced taste that makes it a favorite among gin enthusiasts. What sets this cocktail apart is its unique combination of ingredients that gives it a complex flavor profile.
The sweet vermouth adds a touch of sweetness, while the maraschino liqueur adds a subtle nutty flavor. The bitters give it a slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Overall, the Martinez Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a sophisticated and flavorful gin cocktail.
12. Cherry Blossom Gin Cocktail
The Cherry Blossom Gin Cocktail is a delightful and refreshing drink that perfectly captures the essence of spring. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Aviation cocktail, made with gin, maraschino liqueur, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and lavender bitters.
The pink gin used in this cocktail gives it a beautiful blush color, while the elderflower liqueur adds a light floral note. The maraschino cherry at the bottom of the glass is a perfect finishing touch. If you're looking for a cocktail that's perfect for springtime, the Cherry Blossom Gin Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
13. The Saturn
The Saturn is a refreshing and fruity gin cocktail that's perfect for summer sipping. It's a unique twist on traditional tiki drinks, featuring gin, lemon, passion fruit, almond, and spices. The cocktail was invented by bartender J. "Popo" Galsini in 1967 and has become a beloved gin-based cocktail.
Its unique garnish resembles the planet Saturn and its rings, adding an extra level of intrigue. Give it a try and see why it's become one of the best gin-based cocktails to emerge from the tiki bar heyday.
14. The Aviation Cocktail
The Aviation Cocktail is a classic gin cocktail that features a unique ingredient – Creme de Violette. This liqueur made from violets adds a lovely lavender color and a soft floral note to the cocktail. The drink is easy to make and has only four ingredients – gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Creme de Violette, and lemon juice.
The Aviation Cocktail is a perfect choice for those who are looking for an elegant and delicious cocktail that stands the test of time. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves gin and is looking for a refreshing and unique cocktail experience.
15. Royal Hawaiian Cocktail
The Royal Hawaiian Cocktail is a tropical gin-based drink that is perfect for summer sipping. Its exotic flavor profile is a result of the combination of gin, pineapple juice, orgeat syrup, and lemon juice. This cocktail is elevated with the addition of maraschino liqueur, which adds a subtle cherry flavor to the mix.
The Royal Hawaiian Cocktail is a refreshing and well-balanced drink that is perfect for those who love fruity and tropical cocktails. It is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little bit of Hawaiian flavor to their cocktail repertoire.
