Homemade Maraschino Cherries
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Say goodbye to artificial colors and make your own Homemade Maraschino Cherries! Use these sweet little cherries in cocktails or on top of desserts for a deliciously sweetened treat that you can feel good about enjoying. These also make an amazing holiday gift!
If you're looking for more treats that make amazing holiday gifts, check out my Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mix, Peanut Butter Pretzel Christmas Crack, or my DIY Granola Gifts.
Table of Contents
What are Maraschino cherries?
Traditionally, Maraschino cherries are “cherries which have been dyed red, impregnated with sugar, and packed in a sugar syrup flavored with oil of bitter almonds or a similar flavor”, according to Wikipedia. Usually, Rainier cherries are used, but sometimes Bing cherries are also used. Maraschino cherries have always been known for their signature red color and sweet flavor profile. But, the color just comes from artificial dye, which isn't necessary at all!
Today I am sharing a really fun recipe, and one that you'll want to make if you plan on enjoying cocktails this New Year's Eve. Maraschino cherries are a key ingredient for many amazing cocktails. And even in so many mocktails like the famous Shirley Temple (one of my faves as a kid, and one I still love today!). But, traditional maraschino cherries are notorious for having ingredients that are not good for you, including red #40.
I use Suncore Foods Red Food Dye, which is just 100% organic beet root powder, that's it! And while you notice it doesn't turn the cherries bright red, that is because I used bing cherries here because that's what I had on hand. If you were to use Rainier cherries (which is a lighter cherry) and also what traditional maraschino cherries are made with, then you'd get a more bright red color!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Organic: There is no organic maraschino cherries on the market! So, if you love these, but want to enjoy with organic ingredients, then you'll love this recipe.
Easy: This recipe for Homemade Maraschino Cherries so easy! You just need a pot and 15 minutes!
Great Gift: This is a great gift for the holidays when everyone is gathering and enjoying cocktails. It's so original and different compared to cookies and it's still an edible gift that can be enjoyed and shared.
Ingredients
Organic Cherries (Rainer cherries or Bing cherries)
Organic Maraschino Cherry Flavor Extract
Tools Needed
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Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
In a 2-quart saucepan, add the cane sugar, water, and red dye. Heat over medium heat and whisk until the sugar is dissolved and beet powder is incorporated completely. Remove from the heat.
Step 2
Add in the maraschino cherry extract, and stir to combine completely. Add in the cherries, and stir completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
FAQ's
No, if you want to omit the dye completely you can do that! I added it in as traditionally maraschino cherries are colored with food coloring for a bright red color. But, this part is completely optional and they will still taste the same without it!
You can store these Homemade Maraschino Cherries in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Maraschino cherries are a great addition to cocktails and drinks. You can make an Old Fashioned, which is our friend groups drink of choice, so that made this a great holiday gift this year! You can also make Shirley Temple if you don't drink, this is typically gingerale with a splash of grenadine and maraschino cherries!
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Homemade Maraschino Cherries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 454 grams cherries (pitted)
- 226 grams cane sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon Suncore Foods Red Food Dye
- ½ teaspoon Maraschino Cherry Flavor Extract
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, add the cane sugar, water, and red dye. Heat over medium heat and whisk until the sugar is dissolved and beet powder is incorporated completely. Remove from the heat.
- Add in the maraschino cherry extract, and stir to combine completely. Add in the cherries, and stir completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
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