Maraschino Cherry

A maraschino cherry is a bright red preserved cherry typically packed in sweet syrup, often with the stem attached. It has a glossy red sheen and a firm texture, and it holds shape on garnishes and in batters. Common uses include garnishing cocktails, topping sundaes, decorating cakes, and folding into retro desserts; sold mostly as stem-on or stemless whole cherries in jars.\n\nThe style originated around the Dalmatian coast, where marasca cherries were preserved in maraschino liqueur, and spread through Italy. In the early 20th century, North American producers developed an alcohol-free process using brine, sugar syrup, and coloring, which popularized the modern soda-fountain and bar cherry.