Homemade Maraschino Cherries

While making your own homemade maraschino cherries might sound like a rather lofty project, the process is surprisingly simple: Frozen pitted cherries get soaked in a concentrated simple syrup that’s bolstered by lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a bit of almond extract until sweet and softened. The latter ingredient, which might seem like an unexpected addition, is what gives the cherries their signature maraschino taste, without having to buy an expensive liqueur. While you might not be able to pick out the almond flavor, you’ll know that something special is going on. It enhances the cherry flavor, bringing out its best qualities. These cherries also forgo the additional red food dye that’s often found in store-bought varieties, allowing the cherries’ natural pigment to stain the syrup a deep crimson hue. Just note that the cherries must sit overnight in the fridge before using, so plan accordingly.

The cherries make great go-to garnishes for banana splits, ice cream floats, or any dessert that could use some nostalgic whimsy, and the syrup is equally as valuable with its bold cherry flavor and tart sweetness. Try mixing it into cocktails, spooning over ice cream, or adding it to your summer marinades for a pop of sweetness. The full recipe, syrup and all, is delicious and worthy of being used in its entirety.