Cherry Heering vs Cherry Liqueur: What’s the Distinction?

In comparison with different spirits classes like whiskey, vodka, or gin, the world of cherry-flavored spirits is comparatively small. Inside that small class, nonetheless, there are merchandise starting from cherry brandies to cherry-infused spirits, cherry liqueurs, and fortified wines made with cherries.

The scope of merchandise inside the cherry liqueur sub-category is surprisingly nuanced. There are bracingly candy, stoplight-hued bottles, subtly candy clear-colored variations, and well-known bartender favorites corresponding to maraschino liqueur or Cherry Heering. 

Some cherry liqueurs are delicate and herbaceous, whereas others are wealthy and extra comparable in character to brandy or port. Many bottles spotlight the fruit and botanicals foraged in locations just like the Dalmatian coast, Scandinavia, and even the USA.

Should you’ve ever puzzled what the distinction is between Cherry Heering, maraschino, kirsch, and different cherry liqueurs, and methods to eat them, you are not alone. We’ve consulted with high bartenders to assist break down the variations and similarities.

What’s Cherry Heering?

“Cherry Heering is a Scandinavian cherry brandy that has been made for over 200 years,” says Liana Oster, a London-based bartender who heads the beverage applications at Aspect Hustle and the NoMad Restaurant.

In 1818, Peter Heering was working a grocery store in Copenhagen identified for its selfmade cherry liqueur, made following a recipe given to him by the spouse of a former mentor. It rapidly gained in style recognition and have become the European the Aristocracy’s drink of selection.

As we speak, the product continues to be made in Copenhagen and follows lots of the similar specs as the unique recipe. It makes use of the Stevns cherry, a pressure particular to Denmark which is awfully fragrant. These cherries are crushed and soaked in spices, then aged for as much as 5 years in casks, throughout which sugar is added. Bottled at 24% ABV, the ultimate spirit is wealthy and complexly cherry flavored — suppose black forest cake moderately than a cherry gummy sweet.

The brilliant pink liqueur is thought for its “wealthy and intense taste, combining candy cherries with hints of almond and spices, creating a flexible and indulgent spirit excellent for cocktails and desserts,” says Sarah Elizabeth, the lead bartender at Hôtel Swexan in Dallas.

What’s Cherry Liqueur?

Cherry Heering is considered one of many micro types of cherry liqueur. Whereas all carry a commonality of sure flavors, manufacturing strategies can differ.

Some liqueurs are viscous, candy, neon pink, and meant to be added with a mushy hand to drinks or served over desserts. Others are wealthy and aged, leading to an nearly port-like profile. Generally the cherry is the bottom of the spirit, different instances cherry flavors are added to a impartial grain spirit (like a vodka). Many cherry brandies may be bottled at round 25—30% ABV, whereas others can creep as much as 40%.

“Two cherry liqueurs may differ vastly from one another,” says Nick Hassiotis, proprietor of Basis Social Eatery in Alpharetta, Georgia. 

In France, Grand Marnier affords a cherry-flavored liqueur, and producer Gabriel Boudier affords a brandy-based cherry liqueur. Giffard produces a cherry brandy and a creme de cerise, a liqueur made within the Loire Valley by macerating cherries in a beet-based liquor. 

In the USA, Leopold Bros makes a tart cherry liqueur out of Montmorency cherries grown in Northern Michigan. It’s intense, barely acidic, and fewer candy than most cherry liqueurs. The Colorado-based distillery additionally makes a maraschino cherry liqueur by fermenting and distilling vibrant pink Adriatic cherries. A separate distillate of coriander and Montmorency cherries is then added earlier than the combination is sweetened with clover honey. 

Then there are spirits like kirsch (German for ‘cherry water’): an unaged and unsweetened eau de vie made by distilling fermented cherry pits in an effort to subdue the sweetness.

Arguably probably the most well-known cherry liqueur is maraschino liqueur, a transparent, complicated liqueur constructed from bitter marasca cherries. Producers corresponding to Luxardo distill cherries, fruit, pits, stems, and all, to create a spirit with delicate almond, natural, and barely bitter-sweet cherry notes. It’s a necessary ingredient in many traditional cocktails just like the Aviation, Final Phrase, Crimson Hook, Hemingway Daiquiri, and extra.

What’s the distinction between Cherry Heering and different cherry liqueurs?

In comparison with one thing like maraschino, Cherry Heering is extra intense and candy, in addition to ruby pink in hue in comparison with maraschino’s clear look.

“Cherry Heering differs from others in shade — it is darker than most cherry liqueurs, [and in] the spice profile, and the sweetness degree,” says Charles Friedrichs, beverage director at The Jones Meeting in Oklahoma Metropolis. 

Moreover, “whereas different cherry liqueurs are permitted to make the most of synthetic flavors and colours, Cherry Heering can solely be constructed from Danish cherries, a impartial grain spirit, and spice,” says Max Goldberg, the beverage director at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. “The method of crushing the entire Danish cherries with the pits imparts an almond-like aroma to the liqueur which is most notably discovered within the Blood & Sand cocktail in addition to the Singapore Sling.” 

In cocktails, the liqueur is extra versatile than one would assume.

“Cherry Heering is admittedly helpful in lots of traditional cocktail variations. It brings fruitiness and physique,” says Stanislav Harcinik of Mirror Bar in Bratislava. He’s a fan of the Singapore Sling and the Blood & Sand, which mixes equal elements scotch, candy vermouth, Cherry Heering, and recent orange juice. 

Veteran bartender Lynnette Marrero, of Pace Rack and Masterclass, notes that “the primary variations between Cherry Heering and different cherry liqueurs lies of their taste profiles and manufacturing strategies.

“Cherry Heering sometimes has a extra pronounced natural notice and is produced by macerating cherries in spirits, which contributes to its wealthy taste and complexity. That is not maraschino or kirsch,” she says.