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, nevertheless, there are merchandise starting from cherry brandies to cherry-infused spirits, cherry liqueurs, and fortified wines made with cherries.

The scope of merchandise throughout 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 akin 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 america.

When you’ve ever questioned what the distinction is between Cherry Heering, maraschino, kirsch, and different cherry liqueurs, and tips on how to devour 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 operating a grocery store in Copenhagen recognized for its selfmade cherry liqueur, made following a recipe given to him by the spouse of a former mentor. It shortly gained well-liked recognition and have become the European the Aristocracy’s drink of alternative.

At present, the product continues to be made in Copenhagen and follows most 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 — assume black forest cake moderately than a cherry gummy sweet.

The intense pink liqueur is understood 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 one in all many micro kinds of cherry liqueur. Whereas all carry a commonality of sure flavors, manufacturing strategies can range.

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

“Two cherry liqueurs might range 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 america, 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 brilliant 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 essentially the most well-known cherry liqueur is maraschino liqueur, a transparent, advanced liqueur comprised of bitter marasca cherries. Producers akin to Luxardo distill cherries, fruit, pits, stems, and all, to create a spirit with refined almond, natural, and barely bitter-sweet cherry notes. It’s an important 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 colour — 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 comprised of 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 basically helpful in lots of traditional cocktail variations. It brings fruitiness and physique,” says Stanislav Harcinik of Mirror Bar in Bratislava. He’s keen on the Singapore Sling and the Blood & Sand, which mixes equal elements scotch, candy vermouth, Cherry Heering, and contemporary orange juice. 

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

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