While the world of cherry-flavored spirits may be lesser-known than its whiskey, vodka, or gin counterparts, it holds a fascinating array of complex and flavorful options. Moving from cherry brandies to cherry-infused spirits, and cherry liqueurs to fortified wines fused with cherries, the cherry liqueur sub-category carries an unexpected depth of nuance. The selection ranges from overtly sweet, traffic-lit-hued varieties to discretely sweet, transparent alternatives, with well-recognized bartender favorites like maraschino liqueur or Cherry Heering leading the pack.

These cherry liqueurs offer myriad flavor profiles, with some carrying a gentle, herbaceous touch while others dwell on a brandy or port-like richness. Many of these drink options pay tribute to foraged fruits and botanicals from distinctive locations such as the Dalmatian coast, Scandinavia, and even the United States.

For those puzzled by the differences between Cherry Heering, maraschino, kirsch, and other cherry liqueurs, leading bartenders offer essential insights. They tell us that “Cherry Heering is a classic cherry brandy from Scandinavia with a production history spanning over 200 years,” shares Liana Oster, the trailblazing bartender from London who manages beverage programs at Side Hustle and NoMad Restaurant.

Peter Heering, in 1818, used a sacred recipe given to him by his mentor's wife to produce a homemade cherry liqueur that soon gained marking popularity at his grocery store in Copenhagen. It quickly won the admiration and favor of European royalty.

Today, the product stays true to its traditional recipe, using the exceptionally aromatic Stevns cherries native to Denmark. Upon processing, the cherries are ground and soaked in spices, and then aged in casks for up to five years, with added sugar lending a flavorful balance. At 24% ABV, the bottled outcome presents a richness and the complex cherry flavor, comparable to a black forest cake, rather than a sweet cherry candy.

Master bartender Sarah Elizabeth from Hôtel Swexan in Dallas defines Cherry Heering as a blend of “rich and intense flavor, amalgamating sweet cherries with underlying almond and spice flavors, making it a versatile and lavish spirit perfect for cocktails and desserts.”

The list of cherry liqueur styles continues and varies from viscous, vividly tinted sweet liqueurs meant as subtle additions to concoctions or desserts to rich, port-style ones. Some are made with cherries as their base, while others add cherry flavors to a neutral grain spirit (similar to vodka). Cherry brandies usually carry around 25-30% ABV, and can reach 40% ABV.

“Cherry liqueurs can differ significantly from each other,” observes Nick Hassiotis, the proprietor of Foundation Social Eatery in Georgia. Grand Marnier in France provides a cherry-flavored liqueur, while Gabriel Boudier offers a brandy-derived cherry liqueur. Cherry brandy and creme de cerise are produced by Giffard, the latter being a macerated cherry liqueur.

American distillery Leopold Bros infuses Montmorency cherries grown in Northern Michigan into a tart cherry liqueur that is intense, slightly acidic, and less sweet than its counterparts. They also produce a maraschino cherry liqueur, which has bright red Adriatic cherries that are fermented and distilled. The mixture is sweetened with clover honey after adding a separate distillate of coriander and Montmorency cherries.

There also exist spirits like kirsch, an unsweetened German cherry water produced by distilling fermented cherry pits to subdue sweetness. On the other hand, maraschino liqueur, a clear spirit made from sour marasca cherries, stands as one of the most renowned cherry liqueurs. The whole fruit, pips, stems, and all, are distilled to render a delicate blend of almond, herbal, and slight bitter-sweet cherry flavors.

Experts find that Cherry Heering is more sweet and intense than maraschino and is also darker, showing a ruby-red color compared to maraschino's clear hue. Regular cherry liqueurs integrate artificial flavors and colors, but Cherry Heering maintains its purity, only incorporating Danish cherries, a neutral grain spirit, and spice, states Max Goldberg, the beverage director at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. It gives off an almond-like fragrance due its method of mashing whole Danish cherries with the pits.

Charles Friedrichs, from The Jones Assembly in Oklahoma City, emphasizes that Cherry Heering stands apart in color, spice profile, and level of sweetness.

Lynnette Marrero, a veteran bartender of Speed Rack and Masterclass, notes that Cherry Heering differs from other cherry liqueurs in terms of flavor profiles and production methods. Cherry Heering's pronounced herbal note and rich and complex flavor are attributed to the maceration of cherries in spirits. "This isn't maraschino or kirsch," she emphasizes.

So, whether you fancy a Singapore Sling or a Blood & Sand, which combines equal parts of scotch, sweet vermouth, Cherry Heering, and fresh orange juice, Cherry Heering proves more versatile than you might think. As Stanislav Harcinik of Mirror Bar in Bratislava puts it, “Cherry Heering is truly effective in classic cocktail variations. It carries fruitiness and substance.”