maraschino liquer

Maraschino liqueur

Zadar Croatia has lovely wines and fantastic seafood, but they also have the Maraschino liqueur, a sweet, clear liqueur distilled from Marasca cherries. The unique combination of sweet and bitter notes makes this drink a versatile ingredient in classic and modern cocktails. Use it to elevate your favorite drinks with a touch of luxury or sip it neat as a smooth, indulgent digestif. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur is the perfect addition to any home bar, and it’s a must-have for professional mixologists who demand the highest quality ingredients.  

Maraschino liqueur is distinct, not the bright red, sugary liquid used to preserve maraschino cherries, commonly used as a garnish in cocktails and desserts. The liqueur is more complex and sophisticated, with a sweet and slightly bitter taste profile. It’s made with the finest marasca cherries from the orchards outside of Zadar, Croatia, carefully selected and distilled to create a smooth and fragrant liqueur with a unique flavor that’s been enjoyed for centuries.  

Maraschino’s history dates to the early 16th century, when monks in the Republic of Ragusa (now Dubrovnik, Croatia) began producing a cherry liqueur known as “Maraschino.” The recipe for the liqueur was passed down from generation to generation until the Luxardo family expanded on its formula in 1821. In the early 18th century, a family-owned distillery called Luxardo began producing the liqueur commercially. Over time, the popularity of Maraschino liqueur grew, and it became a favorite of European aristocrats and royalty. It was also a popular ingredient in cocktails and is featured in classic drinks such as the Aviation and the Hemingway Daiquiri.  

During World War II, the Luxardo family’s distillery was destroyed by bombing, and the production of Maraschino liqueur stopped. However, the family salvaged the recipe and some of the equipment and rebuilt the distillery in Italy in the 1950s. Today, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur is still made using the original recipe and production methods, and it remains a popular ingredient in cocktails and a beloved liqueur worldwide.  

When visiting Zadar, be sure to stop in one of the many lovely shops offering tastings and bottle sales to experience the exquisite taste and quality of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur and discover why it’s been a favorite of connoisseurs for generations. Read more about Zadar’s famous Maraschino Liqueur and the villa where the family lived in Villa Maraschino Zadar for more about Zadar, read 10 Things to do in Zadar.