This post may contain affiliate links, Please see my disclosure policy to learn more.

Homemade maraschino cherries are a much healthier version of the pretty red cherries you can buy at the store. Use homemade maraschino cherries in your favorite cocktail, on top of ice cream sundaes, or to top your favorite desserts.

Store-bought maraschino cherries are heavily processed. They are bleached in a mixture containing calcium chloride and sulfur dioxide, which removes the natural red color and the natural cherry flavor. The cherries are then brined in a sugary syrup and injected with red dye.

Cherries

You can use any kind of cherry that you like in this recipe. I have a Stella cherry tree in my garden that produces a beautiful, bright red sweet cherry that I used in this recipe. Bing, Rainier, or even pie cherries will work. You can leave the stems on or remove them when you pit the cherries.

Juice

I made this recipe using Grenadine because that’s what I had on hand, but you can use cherry, pomegranate, or red grape juice instead if you wish.

Combine all of the ingredients except for the cherries in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar. You will be creating a simple syrup for the cherries to soak in. Turn the burner off and add the cherries, pressing them down to submerge them.

Allow the mixture to cool, then transfer the cooked cherries to a container with a tight-fitting lid or a clean quart-size jar. You can use them in drinks or on desserts as soon as they cool, but they get better when they are allowed to rest for a couple of days. The longer the cherries soak in the juice before you use them, the more flavorful they will become. The cherries can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks or frozen for long-term storage.

The following recipe is a non-alcoholic version, but you can most certainly add cherry brandy or cherry liqueur if you wish (such as Luxardo®). I would start with a 1/2 cup, you can always add more to your taste. Add the alcohol when you add the cherries, so the alcohol doesn’t cook off.

Print Recipe

Homemade Maraschino Cherries

Course: Dessert

Servings:

Calories: 95kcal

Ingredients

1 pound fresh cherries; pitted - approximately 3 cups (any variety)
½ cup Grenadine, cherry, pomegranate, or red grape juice
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
⅓ cup lemon juice
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Use a cherry pitter to remove the cherry pits and set cherries aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, add everything except the cherries and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, and stir until sugar dissolves completely for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the cherries, and let cool. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Bestseller No. 1

Rose's Grenadine, 1 Liter

The package length of the product is 14.4 inches
The package width of the product is 4.9 inches
The package height of the product is 4.6 inches
The package weight of the product is 3.2 pounds

Bestseller No. 1

Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla, with Pure Vanilla Extract, 11 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) - Packaging May Vary

Made with Pure Vanilla Extract and all naturally derived ingredients
Concentrated, bake and freeze proof blend is ideal for baking
No Artificial Colors or Flavors. Note: Contains Sulfites
Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Corn Syrup Free, Kosher
Crafted in the USA

SaleBestseller No. 1

Miuyhji Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [6 Pack], Canning Jars with Metal Airtight Lids and Bands, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Pickling, Freezing, Preserving, Meal Prep, Jar Décor

🍊6-PACK MASON JARS: Our canning jars are equipped with metal lids and bands, which is perfect for canning, pickling, preserving and fermenting fruits and veggies. Embossed measurement markings & wide mouth ensure easy and precise filling.
🍊HIGH QUALITY GLASS JARS: Our mason jars 16 oz are made of BPA-free, toxic-free and lead-free glass, which ensures the food-grade quality. Durable clear glass for easy visibility & long time use. Heat-tempered material for microwave (without lids and bands), refrigerator (under the freezing-fill line) and dishwasher safe.
🍊AIRTIGHT & LEAKPROOF SEAL: Each jar's lid is equipped with a silicone liner which ensures the time-tested airtight sealing. Our wide mouth mason jars perform well no matter working as canning jars, pickle jars, pickling jars, jelly jars, or jam jars etc.
🍊VERSATILE WIDE MOUTH JARS: mason jars wide mouth are suitable for storing all kinds of foods, such as pickles, jams, jellies, overnight oats, spices and so on. With embossed decoration fruits on, these glass jars also work as overnight oats containers with lids, DIY projects, home decoration and unique gifts with string and ribbons.
🍊CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Our canning jars wide mouth are securely packed in layers of styrofoam and heavy cardboard, to make sure that these canning jars your get are all in best condition. If any glass jars your received are cracked or broken, please feel free to contact us. We will provide a satisfying solution for you.

Bestseller No. 2