If you mention "Maraschino" to most people, their minds immediately jump to the neon-red cherries found in a Shirley Temple or perched atop a sundae. While those have their place, they have unfortunately created a lot of confusion about one of the cocktail world’s most sophisticated spirits: Maraschino Liqueur.
We are here to set the record straight—and to introduce a new release that brings a culinary edge to this vintage classic.
Not Just Another Cherry Liqueur
The most common question we get asked about this release is: "Is this just a clear version of your Cherry Liqueur?"
The answer is no.
Our Okanagan Spirits Cherry Liqueur is rich, sweet, and bursting with the fruitiness of Okanagan cherries. It’s a dessert in a glass.
Our Maraschino Liqueur, conversely, is dry, complex, floral, and nutty. It is a "vintage style" spirit, comparable to the traditional Italian Luxardo, made from distilling the pits and fruit of bitter cherries. It isn't designed to be sipped like a sweet liqueur; it is designed to be a powerhouse ingredient that adds depth and intrigue to your cocktails.
A Meeting of Local Legends: The Rod Butters Collaboration
To create a Maraschino that could stand up to the European classics, we knew we needed a palate that understood the nuance of flavour pairing.
We are incredibly proud to announce that this spirit was created as a collaboration between our in-house distilling team and Chef Rod Butters, one of Kelowna’s—and Canada’s—most celebrated culinary minds.
Rod and his team brought a chef’s perspective to the distillery floor. Together, we worked to ensure that the profile wasn’t just "boozy," but possessed a culinary structure that allows it to pair beautifully with food and other high-end spirits.
100% Canadian, Copper-Pot Crafted
While Maraschino has Italian roots, ours is distinctly Canadian. We are committed to our farm-to-flask philosophy, using 100% Canadian ingredients.
The magic happens in our state-of-the-art German copper pot stills. The copper plays a vital role in the distillation process, stripping away sulphites and impurities to leave behind a spirit that is incredibly clean, aromatic, and smooth. It’s a labour-intensive process, but one taste of the final product proves it’s worth it.
How to Drink It: The Aviation
Because Maraschino is drier and nuttier than fruit liqueurs, it is the secret weapon in many "bartender's handshake" cocktails like The Last Word or The Martinez.
However, the best way to experience our new collaboration is in the Aviation. This pre-Prohibition classic was virtually impossible to make properly for decades because good Maraschino was hard to find. Now, you can make a world-class version right here in the Okanagan.
The Okanagan Aviation
-
2 oz Okanagan Spirits Gin (Family Reserve or Essentials)
-
1/2 oz Okanagan Spirits Maraschino Liqueur
-
1/4 oz Crème de Violette (optional, for that purple hue)
-
3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Directions:
-
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.
-
Shake vigorously until chilled.
-
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
-
Garnish with a brandied cherry or a lemon twist.
Taste the Difference
Whether you are a professional mixologist or a home bartending enthusiast, this bottle deserves a spot on your shelf. It is a testament to what happens when you combine local terroir, distilling expertise, and culinary genius.
[Shop the Maraschino Liqueur Online] or visit us at the distillery to taste it for yourself.