Portfolio Profile - Maraska

A Cherry on Top

THE MARASKA LINE PAYS ATTENTION TO DETAIL

By Mary Patterson

WITH A HISTORY SPANNING FIVE CENTURIES, FEW MODERN SPIRITS PRODUCERS CAN CLAIM AS ILLUSTRIOUS A HISTORY AS MARASKA. BASED IN ZADAR, CROATIA, THE MARASKA BRAND IS BUILT ON A LOCAL HISTORY OF CHERRY PRODUCTION DATING BACK TO 1399.

Today, the Maraska brand is known worldwide for its high-quality range of spirits, including liqueurs, brandy, and premium cocktail cherries. Throughout Eastern Europe, Maraska is a staple at celebrations, family gatherings and is a must for an after-dinner drink. “Many of Maraska’s products have become well-known among the mixology community for their versatility as modifiers in cocktails. This includes Maraschino Liqueur which is produced from Maraska’s Estategrown Marasca cherries, which come from the Adriatic Coast of Croatia,” shares Mark Tucker, Executive Vice President at Worldwide Libations.

Initially, the collection of spirits that make up the Maraska line were all independent, but in the 1940s, a government-led consolidation of distilleries brought the formation of a singular brand. The centuriesold formulas and recipes are still closely guarded secrets made with uncompromising attention to detail and quality from the best fruit and ingredients available. The brand has its own cherry grove with over 100,000 cherry trees.

“Being in control of the production of their fruit gives them a tremendous advantage over many competitor brands who buy some or all of the Marasca cherries from third parties,” Tucker notes. Adding, “For one, they are in control of the agricultural part, ensuring the best cherries are harvested at the optimal time.”

Once harvested, the cherries are sorted with the best fruit used for Maraschino liqueur and the larger cherries used for Maraska’s cocktail cherries. “Maraska’s Maraschino liqueur is less sweet than many competitors, giving bartenders that cherry flavor they are looking for but leaving them in control of the sweetness in their cocktails,” explains Tucker, adding that the brand’s cocktail cherries are larger than competitors, making them ideal for premium cocktails. While most behind the stick are familiar with Maraschino liqueur, it has more uses than you might expect. “Maraschino Liqueur is often called a Bartender’s Secret weapon,” says Tucker. “Because a 1/4 to 1/2 oz. added to a wide variety of classic and original cocktails can put a unique and personal twist on drinks.”

The line’s other expressions are just as diverse— Pelinkovac, the herbal liqueur, makes for an excellent digestive and can be used as an exciting alternative to Amaro. Made from green, un-ripened walnuts, Tucker shares that the brand’s Orahovac has a bitter and herbal quality balanced by sweet, nutty flavors. “It’s kind of Amaro meets Nocino. Its herbal quality can make it an interesting substitute for sweet vermouth in cocktails.”

Maraska’s line of premium and traditional spirits can be used alone as well as to modify cocktails, all while being very cost-effective. Tucker concludes, “As bars and restaurants emerge from a global pandemic, they will be very conscious of costs per ounce. Even the highest-level bars and restaurants will have to watch costs while not wanting to sacrifice on quality, and Maraska is a premium spirit brand that can help them with both.”