Today, we’re diving into cherry brandy liqueur, a tasty liqueur that combines the sweet, fruity goodness of cherries with brandy’s warmth. Cherry liqueurs are one of our favorite mixers in cocktail recipes, but it’s excellent on its own or on the rocks, too.
That said, we’ve gone on a mission to find the best cherry brandy liqueur for you and savored a wide array of bottles to bring you the crème de la crème.
We can’t wait to share our findings with you! Our best cherry liqueur brands can take your drinking and cocktail experience to the next level.
Top 15 Best Cherry Brandy Liqueurs
1. Schladerer Brandy Kirschwasser Cherry
Average Price: Around $50 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 37.5%
Nose: Wild honey and sour cherry preserve
Palate: Light-to-medium body, cherry juice and almond
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: What’s not to love about Schladerer Brandy Kirschwasser? It’s a cherry liqueur crafted with care and precision since 1844.
“Sipping cherry brandy liqueur is akin to indulging in the deep, rich flavor of cherries with the warmth of tradition.” – Liquor Laboratory
The fact that their cherry liqueurs are made from native sweet cherries sourced from prime locations in the Black Forest speaks volumes about their quality. The subtle hints of bitter almonds create a delightful harmony in every sip of the cherry liqueur. [1]
2. Maraska
Average Price: Around $30 (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 31% ABV
Nose: Sweet, fresh Marasca cherries blended with a hint of almond
Palate: Sour cherry, strawberry syrup, spices, and chocolate
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Maraska has been using a family secret original recipe for over five centuries. As the name suggests, this traditional liqueur is made from local Marasca cherries, which give it a unique sweetness.
This is a versatile cherry liqueur that can be enjoyed on its own or as a sweet vermouth replacement in a cocktail. [2]
3. Lejay Cherry Brandy
Average Price: Around $25 (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 25% ABV
Nose: Marzipan and sour cherry juice
Palate: Red berries, sugar, cinnamon spice, and cloves
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: The original recipe for Lejay is crafted using the old traditional method, resulting in a delicate cherry liqueur with delicious flavors. This has a marzipan and sour cherry juice aroma, a syrupy flavor with a red berry palate, and a dark chocolate finish.
This clear liqueur is part of the Sisca range, which is popular in the realm of creative bartenders. This iconic cherry liqueur will bring elegant tastes to your cocktail.
4. Kammer
Average Price: Around $45 (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Raspberry, spice, and a light smokiness for garnish
Palate: Red berries and earth
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Kammer’s exquisite taste makes it a delicious choice in cherry brandy liqueurs. You can enjoy this cherry liqueur slightly chilled as a fantastic aperitif. [3]
Many chefs also use this liqueur to infuse cherry juice flavor into fruit or pour it over ice cream for a decadent dessert.
5. Jacquin’s Cherry Brandy
Average Price: Around $15 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Nose: Sweet and ripe
Palate: Warm and rich, with a tart cherry juice flavor
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Jacquin’s is a delicious and budget-friendly cherry liqueur that’s perfect for sipping and various culinary adventures. The nose is a delightful prelude to the juicy and tart cherry, and its long and sweet finish leaves a lasting impression.
6. Hiram Walker Cherry Brandy
Average Price: Around $15 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Nose: Sour cherry
Palate: Tart cherry flavor
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Hiram Walker is a delicious option for those who appreciate a genuine tart cherry flavor without the high price tag.
The brand is known for producing a cherry distillate using only the best all-natural ingredients, and we’re confident to say that this brandy will be a wonderful addition to your home bar.
7. Grants Morella
Average Price: Around $250 (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 24% ABV
Nose: Fresh morella and maraschino cherries
Palate: Blackcurrant leaf, fresh morella, and maraschino cherries
Star Rating: ★★★★
Why We Like It: Grants Morella is a true gem with a rich history that dates back to 1774. It has a sweet and sour profile, with fresh Morella and maraschino cherry notes.
It’s delicious on its own, on the rocks, or mixed into your favorite cocktail.
Also Read:
- What’s the Best Orange Liqueur for Margaritas?
- What’s the Best Banana Liqueur?
- What’s the Best Orange Liqueur?
- What’s the Best Chocolate Liqueur?
- What’s the Best Amaretto Liqueur?
8. Golles Cherry Brandy
Average Price: Around $70 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Deep red heart cherries
Palate: Aromatic, sour, and sweet, with marzipan and dark berries
Star Rating: ★★★★
Why We Like It: Golles uses sweet, aromatic “heart” cherries with dark fruit flesh, carefully selected before making them into an eau de vie.
This meticulous process results in a cherry liqueur brimming with fruitiness and a subtle hint of stone taste. It has double-distilled this liqueur since 1979, ensuring that only the best fruit goes into the cherry liqueur recipe.
9. Giffard Cherry Brandy
Average Price: Around $180 (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 25% ABV
Nose: Ripe cherries
Palate: Fresh and sour, with tart cherries and raspberries
Star Rating: ★★★★
Why We Like It: This cherry liqueur is made from the maceration of two varieties of cherries (one sweet and one bitter) and raspberry infusion, which delivers a delightful mix of sweetness and fruity goodness.
Its ruby-like red color is visually appealing, and the aromatic body prepares your senses for the rich and ripe cherry flavor of the liqueurs.
10. Dettling Cherry Brandy
Average Price: Around $30 (Potomac Wines)
Alcohol Content: 41.8% ABV
Nose: Rich and aromatic
Palate: Fresh and tart, with dark fruit flavors
Star Rating: ★★★★
Why We Like It: Famous as one of Dettling’s classic products, they have used the same formula for their cherry liqueur for over 145 years.
Founder Franz-Xaver Dettling recognized the potential of black cherries grown in Central Switzerland in 1867 and distilled them to make liqueurs.
11. De Kuyper XO
Average Price: Around $15 (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 28% ABV
Nose: Red and black berries, marzipan
Palate: Slightly spicy, with sweet cherry and almond
Star Rating: ★★★
Why We Like It: De Kuyper XO truly shines with its smooth and round cherry profile.
This cherry liqueur is crafted in small batches of 2,500 bottles. But it’s not just about what’s inside; the art deco-inspired bottle pays homage to the brand’s original 1920s packaging and sets the stage for the truly exceptional liqueur inside.
12. Bols Cherry Brandy Liqueur
Average Price: Around $20 (MRSP)
Alcohol Content: 30% ABV
Nose: Cherries and kernel
Palate: Cherry blended with gentle almond
Star Rating: ★★★
Why We Like It: With Bols, you’ll be treated to a full cherry flavor accompanied by a gentle almond taste. This deep red liqueur is crafted using fresh cherries from Eastern Europe.
Its production process involves crushing the cherry’s stone to extract its kernel, which imparts a faint almond flavor to the liqueurs. A mix of various herbs and spices is added to the liqueurs for a more well-balanced taste.
13. Volare Cherry Brandy Liqueur
Average Price: Around $200 (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 22% ABV
Nose: Italian cherries and almond
Palate: Italian cherries, sour lemon, and almond
Star Rating: ★★★
Why We Like It: What sets the Volare apart from other cherry liqueurs is the inclusion of cherry stones, which infuse the liqueur with a subtle almond note. This liqueur is developed by World Bartending Champion Jamie Stephenson, meaning this will definitely elevate your cocktail game.
We can confirm that this cherry liqueur works wonders blended in cocktails, soda, and cola.
14. Bartillan Cherry Liqueur
Average Price: Around $20 (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 20% ABV
Nose: Sweet cherry essence
Palate: Rich cherries
Star Rating: ★★★
Why We Like It: Bartillan made our list for its accessibility and enjoyable flavor. While it may not be the most complex option on the market, it is suitable for cocktails or with soda.
This captures the spirit of the beloved cherry fruit and is a great choice for those who appreciate its natural sweetness and flavor.
15. Mr. Boston Wild Cherry Brandy
Average Price: Around $15 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Nose: Tart cherries
Palate: Rich cherry
Star Rating: ★★★
“Cherry brandy liqueur is… a testament to the artistry of distillation and the beauty of nature’s bounty.” – Ernest Hemingway, American Novelist and Short Story Writer
Why We Like It: Mr. Boston is not the most premium cherry liqueur on the market, but its affordability, versatile flavor, and use in classic cocktails like the Singapore Sling and Cherry Blossom make it a solid choice for your home bar. [4]
You may have heard of these other popular brands that didn’t make our list: Hotel Tango Cherry Liqueur, Tattersall Sour Cherry Liqueur, Leopold Bros by Scott Leopold, and Heering Cherry Liqueur.
We liked these brands well enough, but our top 15 had overall better taste, flavor, and balance.
Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its flavor complexity, smoothness, versatility in mixology, and popular consensus among enthusiasts.
FAQs
Is cherry brandy the same as cherry liqueur?
No, cherry brandy and cherry liqueur are not the same.
Cherry brandies are typically made by distilling fermented cherry juice or fruit to a brandy/cognac base. It often has a higher ABV and may retain some of the characteristics of traditional brandies.
On the other hand, cherry liqueur is made by macerating cherries in a neutral spirit, such as vodka. It is also sweeter and more syrupy.
Can you drink cherry brandy straight?
Yes, you can drink cherry brandies straight. It can be sipped straight as a digestif, similar to other fruit brandies.
Is cherry brandy a substitute for kirsch?
Cherry brandy can be used as a substitute for kirsch but will have a different flavor. Kirsch has a strong and dry flavor and is often used in cooking.
Cherry brandies have a more complex flavor due to their aging period.
What is another name for cherry brandy?
Cherry brandy can be referred to as “kirsch,” “kirschwasser,” “cherry eau-de-vie,” or “cherry schnapps.” The spirits’ distinction in name lies in the production method.
How is cherry brandy liqueur made?
Cherry brandy liqueur is typically made by macerating cherries in a base spirit, such as brandy or neutral grain alcohol. Additional flavorings and sweeteners may also be added during the production process.
How should cherry brandy liqueur be served?
Cherry brandy liqueur can be enjoyed on its own as a sipping drink, served over ice, or used as a key ingredient in cocktails and desserts.
What are some popular cocktails made with cherry brandy liqueur?
Some popular cocktails featuring cherry brandy liqueur include the Singapore Sling, Blood and Sand, and the Cherry Blossom.
Does cherry brandy liqueur contain any allergens?
It’s important to check the label or contact the manufacturer to determine if cherry brandy liqueur contains any allergens, as ingredients and production methods can vary between brands.
Bottom Line
After exploring the best cherry liqueur brands on the market, the Schladerer Brandy Kirschwasser Cherry stands out as our favorite.
We are especially impressed by how the cherry liqueur tastes. It’s highly aromatic, combining cherries with delicate nuances of almonds, leading to a powerful finish.
Aside from its flavor, this cherry liqueur is also incredibly versatile, whether sipped neat, over ice, or as an ingredient in cocktails. This makes it suitable for a range of occasions and preferences. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their spirits game with the best cherry liqueur.
Other popular cherry liqueur brands that didn’t make the list include Hotel Tango Cherry Liqueur, Tattersall Sour Cherry Liqueur, Leopold Bros by Scott Leopold, and Heering Cherry Liqueur.
References:
- Black Forest
- 13 Sweet Vermouth Cocktails for the Negroni Fan
- Aperitif and digestif
- Singapore Sling Cocktail
