8 Useful Substitutes for Cherry Liqueur 2023

Cherry liqueur is a strong-flavored alcoholic beverage with a sweet and syrupy consistency. Chefs and bartenders use it as a flavoring ingredient in recipes for fondue, mixed drinks, pastries, meat dishes, and other culinary treats.

The best cherry liqueur substitutes include cherry syrup, chocolate liqueur, cherry wine, apple cider, vermouth, and cherry jam. While these ingredients make excellent alternatives to cherry liqueur, they each carry variations of cherry liqueur’s unique flavor, and one may not serve as a replacement in every recipe that calls for cherry liqueur.

Best Substitute for Cherry Liqueur: Cherry Syrup

The best cherry liqueur substitute is a syrup made from crushed cherries. It makes the best replacement because it has the same consistency, viscosity, and color. Despite lacking the alcohol aspect in liqueur, cherry syrup possesses an intense cherry flavor and a sweet aroma that works well in most recipes.

Chefs and bartenders use cherry syrup as an alternative to other sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. It’s also a great way to add natural sweetness to cocktails, mocktails, and other mixed drinks.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of fresh cherries, cleaned and stemmed
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp of lemon juice

Directions

To make the perfect cherry syrup, begin by adding cherries and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Mash the cherries using a potato masher or a wooden spoon to release their juices. Add the water and lime juice, bring to a boil, and stir continuously to dissolve the sugar and prevent the syrup from burning. Cook for 20 minutes.

Reduce the heat to a low simmer and continue stirring for 15 minutes, until the mixture reaches a consistency like maple syrup.

Remove the saucepan from the heat to cool. Once cooled, strain the mixture using a sieve to remove any solids. Store the syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Substitution

As a cherry liqueur replacement, use the same amount of cherry syrup as liqueur (a ratio of 1:1).

Cherry syrup as a cherry liqueur substitute may not be ideal for traditional fondues recipes. It can, however, be used in other recipes that call for cherry liqueur. These include cocktails, mixed drinks, and desserts like ice cream and cake.

For virgin cocktails, replace other alcoholic ingredients like vodka and triple sec with non-alcoholic alternatives like lemonade or sparkling water.

Other Cherry Liqueur Substitutes, Alternatives, and Replacements.

This section is a list of substitutes for cherry liqueur. It elaborates how to make each substitute, and the perfect ratio to use in place of cherry liqueur.

Liqueurs

Chocolate Liqueur

Chocolate liqueur is a smooth, rich alcoholic drink made from chocolate, sugar, vanilla, and alcohol. Chocolate liqueur makes an excellent substitute for cherry liqueur because the chocolate and vanilla in this drink offer a slightly bitter flavor and creamy consistency similar to cherry liqueur’s tart aftertaste and viscosity.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of Sugar
• 1 cup of vodka (our favorite is Russian Standard vodka)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of cacao nibs
• 1/2 cup of cream
• 1/12 teaspoons of vanilla essence

Directions

The recipe for chocolate liqueur is simple and easy to follow. Combine the vodka and cacao nibs in a sealable container and allow the mixture to infuse for at least two weeks. Shake the container occasionally to speed up the infusion process.

After two weeks, make a simple syrup by simmering the sugar and water together for three minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent the mixture from burning. Remove the simple syrup from the heat and let it cool.

Add the cream, vanilla, and cooled syrup to the mixture of vodka and cacao nibs, and stir until the entire mixture turns creamy inconsistency.

Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove the cacao nibs. Bottle the chocolate liqueur in a sealable container and store it in a cool, dark place for up to six months.

Substitution

Use a ratio of 1:1 when replacing cherry liqueur with chocolate liqueur. An equal measure ensures the delicate chocolate taste does not overpower the recipe.

Chocolate liqueur works best in recipes that call for chocolate or cherry liqueur. Recipes for brownies, hot chocolate, or other desserts that call for a chocolate flavor can use this liqueur as an alternative. It even adds a new twist to traditional chocolate fondue.

Amaretto

Amaretto is an almond-flavored liqueur that tastes sweet and nutty. It is a delicious alternative to cherry liqueur not only for its similar flavor profile but also because the two liqueurs share an Italian heritage. Ameretto’s nutty and bitter notes complement recipes that commonly include cherry liqueur, like cherry pie, chocolate cake, and some flavors of ice cream.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 4 tbsp of vanilla essence
• 2 cups of sugar (granulated)
• 4 tbsp of almond extract
• 4 cups of Russian Standard vodka

Directions

Make a simple syrup by simmering the sugar and water together for three minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent the mixture from burning. Remove the simple syrup from the heat and let it cool.

Once the syrup has cooled completely, stir in the vanilla essence, almond extract, and vodka.

Store the syrup in a tightly-sealed bottle in a cool, dark place for six months to several years.

Substitution

Substitute cherry liqueur with half the amount of amaretto. A ratio of 2:1 is best when replacing cherry liqueur with amaretto due to amaretto’s subtle bitterness that can easily overpower a recipe.

Serve amaretto with ice or mix with cold-brewed coffee for a refreshing drink on a hot day, or add it to hot coffee or hot chocolate for a winter warmer. An amaretto drink goes well with desserts like trifles, chocolate cake, and cherry pie.

Wine

Cherry Wine

Cherry wine is a red, or rosé-fortified wine with a sweet and tangy flavor reminiscent of cherries. It’s an excellent alternative to cherry liqueur with a similar flavor profile but a slightly different consistency. Cherry wine possesses less alcohol than cherry liqueur but makes up for the loss with a strong, sweet cherry flavor.

Making homemade cherry wine is a lengthy process. It requires patience, as proper aging and fermentation can take up to five years. A good alternative is to buy already-made cherry wine from a retail store or the cherry wine online store.

Cherry wine complements recipes that call for strong cherry flavors, such as chocolate cake, fruitcake, and trifles. The bold sweetness of the wine also balances the bitterness of chocolate. Cherry wine offers a deep, rich, cherry flavor that transforms a simple dessert into a new favorite.

Substitution

For a strong cherry flavor and appropriate alcohol content, use a ratio of 1:2 when replacing cherry liqueur with cherry wine. For example, if a recipe calls for one ounce of cherry liqueur, use two ounces of cherry wine instead.

Vermouth

Vermouth is a fortified wine with a rich, complex flavor profile aromatized with spices and herbs. It’s a versatile liqueur that makes an excellent alternative to cherry liqueur because of its tart, fruity flavor. Chefs use dry vermouth for the complex spice flavors it adds to meats, seafood, and pasta dishes.

Making dry vermouth requires a lot of time and effort. It’s an infusion of herbs, spices, and botanicals steeped in a high-quality wine for several weeks. Rather than making it at home, buying dry vermouth online is a simpler option.

Vermouth is an excellent substitute for cherry liqueur in recipes like cherry pie, chocolate cake, fruitcake, cocoa fondue, maraschino cherries, and other recipes that include intense flavors of chocolate, vanilla, or coffee. The herbs in vermouth give dishes like these a flavor complexity that far surpasses that of cherry.

Substitution

Replace the cherry liqueur in a recipe with an equal measure of dry vermouth (a ratio of 1:1) for the best results.

Other Beverages and Condiments

Lemon Juice (Lemonade)

Lemon juice (this recipe also serves a delicious lemonade) is a crucial ingredient in many dessert recipes. Lemon juice mimics the purpose of cherry liqueur in many recipes by livening the flavors and balancing sweetness. Lemon juice is also more pantry-friendly than liqueurs — especially if homemade.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of white sugar
• 9 cups of water
• 2 cups of juiced lemons

Directions

Start by making a simple syrup by combining the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for three minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent the mixture from burning. Remove the simple syrup from the heat and let it cool.

Pour the lemon juice into a large pitcher and add the cooled simple syrup. Stir well and pour into sterilized, sealable bottles, and refrigerate for several months.

Substitution

Replace the cherry liqueur in a recipe with an equal (1:1) measure of lemon juice to give a dish a new flavor.

Lemon juice brightens desserts like ice cream, custard, and cakes. It also complements savory dishes like chicken, fish, and pork.

Apple Cider

Apple cider is an unsweetened, unfiltered, and unpasteurized alcoholic drink made from apples. It’s a good substitute for cherry liqueur because of its tangy and sweet flavor, reminiscent of cherries. Adding sweeteners and spices to apple cider such as cinnamon, honey, or maple syrup can expand a recipe’s flavor profile in ways that cherry liqueur cannot.

Ingredients

• 10 apples
• 3 tbsp of whole allspice
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 3 tbsp of cinnamon

Directions

Start by washing the apples and removing the cores. Cut the apples into quarters and place them in a large pot or casserole dish. Add the allspice, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour enough water into the pot to cover the apples.

Place a lid on top of the pot and boil for one hour, then reduce to a simmer for another hour. Remove the spices and mash the apples with a potato masher or blend them in a food processor until a smooth consistency is achieved.

Use a strainer to separate the pulp from the liquid. Bottle the apple cider and refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for several months. Use other spices like cloves or ginger for added flavor.

Substitution

An equal measure (a ratio of 1:1) of apple cider is a suitable replacement for cherry liqueur in recipes like pumpkin pie or fruitcake. Use more or less depending on the preferred flavor profile.

Cherry Jam

Cherry jam is a great way to substitute cherry liqueur’s tart sweetness. It also enhances the dish’s appearance with its beautiful red color. Cherry jam is perfect in dry recipes that carry subtle flavors like vanilla, almond, and chocolate. Chefs prefer using cherry jam over other cherry liqueurs because of its intense, consistent flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of cherries, pitted and cleaned
• 1 3/4 ounces (1 package) of powdered fruit pectin
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
• 4 cups of sugar

Add the cherries, lemon juice, pectin, and zest into a pot and bring to a boil. Stir the mixture over medium heat for one minute before gradually adding the sugar. Allow the mixture to return to a boil and stir continuously until all of the sugar dissolves.

Boil for one minute, then remove from the heat and skim off any foam. Pour the hot mixture into hot, sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Clean jar rims with a clean, damp cloth and seal with metal canning lids.

Cherry jam is a perfect substitution for cherry liqueur in cupcakes, biscuits, sponge cakes, muffins, fruit tarts, or even stirred through ice cream. Cherry jam can also be added to barbecue sauce to give it a sweet, fruity flavor.

Substitution

Replace the cherry liqueur in any dry recipe with half (1:½) the amount of jam.

Bottom Line

Cherry liqueur is a key ingredient in many cocktails, desserts, and savory dishes. It ensures a consistent flavor and enhances the appearance of the dish. The best substitutes for cherry liqueur are cherry syrup, chocolate liqueur, cherry wine, apple cider, vermouth, and cherry jam. Other substitutes include maraschino liqueur, framboise, and cassis.

Each of these substitutes offers a unique flavor that can transform any recipe. With either of these substitutes and a bit of creativity and ingenuity, you can replace cherry liqueur with a delicious alternative.