Buzz
It's always a letdown when you reach the bottom of a jar of Amarena cherries, especially when the last cherry is missing its stem. These intense cherries, with their deep red hue, are packed with flavor and instantly captivating. They're a sophisticated upgrade from maraschino cherries and can elevate a sundae or cocktail. But before you pour away the remaining syrup, remember—this sweet cherry nectar is a game-changer. It’s the secret ingredient for transforming everything from drinks to breakfasts with a cherry twist. And don't forget, the jar itself is pretty adorable.
If you haven’t tried Amarena cherries, it's time to treat yourself and grab a jar right away. Available year-round at Italian specialty shops and online, these cherries are also more common in grocery stores during the winter holidays (I often stock up at Trader Joe’s). I love using them in baked goods between November and January, but the leftover syrup is never wasted. Over the years, I’ve found several tasty ways to use it, mainly because I hate throwing away delicious ingredients—and, honestly, because I'm too stubborn not to find a way. Luckily, your cherry experience is about to improve dramatically.
Glazes and Frostings
Create a stunning cherry icing perfect for loaf cakes, cinnamon rolls, or homemade doughnuts. Most glazes are made by combining powdered sugar, liquid (usually water or milk), and sometimes butter. For a cherry twist, find a simple icing recipe, like this one from The Spruce Eats, and swap the liquid with Amarena cherry syrup. Follow the recipe as usual. For a super easy cherry glaze, just whisk two cups of powdered sugar with a quarter cup of Amarena syrup and pour over your treats.
Waffles and Pancakes
You’ll regret not doing this with every jar of cherries once you realize how great it is. Amarena cherry syrup is already perfect for drizzling, and you know who loves a good drizzle of syrup? Pancakes and waffles (no judgment on your syrup habits elsewhere). Just pour a few tablespoons of this syrup over your stack to add a tart cherry flavor, alongside a maple-like sweetness.
You can even mix the syrup directly into your pancake or waffle batter. This will give your breakfast a delightful, rosy hue. Just substitute the sugar in your recipe with an equal amount of Amarena cherry syrup. Since most recipes call for only a small amount of sugar, this substitution won’t affect the texture. The cherry flavor will be subtle, so I suggest adding a little extra syrup on top for an added cherry boost.
Enhance your fresh cherry filling with a burst of extra flavor from Amarena syrup.
When fresh cherries are in season, I rush to grab my pie plate. There's nothing like the flavor of perfectly ripe fruit, but I often end up with at least one bag of cherries that lack flavor. If you're facing a similar dilemma or it's winter and all you can find are frozen cherries, leftover Amarena syrup can bring a touch of ripeness to your fruit. Once your cherry filling is ready, add a tablespoon of syrup for each cup of cherries. Stir it in just before pouring the filling into your pie plate, and bake as usual.
Cocktail Creations
After making a few of these, you might start calling yourself a mixologist, and I won’t blame you. Amarena cherry syrup is a fantastic swap for simple syrup in various cocktails. It’s sweet, of course, but with a tart, slightly bitter cherry flavor that adds depth to dark spirits like whisky or rum, while still being lively enough for citrusy drinks. For a subtle cherry kick, add half an ounce of syrup to classics like an old fashioned, sidecar, negroni, or Manhattan. To let the cherry shine, add a full ounce to drinks like a cosmopolitan, margarita, or Aperol spritz. Anywhere you’d use sweet vermouth or maraschino cherries, Amarena syrup fits right in.
This cocktail leans fruity and citrusy, making it perfect for a casual afternoon with friends, paired with fruit and soft cheeses. It brings a refreshing zing to any summer gathering, though you can adjust it depending on how much you need to be able to navigate stairs afterward. You can also prepare the first two ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge. When you're ready, just pour three ounces over ice and top with bubbly.
Cherry Lemonade with a Kick
Ingredients:
2 ounces Limoncello
1 tablespoon Amarena cherry syrup
4 ounces Prosecco (or substitute with club soda for a lower-alcohol version)
Lemon wheel for garnish
Fill a rocks glass or highball glass with ice cubes. In a cocktail shaker, combine ice, Limoncello, and cherry syrup. *Shake for a few seconds, then strain the mixture into the glass. Top with Prosecco or club soda.
*If you don’t have a shaker, simply add the ingredients to an empty glass, stir vigorously, and then add the ice.
