4 Cherry Heering Alternatives for Cocktail Recipes

Substitutes for Cherry Heering have become increasingly popular as mixologists and home bartenders seek alternatives to this classic liqueur.

The rich, sweet cherry flavor profile makes this Danish specialty somewhat difficult to replace, yet several excellent options exist for those unable to find it locally.

Many enthusiasts appreciate having backup choices when recipes call for this particular ingredient but circumstances prevent its use.

During cocktail experiments, some alternatives might actually enhance certain drinks with subtle flavor differences that complement other components beautifully.

Such flexibility allows creative freedom without sacrificing the intended character of traditional recipes like the Blood and Sand or Singapore Sling.

The wonderful world of cherry-flavored spirits and liqueurs offers more possibilities than you probably realized, with each alternative bringing its own unique qualities to your glass.

What Is Cherry Heering?

Cherry Heering is a classic Danish liqueur made from real cherries, spices, and neutral grain spirits, famous for its deep red color, rich flavor, and essential role in many vintage and modern cocktails. Created in the early 1800s, it’s considered the original cherry liqueur and has a long-standing reputation for quality and taste:

• Flavor Profile: Cherry Heering is sweet, fruity, and slightly spicy, with the true taste of ripe cherries, a hint of almond, and a warm, lingering finish from the added spices.
• Natural Ingredients: It’s made by steeping Danish cherries in alcohol, then aging the mixture with sugar and spices to build complexity and balance.
• Cocktail Staple: Cherry Heering is a must-have for classic drinks like the Singapore Sling and Blood and Sand, as well as creative modern cocktails needing a burst of cherry flavor.
• Versatile Uses: Besides cocktails, it can be drizzled over desserts, stirred into sauces, or even sipped neat for a rich, fruity treat.
• Distinctive Color: The deep ruby hue of Cherry Heering adds visual appeal to drinks and desserts, making them look as good as they taste.
• Alcohol Content: It’s usually bottled at around 24% alcohol by volume (48 proof), making it smooth enough to enjoy straight or mixed.
• Widely Available: Sold in unique, dark bottles with a vintage label, Cherry Heering is found in most well-stocked liquor stores and bars.

Why Substitute Cherry Heering?

There are plenty of good reasons to substitute Cherry Heering in your drinks or desserts, whether you’re out of the original, want a different flavor profile, or need a lighter or non-alcoholic option. Swapping this liqueur can keep your recipes flexible, creative, and suited to everyone’s tastes:

• Availability: Cherry Heering isn’t always easy to find, especially in smaller liquor stores or certain regions, so using another cherry liqueur or homemade syrup keeps recipes within reach.
• Budget-Friendly Swaps: Cherry Heering can be pricier than other liqueurs. Substituting with a more affordable brand or mixing cherry juice with a splash of brandy saves money.
• Adjusting Alcohol Content: If you want a lighter cocktail, replace Cherry Heering with cherry syrup or juice to lower the alcohol while still keeping cherry flavor.
• Personal Flavor Preferences: Some people find Cherry Heering a bit too sweet, rich, or spicy for their liking. Using clear cherry brandy, maraschino liqueur, or even raspberry liqueur can lighten the profile or add new flavor twists.
• Dietary Needs: If you’re serving those who avoid alcohol, a mix of cherry preserves and water, or cherry juice with a little almond extract, mimics the taste without any spirits.
• Recipe Experimentation: Swapping Cherry Heering lets you experiment with new flavors or find ingredients that pair better with the base spirit or dessert.
• Controlling Sugar: Cherry Heering is fairly sweet. Using a drier liqueur or unsweetened juice helps adjust the sweetness to match your recipe.

Liqueur Alternatives to Cherry Heering

Cherry Heering liqueur missing from your bar cart can be replaced with something that keeps drinks just as special. Mixing stays fun, and the final sip still feels indulgent.

Cherry Syrup

Cherry syrup stands out as the top substitute for cherry heering because it delivers that essential cherry flavor to your drinks.

This sweet alternative works wonderfully in cocktails while also being perfect for drizzling over pancakes, ice cream, or mixing with cold water for a refreshing juice.

Unlike cherry heering, the syrup lacks that subtle almond taste, making it both nut-free and alcohol-free - a consideration worth noting when planning your drink menu.

For those wanting a stronger cocktail when using this substitute, adding extra alcoholic ingredients can help achieve the desired kick.

Cherry Flavored Brandy

Cherry heering, often enjoyed as a digestif, can be replaced with cherry-flavored brandy when you need a substitute in recipes or drinks.

This alternative offers a similar cherry taste but comes with a stronger kick and less sweetness, so it's worth adjusting your expectations accordingly.

Many bartenders recommend the widely available Bols brand as a reliable option for this swap.

You can use the same amount of cherry brandy as the recipe calls for cherry heering, making it a straightforward substitution.

The slightly different flavor profile might actually create interesting variations in classic cocktails like the Singapore Sling or Blood and Sand, giving your drinks a personal touch.

Cherry Jam And Cherry Extract

Substituting cherry jam or cherry extract offers a quick fix when cherry heering isn't available for your baking projects.

Both options deliver that sweet cherry flavor needed in recipes, though jam tends to be sweeter and might require adjusting your sugar amounts downward.

Natural cherry extract stands out as particularly potent, delivering concentrated flavor while maintaining the authentic sweetness profile similar to cherry heering.

For best results in your treats, a single teaspoon of extract can effectively replace a quarter cup of cherry heering.

These alternatives work especially well in cookies, cakes, and other desserts where cherry notes should shine through without overpowering other ingredients.

Kirsch

Kirsch, a clear and colorless brandy distilled from fermented cherries, serves as an excellent substitute for cherry heering in cocktails.

This versatile spirit maintains the cherry essence despite being less sweet than cherry heering, making it perfect for mixed drinks where you want the cherry flavor without excessive sweetness.

You can easily enhance its sweetness by adding simple syrup to your cocktail mix according to your taste preferences.

Most liquor shops carry kirsch, so finding this alternative shouldn't pose any challenge when you need it.

For best results, use the same quantity as you would cherry heering, then adjust with a teaspoon or tablespoon of simple syrup until you achieve your desired sweetness level.

DIY Cherry Heering Liqueur Recipe for Home Bartenders

Making your own Cherry Heering-style liqueur at home is simple and rewarding, giving you control over the sweetness and flavor while saving money compared to the store-bought version. This homemade cherry liqueur is perfect for cocktails, desserts, or sipping on its own.

• Gather Ingredients: Use 2 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries, 1 cup vodka or brandy, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional), and a pinch of ground allspice or cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Macerate the Cherries: Place the cherries in a large jar, pour in the vodka or brandy, seal tightly, and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, shaking gently every few days to mix.
• Make a Simple Syrup: After the cherries have soaked, combine sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool completely.
• Strain and Mix: Strain the cherry mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Stir in the cooled syrup, almond extract, and spices.
• Rest and Blend Flavors: Seal and let the liqueur sit for another few days or up to a week to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if needed.
• Store and Use: Keep your homemade cherry liqueur in a sealed bottle in the fridge or a cool pantry. Use in classic cocktails, drizzle over desserts, or gift in pretty jars.

Cherry Heering Alternatives: Your Bar Questions

1. Are there non-alcoholic alternatives to Cherry Heering?

Cherry syrup, cherry juice concentrate, or a blend of cherry preserves with a splash of lemon juice can mimic the cherry note without alcohol.

2. Can I use cherry brandy instead of Cherry Heering?

Yes, cherry brandy is the closest in sweetness and depth, though some brands are less rich and more brandy-forward in flavor.

3. What’s the best Cherry Heering substitute in a Singapore Sling?

Maraschino liqueur works but is drier, so add a bit more simple syrup or cherry syrup to replicate Cherry Heering’s sweetness.

4. Will using a substitute affect the color of my cocktail?

Most substitutes, like cherry brandy or syrup, provide a deep red hue similar to Cherry Heering, though Kirsch is clear and won’t add color.

5. Are Cherry Heering alternatives suitable for desserts and baking?

Absolutely, cherry brandy, maraschino liqueur, or cherry syrup work well in desserts, sauces, and baked goods for a fruity boost.

6. Can I make a homemade Cherry Heering substitute?

Yes, steep cherries in brandy with sugar for a few days, then strain for a quick DIY cherry liqueur.

7. Are there sugar-free alternatives to Cherry Heering?

Use sugar-free cherry syrup or mix cherry essence with a sugar substitute and alcohol for a lower-carb version.

8. How should I store Cherry Heering substitutes?

Keep liqueurs in a cool, dark place and cherry syrups in the refrigerator after opening for best freshness.