Cherry liqueurs and why you should be drinking them
Cherry liqueurs are a mainstay of any Polish household. From festive gatherings to celebrations, there’s always a favorite cherry liqueur tucked away in a cupboard, ready to be served up for a toast, or to mark those special moments of conviviality amongst friends and family.
It’s a tradition that you too can share in. And why? Well, because frankly it’s delicious! Whether you’re winding down after a dinner party, or just getting the party started, the refined taste of a cherry liqueur is the perfect sweetener to your evening.
What may not be immediately apparent is that there’s a long tradition, if not art form, that goes into every bottle of vodka-based cherry liqueur. In fact, a few renowned distillers keep their unique recipes a total secret, a fact that promises nuances of flavour between different liqueurs. There’s a fascinating array of different methods, some learned at home over generations, some crafted over years of devotion to the art in sophisticated distilleries.
First there’s the cherries themselves. Distillers choose only the best harvests, from only the most experienced growers. Water and alcohol are added, along with the cherries. Then follows the balancing act of the fruit and the stone, the latter imparting a unique aftertaste – though this is a delicate matter, as too much creates an unpleasant acidity. Fermentation and distillation are the next, carefully decided processes. Herbal or other additions are occasionally used, offering a gourmet range of delicious tinctures.
You see, cherry liqueurs aren’t just a drink for those who want a softer spirit than clear vodka; they are, in themselves, a delicious concoction that showcases the best produce and finest distilling art of Poland. Plus, they are fantastic mixed with other drinks. Add your favourite fruit juice, or spice up your coffee or herbal tea for a warming winter brew.
At Top Spirits, we stock some of the best Polish cherry liqueurs available.
Żołądkowa Gorzka with black cherry liqueur
Consistent award winner both in Poland and internationally, Żołądkowa Gorzka are renowned for their iconic flavours. Black cherry is an iconic flavour, a deep and delicious liqueur built on an award-winning heritage.
Żołądkowa Gorzka Delicja (cherry with dark chocolate) liqueur
Another in the Żołądkowa Gorzka range, from one of Poland’s most famous distillers. Dry cherry is mixed with bitter chocolate for a gourmet touch. The deep flavour profile is thanks to the traditional natural maceration of the cherry, a long process with delicious outcome. This is a real after-dinner treat.
Lubelska cherry liqueur
Lubelska is one of the leading Polish distillers of vodka-based flavoured liqueurs, with a host of awards to match. Each Lubelska liqueur is bursting with flavour, a zesty and powerful taste in every sip.
Saska cherry with a hint of rum liqueur
A heritage distillers renowned for their refined liqueurs. Saska cherry has all the hallmarks of their famous cherry liqueur, only now with an added flavour of rum, bringing out the warmth and depth of the cherry flavour. A perfect winter warmer.
Krupnik cherry liqueur
Krupnik’s roots stretch back to the 16th century, and each century can be tasted in the refined taste of their cherry liqueur. Krupnik is a household name for good reason, with thirteen generations of master distillers perfecting the traditions of cherry liqueur.
Dalkowski cherry vodka
Since 1909, Dalkowski has been perfecting their coveted liqueurs and vodkas. Indulge in the heritage of Dalkowski cherry vodka, each bottle individually numbered, for an authentic taste. At 38%, it’s a semi-dry alternative to sweeter liqueurs (typically 30%), for a refined taste.
Nalewka cherry liqueur
Nalewka cherry is one of Poland’s most famous. It has a natural, full and sweet taste with a subtle hint of almond, giving a quaffable mouth feel perfect for after-dinner sips. At just 18%, it’s a lighter alternative to other liqueurs. Perfect neat, delicious mixed – Nalewka is a fine example of the craft, with juicy, ripe cherry flavour thanks to long maceration. , combination of excellent spirit and macerates from juicy, ripe cherries. Nalewka Babuni is also particularly recommended for desserts and cakes. A recipe for Clafoutis with drunken cherries and Creamy zabajone with cherries can be found in the recipes section of our website. Enjoy!
