A colourless liqueur distilled from marasca cherries, including their crushed kernels, which contribute a subtle bitter-almond note. Originating in Dalmatia, maraschino is dry rather than sweet despite its cherry origins, and it has flavoured cocktails and desserts for over two centuries. Classic uses include the Aviation and Last Word cocktails, fruit salads, and cherry-flavoured confectionery. The liqueur also gave its name to maraschino cherries, though most commercial cocktail cherries today are preserved in sweetened syrup rather than the genuine liqueur. A small measure adds sophisticated cherry depth to creams, icings, and chocolate work.