A maraschino cherry is a preserved, sweetened cherry, which features an almond flavour. It is mostly used to garnish cocktails.

It is usually made from ligther-coloured cherry varieties, such as the Rainier and Royal Ann. After being preserved, the cherries are soaked in a mix of red food dye and sugar syrup.

The most common variety of maraschino cherries are red and tastes of almonds; maraschino cherries are also sometimes dyed green, in which case they tend to have a peppermint flavour.

They derive their name from the maraschino liqueur, which is made from marasca cherries. Maraschino cherries were originally preserved in this liqueur and used to be considered a delicacy exclusive to royalty and wealthy circles.