Often called cocktail cherries, a Maraschino cherry is a sweet, preserved cherry. The word maraschino is derived from the marasca cherry, which has its origins in Croatia. Traditionally the cherries were crushed and preserved in alcohol. These days a variety of light coloured sweet cherries are used. They’re first preserved in a brine solution that contains sulfur dioxide and calcium chloride to bleach the fruit. Then they’re soaked in a suspension of food colouring and sugar syrup. Maraschino cherries make a beautiful garnish. However, the healthier choice is to skip eating them once your drink is finished.