1872 Cooling Cups and Dainty Drinks (Mixellany)

Maraschino — Kirscliwasser. 53 although ranking as liqueurs or cordials, are dan- gerously strong and seductive; such as Kirsehwas- ser, Maraschino, Goldwasser, Noyeau, and many others, of which a description will be given. The dif- ference between Kirschwasser (cherry-water) and Maraschino (both being spirits distilled from the cherry, which fruit is remarkable for the variety of favourite beverages it produces) is this: Kirsch is distilled from bruised cherries, and is a pure spirit, while Maraschino is distilled from the pulp of the cherries, mixed with honey: honey is also added to the spirit after distillation. The best Maraschino (de Zara) is made from the Marasca cherry, which grows very plentifully in Dalmatia and Northern Italy. The choicest is made in or near the town of Zara, in Dalmatia. Fictitious Maras- chino is made by sweetening and flavouring Kirsch- wasser. Kirschwasser is a common and favourite liquor with the Swiss and Germans. When this spirit is of good age, it is much pleasanter to the taste than when new. It has the reputation of assisting digestion, and has the curious property of decom- posing fruit when added to it in bottle. Goldwasser (which derives its name from por- tions of gold leaf floating in the liqueur) is a spirit