Europe is one of the main producers of liquors in the world, and the citizens of this continent use all kinds of different ingredients to make unique alcoholic beverages. One of the most common fruits used in the production of liquors is cherries, which typically add a sweet and sour taste.
Here are four European cherry liquors that you absolutely must try if you find yourself trotting around the old continent.
Ginjinha (Portugal)
One of Portugal’s most famous products is ginjinha, a traditional cherry liquor originating from a monastery in the country’s capital of Lisbon. It’s typically served as a shot with a piece of fermented cherry inside of it, and it’s recently become popular to drink it out of chocolate shot glasses. Yum!
Guignolet (France)
Despite being popular within the country, you might not have ever tried or heard of guignolet if you’ve never been to France. This liquor is made with intensely sweet wild cherries, which yield a drink that is used as an apertif due to its high sugar content and its perfect use as a post-dinner drink.
Kirsch (Germany)
Kirsch is a unique cherry liquor because it lacks one of the most telling features of a normal cherry liquor: sweetness! This drink is double-distilled with full cherries, including the pits, and yields a clear liquor that’s similar in taste and consistency to vodka.
Wiśniówka (Poland)
This Polish cherry liquor is often home-made and is usually very, very strong, with its alcohol percentage frequently reaching 50%. It’s said to be an immune system booster and a remedy for the common cold. It’s certainly delicious, anyway.