Zadarski Maraschino
Croatia · Liqueurs
Croatia’s most historically significant spirit — a clear cherry liqueur made from Marasca cherries, fruit, leaves and crushed stones together, distilled and then sweetened and aged, giving an almond-and-kernel character quite unlike sweet cherry liqueurs. The Zadar distilling tradition traces to monastic production; Girolamo Luxardo founded his house there in 1821, and after the Second World War the Luxardo family relocated to Torreglia in Italy while the Maraska company continued in Zadar — both exist today, which is why the same drink appears as an Italian and a Croatian product. Protected as a Croatian designation.