Barsys
Maraschino Vesper
About
The Maraschino Vesper is a drink for people who like their cocktails stripped back and honest. No juice, no foam, no distractions. Just cold spirits, clean lines, and a finish that lingers quietly. It takes the bones of a classic Vesper-style build and softens it slightly with maraschino liqueur - not enough to turn it sweet, just enough to round off the edges.
Reyka vodka keeps things smooth and neutral, letting the dry vermouth bring in a light herbal snap. The maraschino sits underneath it all, adding a faint nutty sweetness that you notice more on the second sip than the first. Served ice-cold in a coupe, this is a cocktail that rewards slow drinking and a bit of attention. Calm, precise, and confident without trying to show off.
Shaken or Stirred? Stirred. This drink is about clarity, not agitation.
What You'll Need
For one Maraschino Vesper Cocktail:
- 2 oz Reyka Small Batch Vodka
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur
Glass: Chilled coupe
Garnish: Maraschino cherry dropped into the glass and a lemon twist
Pro Tip: Go easy on the maraschino - it should soften the drink, not announce itself.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
- Chill a coupe glass well before starting.
- Add vodka, dry vermouth, and maraschino liqueur to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir gently until fully chilled.
- Strain into the chilled coupe glass.
- Drop in a maraschino cherry and finish with a lemon twist.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
Spirit-forward cocktails don’t forgive sloppy ratios. Barsys keeps the balance tight so the maraschino stays subtle and the finish stays clean.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed late evening, low light, minimal noise. This is a sit-back-and-think kind of drink.
Garnish Game
Drop the cherry into the glass - don’t skewer it. The lemon twist adds aroma without pulling focus.
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FAQs
Is this a sweet cocktail?
No. The sweetness is very restrained and mostly felt on the finish.
Is this similar to a Martini?
Yes, but softer and rounder thanks to the maraschino.
Can I shake this instead of stirring?
You can, but you’ll lose the clean texture.
Is Reyka vodka necessary?
Any clean, neutral vodka works, but Reyka keeps it especially smooth.
Is this a good first drink of the night?
Better as a second or third - it’s subtle and best appreciated slowly.