Maraska

Maraska is a heritage Croatian spirits producer from Zadar, Dalmatia, producing traditional liqueurs since the 19th century — including Maraschino Cherry Liqueur (from Marasca cherries, subtle almond notes), Kruškovac Pear Liqueur, Pelinkovac Herbal Bitter, and Nocelino Chocolate Liqueur.

Browse all liqueurs at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the connection between Zadar and Maraschino?

Maraschino liqueur was invented in Zadar — then a Venetian-administered city on the Dalmatian coast — by Dominican monks in the 16th century, using the Marasca cherry that grows wild along the Dalmatian coast. The name Maraschino comes directly from Marasca. Zadar was the world center of Maraschino production for centuries; Napoleon and royalty across Europe imported it. Maraska (the company) is the continuation of that tradition, still operating in Zadar with Marasca cherries grown in the same Dalmatian territory. The production was briefly interrupted during WWII but resumed, and the Zadar connection to the liqueur’s origin is documented history, not branding.

What is Pelinkovac and how is it different from standard amaro?

Pelinkovac is a Croatian and regional South Slavic herbal bitter — technically in the amaro family but with a distinctly wormwood-forward (pelin means wormwood in Croatian) and gentian-heavy character that is considerably more bitter than most Italian amaros. The bitterness is drier and more medicinal than, say, Averna or Ramazzotti, which lean sweeter. Pelinkovac is a traditional regional digestivo consumed neat, often chilled, and is one of the most consumed spirits in Croatia and former Yugoslavia.