Maraschino is a clear, sweet liqueur distilled from Marasca cherries, a small sour cherry variety from the Dalmatian coast (in present-day Croatia); the whole fruit, including the pits, is distilled, and the spirit is typically aged in ash-wood casks. It has a delicate aroma with a hint of bitter almond from the cherry pits, distinguishing it from sweeter, brighter cherry liqueurs. It's a classic ingredient in cocktails such as the Aviation and the Last Word, and is drizzled over gelato or added to fruit salads. Maraschino should not be confused with the maraschino cherry, the bright red candied cherry garnish: those cherries were traditionally preserved in real maraschino liqueur, but most sold today are a different product made with artificial flavor and color.