Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries 13.5OZ

Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries 13.5 oz are Italian-made cocktail cherries steeped in sour cherry juice with a distinctive chili kick, sold in a 13.5-ounce jar. Collins has been producing cocktail garnishes since 1934, and this expression adds a spicy twist to the classic Amarena cherry by introducing natural chili flavoring — a bold departure from the traditional sweet-only profile found in most competing brands.

Quick Facts: Size: 13.5 oz  |  Origin: Italy  |  Type: Spicy Amarena Cocktail Cherry  |  Brand: Collins (est. 1934)

Production & Heritage

Collins traces its origins to 1934, building a reputation for cocktail garnishes developed in collaboration with bartenders and sourced from dedicated growers. These Spicy Amarena Cherries start with Italian cherries preserved in sour cherry juice — the hallmark of genuine Amarena-style production — then incorporate chili natural flavoring to deliver controlled heat. The ingredient list includes cherries, glucose-fructose syrup, sugar, Amarena juice, citric acid, extract of carrot and hibiscus for color, and chili natural flavoring, keeping the profile straightforward and free of artificial dyes.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep purple with a glossy, syrup-coated surface. The cherries are plump and firm, holding their shape well in the jar and in a finished drink.

Flavor: The initial bite delivers concentrated sour cherry sweetness characteristic of Amarena-style fruit. That sweetness transitions quickly into a warm chili heat that builds gently on the palate without overwhelming the cherry's natural tartness.

Finish: A lingering warmth from the chili settles in after the cherry sweetness fades, leaving a mildly spicy aftertaste. The heat is measured — enough to register clearly but not so aggressive that it clashes with spirits.

How to Use Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries

These cherries work as a direct garnish dropped into the glass, skewered on a cocktail pick, or muddled into the drink itself to release both sweetness and heat. Three cocktails where the spicy profile earns its place:

• Manhattan: The chili warmth complements rye whiskey's peppery backbone while the cherry sweetness rounds out the vermouth.
• Old Fashioned: Muddled into the build, the cherry adds fruity depth and a slow-burning spice that layers well with bourbon.
• Spicy Margarita: The chili-forward cherry doubles down on the heat from jalapeño-infused tequila, creating a cohesive garnish rather than a sweet afterthought.

Best For

• Home bartenders looking to add a spicy dimension to classic whiskey cocktails
• Gifting alongside a bottle of bourbon or rye for a complete cocktail kit
• Charcuterie and cheese boards that benefit from a sweet-and-spicy accent
• Cocktail enthusiasts who find standard Amarena cherries too one-dimensionally sweet

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries taste like? They deliver a rich, concentrated sour cherry sweetness followed by a warm chili heat that builds gradually. The spice level is moderate — noticeable but not overpowering.

How do Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries compare to Luxardo Maraschino Cherries? Luxardo cherries are preserved in Marasca syrup and offer a purely sweet, candy-like profile, while Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries introduce chili heat for an added layer of complexity. Collins also positions at a more accessible price point than Luxardo.

Are Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries good for cocktails? They are specifically designed for cocktail use, with a robust cherry flavor that stands up to strong spirits and a firm texture that holds together as a garnish or when muddled.

Where are Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries made? These cherries are made in Italy using Italian-grown cherries, then distributed under the Collins brand, which has been producing cocktail garnishes in the United States since 1934.

What foods pair well with Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries? Aged cheddar or manchego cheese benefits from the sweet-spicy contrast; dark chocolate desserts gain complexity from the chili heat; cured meats like prosciutto play off the cherry's acidity; vanilla ice cream becomes an easy elevated dessert with a few cherries spooned over the top; and smoked duck or pork dishes welcome the fruity, peppery garnish.

What sizes do Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries come in? The standard retail size is the 13.5-ounce jar.

Are Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries worth the price? Collins positions as a quality-focused yet affordable alternative to ultra-premium brands like Luxardo and Fabbri, making these cherries a strong mid-range value — particularly for drinkers who want the spicy twist unavailable from most competitors.

Why Collins Spicy Amarena Cherries?

The spicy Amarena cherry category is remarkably thin — most producers stick to the traditional sweet profile, leaving Collins as one of very few options combining authentic Italian Amarena production with chili heat. That distinction alone makes the product worth attention for anyone building a well-stocked home bar. The cherries hold up texturally in stirred and shaken drinks, and the chili component integrates naturally rather than tasting like an afterthought. For bartenders and home enthusiasts drawn to the current spicy cocktail trend, this jar fills a gap that standard Amarena cherries simply cannot.