Maraschino liqueur
The Italian company Luxardo makes all kinds of liqueurs -- amaretto, limoncello, espresso -- but Maraschino Luxardo in its straw-jacketed green bottle is a classic. Distilled and aged two years, it’s made from a variety of sour cherry. It’s a smooth, colorless sweet drink with just a hint of bite, fine for sipping neat if you love the aroma of cherries, but best as a secret ingredient in cocktails, especially with citrus and pineapple flavors.
Available at Wally’s Wine & Spirits, Los Angeles, (310) 475-0606, $29, and at Beverage Warehouse, Marina del Rey. (310) 306-2822, $24.
-- Susan LaTempa