Dubai, UAE – Maraska Maraschino, the esteemed Croatian liqueur, has made a significant splash in the UAE since its introduction in March this year. This expansion marks a pivotal moment for Maraska, a brand steeped in centuries-old tradition, now ready to enchant the discerning palates of Dubai.
Maraska Maraschino’s Debut in Dubai
Maraska Maraschino, a vital component in world-renowned cocktails, is rapidly gaining traction in contemporary spins on classic recipes. Slaven Macura, a notable Dubai bartender of Croatian heritage, commented, “Maraska’s Maraschino fits perfectly into the Dubai scene, which is extremely dynamic and where new boundaries are being set in the world of mixology. This opens up opportunities for us to position Maraschino as the new ‘must-have’ ingredient for cocktails.”
The official launch in collaboration with MMI this March at Soul Kitchen Dubai featured a successful Masterclass and Maraschino Contest, drawing in key F&B professionals. Today, leading restaurants and bars in Dubai, such as La Mezcaleria JBR, Sienna Clubhouse, Emaar Hotels, One Za’abeel Hotel, St Regis The Palm, and The Meydan Hotel, proudly offer this refined liqueur, celebrated for its delicate aromatic flavors.
Crafted using a proprietary ancient recipe, Maraska Maraschino is distilled from indigenous Marasca cherries, grown exclusively in the Mediterranean region around Zadar, Croatia. This unique distillation process produces a distinctive sweet taste and aroma that have been warmly welcomed by Dubai’s top venues.
Upcoming Launch in Abu Dhabi
In partnership with Spinneys, Maraska Maraschino is set to debut in Abu Dhabi with an exclusive launch event at Al Hanah Bar, Shangri-La Abu Dhabi, on 25 June. The event will feature a Masterclass and Maraska Maraschino Contest, with bartenders from Shangri-La, Hakkasan, and Penelope’s Bar presenting their own variations of the “Maraschino Kiss” – Spritz cocktail. Attendees will enjoy a complimentary drink and special pricing on all cocktails. The festivities will begin at 8 PM.
Celebrating the Cherry Harvest in Dubai
Continuing the celebrations, Maraska Maraschino will host a “Cherry Harvest” event in Dubai on 1 July at Agora Cocktail Bar & Social Club in The Edition hotel. This event will honor the cherry harvest from Maraska’s plantation, the world’s largest Marasca cherry plantation. Bartenders from Agora, F.R.N.D.S, and Salmon Guru will craft unique cocktails featuring Maraska Maraschino and cherries. Guests can enjoy a complimentary cocktail and opt for their preferred cocktail at a special price. The event kicks off at 8 PM.
Maraska Maraschino’s entrance into the UAE heralds a new chapter for the historic brand, bringing its unique flavors to the vibrant and evolving cocktail culture of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.