Luxardo Cherry Liqueur Sangue Morlacco (75cl, 30%)

Luxardo Sangue Morlacco is an Italian cherry liqueur made entirely from the juice of Luxardo's marasca cherries. Part of the juice is set aside at harvest and left to ferment naturally, then neutral alcohol is added to halt fermentation. It ages in oak vats, resting for nine months, before being fortified, sweetened and bottled. The poet Gabriele D'Annunzio gave it the name Sangue Morlacco, meaning Morlacco Blood, in 1919, and his dedication to the Luxardo family remains on the front label. Clear and deep red, it smells of freshly squeezed cherry juice. The taste is intense, thick and syrupy, with sweetness partly balanced by tart fruit. It works in classic cocktails, neat or over ice, or with dark chocolate, cheese or ice cream.