Maraschino cherries are traditionally packed in alcohol, but nowadays, many jars are filled with a liquid mix of calcium salts, food coloring, sugar, and oil. If you love these cherries, whether they're sugary and bright red or more subtle, expensive, and packed in booze, you should know how to use the liquid left over in the jar.

If you're a fan of both maraschino cherries and chocolate, you can stir just a few drops of the potent liquid from the jar of cherries into a cup of your favorite hot chocolate, leaving it tasting like a cherry cordial truffle. A rich, warming, slightly boozy cherry hot chocolate can be just the thing to drive the winter blues away.

Maraschino cherries are also popular garnishes for cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, and the liquid in the jar can be used to add a pop of cherry flavor to mixed drinks. This is a great use for a pricier jar of cherries, since you won't want to waste a penny if you shell out for better cherries than the standard ice cream toppers.