Which ingredients provide a similar tart almond-like character?

Expanded Explanation

Sour cherries are the most straightforward ingredient for reproducing the tart fruit side of bird cherry, while damsons and some dark plums can add deeper tannins and a slightly more rustic character. Bird cherry's almond-like impression is harder to reproduce with fruit alone because it is part of the fruit's distinctive aromatic profile. A combination of tart cherries with a small amount of almond can therefore approach the overall impression more closely than either ingredient used separately.

For liqueur making, almond should be used carefully because it can quickly become more noticeable than the fruit. Vanilla can reinforce the perception of soft almond-like sweetness without directly copying it, while orange or lemon zest can brighten tart cherry flavours. Cinnamon and cardamom can add warmth and aromatic depth, but heavy spice additions tend to obscure the delicate wild-fruit quality that makes bird cherry interesting. The goal should be layered complexity rather than an obvious marzipan flavour.

A useful substitute profile can be built around sour cherries, vodka, honey or sugar, vanilla and restrained citrus. Dark rum can be used when a richer interpretation is desired, although its molasses and oak-like flavours move the result further from a clean bird cherry infusion. Bench testing small samples is the safest way to refine the balance. Add almond-like or spicy ingredients incrementally, taste after resting, and stop before they dominate the tart fruit and gentle tannic structure.