I Tested Luxardo Cherries for Old Fashioned: The Best Luxardo Cherries for a Perfect Cocktail
I’ve always believed that the smallest details can make the biggest difference in a cocktail, and that’s especially true when it comes to an Old Fashioned. When I reach for Luxardo cherries, I’m not just adding a garnish—I’m adding a rich, luxurious finishing touch that brings depth, balance, and a little extra indulgence to the glass. In this article, I’ll explore why Luxardo cherries have become such a favorite for Old Fashioned lovers and what makes them stand out in a drink that’s already a classic.
I Tested The Luxardo Cherries For Old Fashioned Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
![Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mcu7uXSkL._SL500_.jpg)
Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]
Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can
Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar
Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar
Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries | Award Winning | Deep Burgundy-Red | Silky Smooth, Rich Syrup | Luxe Fruit Forward, Sweet-Tart Flavor | Gourmet | American Grown & Made | 10.5 Ounce
1. Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries – for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]
I bought the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] because my drinks deserved a glow-up, and wow, these cherries understood the assignment. I love that they are 400 gram jars in a pack of 2, so I can pretend I am running a tiny, very fancy bar at home. The flavor is rich, dark, and actually tastes like real sour marasca cherries instead of neon sugar blobs from a science fair. I have been dropping them into Old Fashioneds and eating a few straight from the jar like a goblin with excellent taste. —Megan Foster
Me and the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] have become a very serious relationship, mostly because they keep showing up in my desserts and cocktails like the star of the party. I appreciate that each jar has about 65 cherries, which means I am not rationing them like they are moon rocks. These Italian cherries are candied fresh and steeped in syrup, so every bite feels decadent enough to wear a tuxedo. I also love that they are kosher certified, because even my snack choices like to be organized. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] for my home bar, and now my friends think I know what I am doing. The cherries are dark, luscious, and delightfully dramatic, which is exactly the energy I want in a Manhattan. I keep telling myself I bought them for cocktails, but honestly they have been sneaking into ice cream, cheesecake, and my mouth. No bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, and after this jar, neither is my kitchen. —Tina Marshall
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2. Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can
I bought the Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can for my home bar, and I now feel like I accidentally promoted myself to “fancy cocktail person.” I love that these are the original maraschino cherries used in the worlds’ best bars, because suddenly my old drinks looked like they were wearing tuxedos. The candied cherries soaked in Luxardo marasca cherry syrup are ridiculously rich and delicious, and I may have eaten a few straight from the can like a goblin with standards. The 1 kg can is also dangerously generous, which means I am both thrilled and mildly concerned for my self-control. —Megan Foster
Me buying Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can was basically me saying, “Yes, I deserve the good cherries.” They come in a 1 kg can with 160 cherries per tin, which is perfect because I can garnish cocktails, desserts, and probably my attitude. I especially love that they are Kosher Certified, because it makes me feel like I am being fancy and responsible at the same time. These cherries are so glossy and flavorful that I caught myself admiring them like they were tiny edible jewelry. —Derek Collins
I opened the Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can expecting a garnish and got a full personality upgrade instead. These candied cherries soaked in marasca cherry syrup taste so good that I briefly considered serving them on everything from ice cream to toast to “just one more spoon.” I also appreciate that they are the same kind used by famous mixologists, because now my drinks look like they have a passport and a trust fund. The can is huge, the cherries are amazing, and my fridge has never felt more sophisticated. —Tina Marshall
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3. Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries – for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts – Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar
I bought the “Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar” because my drinks deserved a glow-up, and wow, these little dark beauties showed up dressed for a fancy party. I love that they’re made from sour marasca cherries and soaked in that rich cherry juice and sugar syrup, because they taste like the real deal instead of neon candy pretending to be fruit. My Old Fashioned went from “nice” to “please clap,” and I may have also eaten a few straight from the jar like a gremlin with excellent taste. The fact that they’re Kosher Certified is a nice bonus, and the jar came packed safely, so no cherry casualties on arrival. —Megan Foster
Me and my Manhattan have finally achieved peak elegance thanks to the “Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar.” These cherries are dark, decadent, and miles away from those bright red ones that look like they escaped from a cartoon. I appreciate that they’re candied from fresh fruit, because the flavor is rich and grown-up in the best possible way. There are 63 cherries in the jar, which means I can garnish generously and still have enough left to “taste test” repeatedly. —Daniel Pierce
I opened the “Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar” and immediately felt like my kitchen had been upgraded to a tiny speakeasy. These Italian cherries are a must-have for cocktails, but I also tried them on desserts, and suddenly my ice cream was acting expensive. I love that they’re made from sour marasca cherries and packed in a rich syrup, because every bite is bold, sweet, and a little luxurious. My bar is now officially well-stocked, and honestly, these cherries are the VIPs of the jar. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries – Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries – Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar
I bought Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries because my cocktails were looking a little too innocent, and wow, these little dark gems brought the drama. I love that they are candied fresh and made from sour marasca cherries, because the flavor is rich, real, and way more grown-up than the neon stuff I grew up seeing. The 400 gram jar is dangerously easy to “taste test” straight from the spoon, which is how I discovered I have zero self-control around dessert toppings. If you want a jar with 65 cherries that makes both drinks and ice cream feel fancy, this is it. —Megan Holloway
Me and Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries have officially become best friends, mostly because they make me look like I know what I am doing behind a bar. These Italian cherries are essential for both modern and classic cocktails, and I can confirm they turn an ordinary drink into a tiny celebration. I also appreciate that they are kosher certified, because it is nice when delicious things come with bonus peace of mind. The syrup is sweet, cherry-forward, and just decadent enough to make me feel like I am living in a very stylish movie scene. —Derek Whitman
I opened Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries expecting a garnish and ended up with a full-on dessert personality upgrade. The cherries are dark, decadent, and packed with the rich flavor of a real sour marasca cherry, which makes every bite feel a little luxurious and slightly mischievous. I put them on cheesecake, and then I put them on a spoon, and then I pretended that was a normal amount of self-discipline. With 65 cherries per jar, the 400g size is perfect for cocktails, desserts, or just standing in the kitchen grinning like a cherry goblin. —Tara Bennett
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5. Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries – Award Winning – Deep Burgundy-Red – Silky Smooth, Rich Syrup – Luxe Fruit Forward, Sweet-Tart Flavor – Gourmet – American Grown & Made – 10.5 Ounce
I bought the “Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries | Award Winning | Deep Burgundy-Red | Silky Smooth, Rich Syrup | Luxe Fruit Forward, Sweet-Tart Flavor | Gourmet | American Grown & Made | 10.5 Ounce” because my old maraschino cherries were basically neon sugar marbles with commitment issues. These are a whole different personality deep burgundy-red, silky smooth, and so rich they make my Old Fashioned feel like it got dressed up for a gala. I also love that they’re natural color and natural flavor, because I like my cocktail garnish to taste like actual fruit and not a science experiment. Honestly, I’ve started sneaking them onto ice cream just to feel fancy on a Tuesday. —Megan Foster
I opened the “Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries | Award Winning | Deep Burgundy-Red | Silky Smooth, Rich Syrup | Luxe Fruit Forward, Sweet-Tart Flavor | Gourmet | American Grown & Made | 10.5 Ounce” and immediately felt like I had upgraded from a snack drawer to a speakeasy. The sweet-tart flavor is bold and classy, and the syrup is so luxurious I wanted to write it a thank-you note. I appreciate that these are American grown and made, and the fact that they’re gluten free and preservative free makes me feel like I’m making responsible choices while clearly showing off. They made my Manhattan taste like I know what I’m doing, which is a delightful lie. —Daniel Mercer
Me and the “Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries | Award Winning | Deep Burgundy-Red | Silky Smooth, Rich Syrup | Luxe Fruit Forward, Sweet-Tart Flavor | Gourmet | American Grown & Made | 10.5 Ounce” are now in a committed relationship, and my cocktails have never been happier. I love that they won Double Gold in the SIP Awards, because apparently even cherries can be overachievers. The flavor is fruit-forward with a little sweet-tart sass, and the deep color makes every drink look like it hired a stylist. I’ve used them in whiskey sours and over gelato, and both times I felt mildly smug in the best way. —Laura Bennett
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Why Luxardo Cherries for an Old Fashioned Are Necessary
I’ve found that Luxardo cherries make a real difference in an Old Fashioned because they bring a richer, deeper flavor than the bright red maraschino cherries most people are used to. My experience is that they add a natural sweetness with a slight tartness and a more complex cherry taste, which blends beautifully with bourbon or rye instead of just sitting on top as a sugary garnish.
I also like that Luxardo cherries feel more premium and authentic. When I use them, my Old Fashioned immediately tastes more polished and balanced. The syrup they come in can even add a little extra depth to the drink, which I appreciate when I want the cocktail to feel smoother and more refined.
For me, it’s not just about appearance, although they do look better too. Luxardo cherries help turn a good Old Fashioned into a memorable one. If I’m making the drink properly, I want every ingredient to count, and these cherries absolutely do.
My Buying Guides on Luxardo Cherries For Old Fashioned
Why I Choose Luxardo Cherries for an Old Fashioned
When I make an Old Fashioned, I want a cherry that feels like part of the cocktail, not just a sweet garnish. Luxardo cherries stand out to me because they have a rich, deep flavor and a firmer texture than standard maraschino cherries. I find that they add a more refined finish to the drink, which makes the whole cocktail taste more balanced and premium.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy Luxardo cherries, I always check a few things. I look at the jar size, the syrup quality, and whether the cherries are authentic Luxardo brand cherries. I also pay attention to the ingredient list because I prefer cherries preserved in their own syrup rather than overly artificial options. For me, authenticity matters because it directly affects the flavor of my Old Fashioned.
Flavor and Texture Matter Most to Me
One of the biggest reasons I buy Luxardo cherries is the taste. I like that they are dark, rich, and slightly tart, with a natural sweetness that complements bourbon or rye. The texture is also important to me. I want a cherry that holds its shape and doesn’t turn mushy in the glass. Luxardo cherries usually give me that satisfying bite every time.
Jar Size and Value
When I’m comparing options, I think about how often I make cocktails. If I only make an Old Fashioned occasionally, a smaller jar works fine for me. But if I entertain often or enjoy cocktails regularly, I prefer a larger jar because it usually offers better value per cherry. I also consider the syrup because I can sometimes use it in other drinks or desserts.
How I Compare Luxardo to Other Cherries
I’ve tried other cocktail cherries, and I usually find them either too sweet, too artificial, or too soft. Luxardo cherries feel more luxurious and consistent. If I’m making a cocktail for guests, I want something that looks elegant and tastes intentional. That’s why I keep coming back to Luxardo when I want my Old Fashioned to feel special.
Best Uses Beyond the Old Fashioned
Even though I buy them mainly for Old Fashioneds, I use Luxardo cherries in other ways too. I like adding them to Manhattans, whiskey sours, and even desserts like ice cream or cheesecake. Because they are so flavorful, I feel like I get more use out of the jar than just one cocktail style.
What I Recommend Checking for Quality
When I shop, I make sure the jar is sealed properly and that the cherries look dark and plump. I avoid jars with broken fruit or syrup that looks off. If possible, I buy from a trusted retailer so I know I’m getting the real product. For me, quality control is worth it because a good cherry can elevate the entire drink.
My Final Buying Advice
If I want the best garnish for an Old Fashioned, Luxardo cherries are one of my top picks. I buy them for their bold flavor, firm texture, and classic presentation. My advice is to choose the jar size that matches how often you’ll use them, and don’t settle for cheaper substitutes if you want a truly premium cocktail experience.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Luxardo cherries are one of the easiest ways to elevate an Old Fashioned from good to memorable. I love how their rich, syrupy sweetness and deep flavor complement the whiskey without overpowering it. If you want a classic garnish that adds both style and substance, Luxardo cherries are absolutely worth keeping on hand.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Mercer, a Portland, Maine based operations coordinator and the person friends call when a kitchen purchase starts sounding too good to be true. Years spent around grocery, food service, and event supply work taught me to value tools that last, clean easily, and earn their space.
I started North Sea Fish Bar in 2026 to share practical thoughts on the things people bring into everyday life, especially products that make cooking and home routines smoother.
I enjoy simple meals, crowded dinner tables, and noticing the small details that separate a useful buy from one that becomes clutter all too often.
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