Luxardo Cherries Recipes, uses, and cocktails

Luxardo Cherries Recipes and Uses

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are quite versatile if you really think about it. In fact, they aren’t just good for those cocktails at happy hour. Once you add them to your cart, you can incorporate them into most dishes within your kitchen.

These cherries are often found at a reliable Italian grocery store. However, you may have to walk through the aisles when shopping in person. At an online store, shopping is much easier. You can find these cherries at the click of a button.

If you have been craving that authentic Italian dessert or cocktail for a while, you’re not alone. Thousands of tourists visit Italy each month to experience authentic Italian cuisine. With these cherries, you can bring the Italy market to your home!

But first, what are Luxardo Maraschino Cherries?

The Origins of the Famous Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries come from a distillery called Luxardo. It was founded in 1821 by Girolamo Luxardo in modern-day Croatia (once a part of Italy).

The origins of the cherry are quite interesting and mysterious. Contrary to popular belief, the Maraschino came first. This was a liqueur made from cherry. Girolamo based the name on a medieval spirit, and it quickly became popular.

The attraction of the liqueur came from sour Marasca cherries grown in Croatia. It incorporated the fruit’s leaves, skin, pits, and stems, which led to that earthy and nutty flavor. In 1905, the distillery attempted to market a risky product; cherries left to soak in Maraska cherry juice and sugar syrup. The rest is history!

Why Choose Luxardo Cherries at an Italian Grocery Store?

With the many Maraschino cherries available on the market, why should you choose Luxardo Maraschino Cherries? What’s so special about these cherries, after all?

Firstly, Luxardo cherries are a lot classier than regular Maraschino cherries. This is because they have undergone a more complex production process. The taste is much more authentic than that of regular Maraschinos.

Uses

Luxardo cherries are a lot more versatile. Imitations may taste fake and overly sweet, but these cherries retain that authentic nutty flavor. You can use the cherries in iced tea, add the syrup to a strong drink, or add them to an ice cream sundae. If you want to get more sophisticated, you could even use them in a classic cheesecake!

The Downside

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries might be more expensive than imitations found at most grocery stores. They are also a lot harder to find at local stores. However, you can compromise on some of these downsides for that authentic fruit flavor and tartness you desire.

If you want to experience an authentic Luxardo Maraschino Cherry taste, it is best to purchase them at a reliable Italian grocery store. Here’s a starter kit you may want to try if you want to experience the authentic flavor for the first time!

How to Use Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

Charcuterie board filled with cheeses and Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

 

You can buy Luxardo Maraschino Cherries to wow your guests at a party. Simply add them to your simple cocktails and raise the bar! They are also great items to gift your loved ones during Christmas. However, if you want to buy them for yourself, you may need some recipes to get started!

Here are some ways you can use Luxardo Maraschino Cherries today. Keep an eye out for the popular recipes you can try;

1.     The Syrup

The cherries aren’t even the best part! You must save the syrup if you are purchasing canned Luxardo Maraschino Cherries. This can be incorporated into many different desserts and meals.

The syrup is the sticky liquid that coats your cherries and preserves them in that jar. Since these cherries have been swimming in the liquid for some time, they have transferred much of the deep flavor we love.

It is up to you how you want to use this syrup. Think of maple syrup and substitute it in any recipe you like. If you are thinking of making pancakes for breakfast, coat them with some syrup and enjoy the rich flavors.

You can also add this syrup to cake layers and surprise your guests with your culinary skills in every bite. Moreover, the syrup is easy to use for most beverages. Simply add it to some iced tea or a strong liqueur!

2.     The Cherries

The best way to use Luxardo Maraschino Cherries is to bake them into a pie. Simply add a bunch of frozen cherries to a cherry pie. You can use them as a whole or pair them up with some other cherries that complement the flavor.

Alternatively, you can also cook the cherries and reduce them to a tart jam. Add it to toast or a dessert for breakfast, and enjoy the rich flavor! The great idea is to add them to Greek yogurt and create a parfait for a quick treat as you head out.

If you are searching for that aesthetic appeal, try adding Luxardo Maraschino Cherries on top of your cocktails next time you make some!

3.     Mix It Up

You can use cherries and sauce in most of your complex meals. If you have some gourmet meats lying around, waiting for a complex recipe, now is the time to use them. Get some slices of Prosciutto or any other gourmet meat you love, and pair them up with Luxardo Maraschino Cherries. You can thank us later!

If you have pulled out those gourmet meats anyways, why not get that charcuterie board and some cheese too? Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are a great addition to any cheese board. An excellent tip would be to add a bunch of different cheeses to the board and experiment. Try to let the taste linger in your mouth before you decide which pair you like the most!

Here are some rich cheeses you can try out today!

Best Recipes Featuring Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

If you are looking to try some of the best recipes incorporating Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, let’s start with some cocktails;

1.     Cocktails

Don’t even think about serving that cocktail without a cherry on top. These drinks deserve a Luxardo Maraschino Cherry;

Manhattan

This is perhaps the most popular cocktail consumed with a Maraschino Cherry. It is a whiskey that was created in the 1870s. To make a glass of Manhattan, you would need;

  • 4 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tablespoons sweet vermouth
  • Luxardo Maraschino cherries as a garnish

Add the ingredients to a cocktail mixing glass and stir them together. Make sure you don’t shake the ingredients, as that will kill the flavor. In the end, you can present your drink with a Maraschino cherry on top!

The Last Word

For those who love sour cocktails, this one is an absolute blast. Here, the last word is definitely taken away by that nutty Maraschino cherry aftertaste. Here’s what you will need;

  • Two tablespoons of gin
  • Two tablespoons of green Chartreuse
  • Two tablespoons of Maraschino liqueur
  • Two tablespoons of fresh lime juice
  • Luxardo Maraschino cherries as a garnish

Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker, add some ice, and shake it well. Pour it into a cocktail glass and garnish with some fresh Maraschino cherries.

The Mary Pickford

If you want a classy and sweet drink for that happy hour, get together, choose the Mary Pickford. All you need is;

  • Four tablespoons of white rum
  • Three tablespoons of pineapple juice
  • One teaspoon of Maraschino liqueur
  • Two teaspoons of grenadine
  • Luxardo Maraschino cherries as a garnish

Mix the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add some ice, and pour into a cocktail glass when done. Add some cherries on top.

2.     The Main Course

Instead of boring you with all the recipes you can make with Luxardo Maraschino Cherries (there are quite a lot), we will go ahead and give you the centerpiece. All meat-based main course meals are dependent on this star of the show. Drumroll, please…

The Demi-Glace

A demi-glace can be used to highlight the flavors of any meat-based dish. You can use the glace by drizzling it over steak, pork chops, or even gourmet meats on a charcuterie board. It is also easy to add to a soup, sauce, or stew for that deep, rich flavor.

Here’s an easy demi-glace recipe you should try today;

What You Need

For this recipe, you must have;

  • 8 cups of beef stock (you can also use other gourmet meats)
  • 4 cups of red wine
  • 200gm Luxardo Maraschino Cherries
Preparation

To make the demi-glace, you will need to combine the stock and wine in a saucepan and let them cook on medium heat for 30 to 40 minutes or until reduced by half. Turn off the heat and slowly add the Luxardo Maraschino Cherries.

If you have already prepared your main course, simply add the glaze on top. In case you want to keep it away for the future, wait for it to cool and put it in the freezer until you are ready to use it.

3.     The Dessert

 

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries parfait in a glass.

 

You can produce many gourmet desserts from the rich and fresh Luxardo Cherries found at an authentic Italian grocery store. Some of our top picks include;

Brownies

To make Luxardo Maraschino Cherry brownies, get the following ingredients;

  • ½ cup milk chocolate
  • ½ cup dark chocolate
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 20-25 Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

To make the brownies, add the chocolate to the butter and melt it in a glass bowl over some boiling water. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and fold them into the chocolate mixture. Slowly add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt (don’t overwork it). Add the mixture to the pan after greasing it with butter, and add cherries to the batter. Bake in a preheated oven (350F).

Parfait

If you want to have some Luxardo Maraschino Cherries for breakfast, use them to make a parfait. Here’s what you would need;

  • 3 pounds of Luxardo Maraschino Cherries
  • ½ a cup of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
  • 1 ½ cups of sugar
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 3 cups plain yogurt
  • Salt to taste
  • 3-4 brownies cut into small chunks
  • Some Luxardo Maraschino cherries as a garnish

Add the cherries to a glass bowl along with the sugar, lemon juice, and some water. Let the ingredients simmer while stirring them regularly. Pour this mixture into a sieve.

Add the mixture to a saucepan and let it simmer until it is reduced to half. This may take up to 20 minutes. Take it off the heat, add some cherries and the liqueur and add it to the freezer for at least one day.

Prepare your yogurt by adding sugar and salt to it. Add some brownie chunks and fold them in. Add the maraschino cherries mixture on top with some cherries for a garnish.

Final Word

Now that you know how to incorporate Luxardo Maraschino Cherries into your daily meals, go ahead and try them. At Supermarket Italy, you can find the freshest cherries at a reasonable price. The best thing is that you can find the best gourmet meats for delicious pairings.

Shop for the cherries at our authentic Italian grocery store today and bring your dishes to life!

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