Luxardo Cherries The Original Maraschino Cherries

Italy's number one Cocktail Cherries are Luxardo Brand

An iconic garnish for cocktails and desserts, Luxardo cherries are made with high quality ingredients and no artificial coloring, making them the gold standard of cocktail cherries. The Luxardo Original maraschino cherries are candied with Marasca syrup cherry juice, which was developed by the Luxardo family from a fruit used for distilling the renowned Maraschino liqueur and the cherry flavored Sangue Morlacco. The Ferrari of candied cherries, these natural color Italian cherries have a chewy, candy-like texture and deep flavor that adds a gourmet touch to high end cocktails and world class desserts.

The history behind Luxardo cherries

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries Have a long history beginning with Marasca Liqueur

Founded in 1821 by Girolamo Luxardo, the company made a name for itself by producing liqueurs called Maraschino, a cherry liqueur made from the leaves, stems, pits, and skins of sour Marasca cherries. Because red color cherries bruise easily and don’t stay fresh for very long, farmers started preserving them in Marasca liqueur, not cherry syrup, which paved the way for the maraschino cherry that we all know and love. In 1905, the company began producing marschino cherries from fruit grown in the fertile volcanic soil of the Veneto region, a confection that would soon become the preferred garnish for cocktails. 

How are Luxardo Maraschino Cherries Made?

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are made using a traditional method that dates back to the 17th century. The cherries are hand-picked and then pitted. They are then soaked in a mixture of sugar, water, and Maraschino liqueur. The cherries are left to soak for several months, during which time they absorb the flavor of the liqueur. Once the cherries are fully soaked, they are drained and then packaged.

What are Luxardo Cocktail cherries used for?

These Cocktail Cherries are used in many cocktails such as Manhattans. 

These Maraschino cherries are an essential ingredient to a long list of cocktails and desserts. Classic cocktails like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned Cocktail, and even non-alcoholic drinks like the Shirley Temple, simply aren't complete without this bright red cherry cocktail garnish. And don’t forget the marasca cherry juice syrup! A spoonful of the rich, dark red liquid makes an excellent addition to whiskey cocktails and milkshakes. Up the presentation on desserts like ice cream sundaes, Belgian waffles, cheesecake, and the Italian choux pastry zeppole di San Giuseppe.