I Tested Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries: Why They’re the Best Cocktail Garnish
When I think of the small details that can completely transform a drink or dessert, Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries immediately come to mind. These iconic cherries have earned a devoted following for their rich flavor, elegant presentation, and unmistakable presence in classic cocktails and gourmet recipes alike. In this article, I’ll explore what makes them so distinctive and why they continue to be a favorite for anyone who appreciates a touch of refinement in the kitchen or behind the bar.
I Tested The Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
![Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble | Approximately 65 Cherries Per 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 | Packed in Special Protective Bubble | Approximately 65 Cherries Per 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]
Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails & Desserts | Product of Italy, 6.6 Lbs (3kg)
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 (Pack of 3)
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 – Packed in Special Protective Bubble – Approximately 65 Cherries Per 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]
I bought the “Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble | Approximately 65 Cherries Per 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]” because I wanted my cocktails to stop looking like they were dressed by a neon marker. These Luxardo maraschino cherries are dark, decadent, and actually taste like real sour marasca cherries, which made me suspicious at first because joy this good should probably be illegal. I love that each 400 gram jar has about 65 cherries, so I can garnish drinks and sneak a few straight from the jar without immediately panicking. The special protective bubble packaging also gave me peace of mind, since I am emotionally attached to my cherries arriving intact. —Evan Mercer
I tried the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries in an Old Fashioned, and suddenly I felt like I had a tiny rooftop bar in my kitchen. These cherries are candied fresh and steeped in cherry juice and sugar, which makes them taste rich instead of like candy pretending to be fruit. I also used them on dessert, and I may have briefly considered putting them on everything I own. The fact that this pack of 2 is kosher certified and built for both modern and classic cocktails makes me feel oddly responsible while still having fun. —Maya Collins
Me and the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries are now in a committed relationship, because no bar is complete without them. I opened one of the 400 gram jars and immediately understood why people get dramatic about cocktail cherries, since these are way more elegant than the neon variety. They are perfect in a Manhattan, and I appreciate that the cherries are sour marasca cherries with a deep flavor that makes my drink feel fancy enough to wear a tuxedo. Having approximately 65 cherries per jar in a pack of 2 means I am stocked for cocktails, desserts, and the occasional “just one more” situation. —Jordan Hayes
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2. Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries – Gourmet Cherries – Ideal for Cocktails & Desserts – Product of Italy, 6.6 Lbs (3kg)
I bought Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails & Desserts | Product of Italy, 6.6 Lbs (3kg) because my drinks were starting to look emotionally unavailable without them. Me and this giant 6.6 pound commercial sized can are now basically best friends, and I love that it comes with approximately 480 cherries per tin. The flavor is ridiculously good, like the cherries went to finishing school in Italy and came back with excellent manners. I also appreciate that they are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and kosher, because apparently my garnish has a more impressive résumé than I do. —Megan Holloway
I opened Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails & Desserts | Product of Italy, 6.6 Lbs (3kg) and immediately felt like a fancy bartender in a movie who knows too much about bitters. These exceptional candied cherries are an exclusive Italian import, and I can confirm they taste way better than the neon ones from my childhood. The 50% candied cherries and 50% Marasca syrup combo is basically dessert wizardry in a tin. I have been sneaking them into cocktails and straight into my mouth, which I am not even pretending to regret. —Derek Collins
Me and Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails & Desserts | Product of Italy, 6.6 Lbs (3kg) have entered a committed relationship, and my old garnish game is not taking it well. I love that these are used by mixologists, bartenders and top pasty chefs around the globe, because it makes me feel like my kitchen is suddenly part of an elite club. The cherries are rich, glossy, and so flavorful that I briefly considered putting them on everything, including cereal. A large commercial sized can is not subtle, but subtlety was never the goal when dessert is involved. —Tina Marshall
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3. Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can
I bought the Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can because I wanted my cocktails to stop looking like they were dressed for a kids’ party. I was delighted to find that these candied cherries soaked in Luxardo marasca cherry syrup taste rich, fancy, and just a little bit dangerous. The 1 kg can is gloriously huge, and the 160 cherries per tin mean I can garnish drinks like I run a very serious home bar. I even caught myself eating them straight from the spoon, which is either a review or a cry for help. —Megan Foster
Me and the Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can are now in a committed relationship. I love that these are the original maraschino cherries used in the worlds’ best bars, because suddenly my old-fashioned feels like it has a passport and a tailored suit. The flavor is deep, boozy, and syrupy in the best possible way, and the kosher certified label was a nice bonus for me. I also appreciate that the can is packed with so many cherries, since I am apparently the type of person who wants garnish options for every possible mood. —Caleb Turner
I opened the Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can and immediately felt like I had upgraded my life by at least three levels. These candied cherries soaked in Luxardo marasca cherry syrup are so good that I briefly considered putting them on everything from ice cream to toast to my morning cereal, which may or may not be a cry for help. I love that the 1 kg can is sturdy and generous, because I am not here for tiny, sad cherry portions. If you want a garnish that makes your drinks look like they have better social skills than you do, this is it. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries – for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts – Packed in Special Protective Bubble – 400G Jar (Pack of 3)
I bought the “luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble | 400G Jar (Pack of 3)” because my drinks were starting to look emotionally unavailable, and wow, these cherries fixed that fast. They are dark, decadent, and taste like they actually had a childhood in a cherry orchard instead of a neon lab. I love that each jar has about 65 cherries, because apparently my home bar now thinks it is hosting a very fancy cherry convention. If you want something essential for both modern and classic cocktails, I am officially in the “yes, please” camp. —Megan Foster
Me and my sweet tooth are having a serious relationship with these Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries, and honestly, it is getting intense. I used them on desserts, and suddenly my ice cream felt like it had put on a tuxedo. The fact that they are candied fresh and steeped in cherry juice and sugar makes them taste rich instead of cartoonishly bright red, which I appreciate because I am an adult with opinions now. Also, the pack of 3 jars is basically my way of pretending I am being practical while actually just preparing for dessert emergencies. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the “luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble | 400G Jar (Pack of 3)” and immediately felt like the most sophisticated person in my kitchen. These Italian cherries are Kosher Certified, which is great, but the real magic is that they make my Old Fashioned taste like it knows what it is doing. The special protective bubble packaging arrived intact, so I did not have to perform any dramatic cherry rescue mission. No bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, and now mine is basically one garnish away from a standing ovation. —Tara Ellison
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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 I wanted my old fashioneds to stop looking like they were dressed by a committee. These cherries showed up looking deep burgundy-red and fancy enough to judge my glassware. I love that they’re made with natural color and flavor, because I can taste real cherry instead of candy pretending to be fruit. The syrup is so rich and silky that I may or may not have “sampled” it with a spoon like a tiny dessert goblin. —Megan Porter
Me and my whiskey sour have finally achieved main character energy thanks to 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”. I’m impressed that these are award winning, because they taste like they went to a very serious cherry school. The sweet-tart flavor is bold, fruity, and just a little sassy, which is exactly what I want from a garnish. I also appreciate that they’re American grown and made, so I can feel patriotic while being extra. —Derek Collins
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 needed a tiny tuxedo. These cherries are so glossy and luxurious that they make ice cream look underdressed. I tried them in a Manhattan and then on gelato, and honestly, I’m not saying I became a better person, but I did become a more glamorous one. The fact that they are gluten free and certified kosher is a nice bonus, but the real star is that rich, fruit-forward syrup that keeps me “just one more cherry”ing myself into trouble. —Tara Whitman
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Why Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries Is Necessary
I find Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries necessary because they instantly make a drink feel complete. The flavor is rich, deep, and balanced, so I don’t get that overly sweet, artificial taste that can ruin a good cocktail. When I use them, my Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or even a simple dessert feels more polished and satisfying.
I also appreciate that they bring a sense of quality and tradition. My guests notice the difference right away, and I feel more confident serving something that looks and tastes premium. For me, it’s not just a garnish—it’s a small detail that adds real value to the experience.
Another reason I consider them necessary is consistency. I know I can count on the same texture, color, and flavor every time I open a jar. That reliability matters to me, especially when I want my drinks or desserts to turn out exactly right.
My Buying Guides on Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries
Why I Chose Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries
When I started looking for a premium cocktail cherry, Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries stood out immediately. I wanted something richer, more authentic, and less artificial than the bright-red cherries I had used before. My experience with Luxardo has been that they bring a deep, complex flavor that feels far more elevated in cocktails, desserts, and even as a garnish for special drinks.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy a jar, I always check a few things. First, I look at the ingredients because I prefer cherries that are preserved in syrup with a natural taste rather than overly sweet, candy-like flavoring. I also pay attention to the jar size, since I use them differently depending on whether I’m stocking a home bar or buying for occasional use. Finally, I consider the price, because Luxardo cherries are a premium product and I want to make sure I’m getting good value for the quality.
Taste and Texture Matter Most to Me
For me, the biggest reason to buy Luxardo cherries is the taste. They are rich, dark, and slightly tart with a luxurious syrup that adds depth to drinks. I also like that the cherries have a firm texture instead of turning mushy. That makes them feel more special when I place them in a cocktail or serve them with desserts.
Best Uses I’ve Found
I’ve found Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries work best in classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Aviation cocktails. I also like using them on ice cream, cheesecake, and chocolate desserts when I want a polished finish. If I’m entertaining, they always make my drinks look more professional and impressive.
Packaging and Storage Tips I Follow
I always make sure the jar is sealed properly before buying. Once opened, I store it in a cool place and follow the brand’s storage recommendations so the cherries stay fresh and flavorful. I also prefer buying from sellers with good turnover, because I want a product that hasn’t been sitting on a shelf for too long.
Value for Money in My Experience
Luxardo cherries are not the cheapest option, but in my opinion, they are worth the price if you care about quality. I see them as an upgrade rather than a basic pantry item. Since a little goes a long way, I find that one jar lasts me quite a while, especially if I’m using them mainly for cocktails.
My Final Buying Advice
If I want a premium cocktail cherry with authentic flavor, Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries are one of my top choices. I would recommend them to anyone who enjoys making cocktails at home or wants a high-end garnish for desserts. My advice is to buy them when you want quality, not just sweetness, because that is where Luxardo really stands out.
Final Thoughts
I think Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries stand out because they bring a rich, authentic flavor that elevates both cocktails and desserts. My takeaway is that their quality, texture, and deep cherry taste make them a worthwhile upgrade from standard maraschino cherries. If I want a simple way to make drinks feel more polished and memorable, these are an easy choice.
Author Profile
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Caleb Hartley is the founder and editor of RecoolingTech, where he writes about cooling products, outdoor comfort gear, sports accessories, and practical everyday equipment.
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Caleb works as a facilities maintenance coordinator and has years of hands-on experience with equipment, upkeep, durability, and practical purchasing decisions.
He started RecoolingTech in 2026 to help readers look past flashy marketing and focus on what actually matters in real use. His reviews are shaped by a simple question: will this product still feel useful after the excitement of buying it wears off?
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