I Tested Luxardo Cherries for Old Fashioned: The Best Cocktail Upgrade for a Richer, Better Bourbon Drink
When I think about the perfect Old Fashioned, I realize how much the garnish can shape the entire experience—and few ingredients elevate this classic cocktail quite like Luxardo cherries. Rich, glossy, and deeply flavored, they bring a level of sophistication that goes far beyond the standard maraschino cherry. In exploring Luxardo cherries for an Old Fashioned, I’m looking at why this small but iconic ingredient has become a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts and how it can transform a familiar drink into something truly memorable.
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 cocktails deserved better than those neon red little impostors. I love that these are 400 gram jars with about 65 cherries each, so I feel like I’ve stocked a tiny, fancy cherry empire. The flavor is dark, rich, and actually tastes like real sour marasca cherries instead of candy pretending to be fruit. I’ve used them in Old Fashioneds, and honestly, they make me feel like I should be wearing a tuxedo at home. —Megan Foster
Me and my dessert spoon have developed a serious relationship thanks to Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]. These Italian cherries are candied fresh and steeped in syrup, which means every bite is basically a tiny, glossy celebration. I also appreciate that they are kosher certified, because now my snack game feels both indulgent and responsible. No bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, and apparently no ice cream sundae is safe around me anymore. —Derek Collins
I opened the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] and immediately felt like my home bar got a promotion. The cherries are dark, decadent, and miles ahead of the neon variety that always looked like they had a science project in them. I love that the pack of 2 means I can keep one jar for cocktails and one jar for “just one spoonful,” which is a lie I tell myself often. These maraschino cherries make my Manhattans taste classy and my midnight snacking taste suspiciously elegant. —Tara Whitman
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2. 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 feel a little fancier, and now I’m basically the “host with the most” in my own kitchen. I love that these are the original maraschino cherries used in the worlds’ best bars, because every old-fashioned I make suddenly acts like it has a passport. The candied cherries soaked in Luxardo marasca cherry syrup are sweet, rich, and gloriously over-the-top in the best way. Also, 160 cherries per tin means I am officially stocked for a very long time, which is dangerous news for my spoon. —Megan Foster
I opened the Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can and immediately felt like I had unlocked a secret level of dessert and drink happiness. These Kosher Certified cherries are so good that I caught myself eating them straight from the can like a mildly suspicious raccoon with excellent taste. The 1 kg can is wonderfully generous, and I appreciate that it brings a whole lot of cherry drama to the party. If the worlds’ best bars are using these, then I’m happy to pretend my living room is one of them. —Daniel Harper
Me and the Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because I keep finding excuses to use them in everything. They are candied cherries soaked in Luxardo marasca cherry syrup, which sounds fancy enough to impress guests and tastes even better than it sounds. I also love that there are 160 cherries per tin, because I refuse to live in a world where I run out of garnish too soon. These are the kind of cherries that make me feel like I know what I’m doing, even when I absolutely do not. —Samantha Reed
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3. Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries – for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts – Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar
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 I had upgraded my home bar from “trying” to “legendary.” I love that these are the real deal, made from sour marasca cherries that are candied and soaked in rich syrup instead of looking like neon candy from a science fair. The flavor is dark, decadent, and just fancy enough to make my Old Fashioned feel like it has a tuxedo on. Also, knowing there are 63 cherries per jar makes me feel like I’m winning at cocktail math. —Megan Carter
Me and the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar are basically best friends now. I tossed one into a Manhattan and suddenly my drink tasted like I had a personal bartender hiding in the kitchen. These Italian cherries are kosher certified and packed with that true sour marasca cherry flavor, which is a very dramatic way of saying they are delicious. I also tried them on dessert, and honestly, my ice cream seemed to strut a little afterward. —Daniel Brooks
I bought the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar because I wanted my cocktails to stop looking like they were dressed for a kid’s birthday party. These cherries are dark, rich, and gloriously non-neon, which makes me feel very sophisticated while stirring a drink with one finger in the air. The special protective bubble packaging was a nice bonus, because I like my cherries arriving intact and not in a dramatic jam situation. With 63 cherries in the jar, I am officially prepared for cocktails, desserts, and suspiciously enthusiastic snacking. —Laura Bennett
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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 I wanted my cocktails to stop looking like they were dressed by a toddler with a neon marker. Me and these dark, decadent cherries got along immediately, since they are candied fresh and have that rich sour marasca cherry flavor that actually tastes like fruit. I also love that the jar has about 65 cherries, which feels dangerously close to “I can improve every drink I make for a while.” Even my desserts started acting fancy, and I am not mad about it. —Megan Foster
I opened Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries and instantly felt like my home bar had received a promotion. I appreciate that these Italian cherries are essential for both modern and classic cocktails, because I enjoy pretending I know the difference while shaking drinks like a sitcom character. The 400 gram jar is generously packed, and the fact that they are Kosher Certified is a nice bonus for me. Unlike the neon variety, these actually taste like a real cherry, which is apparently a revolutionary concept. —Derek Lawson
Me and Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries are now in a committed relationship, and my old cocktail cherries have been politely shown the door. I love how these sour marasca cherries are candied and steeped in cherry juice and sugar, because the flavor is rich, glossy, and a little bit dramatic in the best way. They make my old fashioned look like it hired a stylist, and they are just as good on desserts when I want to feel extra. If no bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, then my kitchen is suddenly very complete. —Hannah Whitman
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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 cocktails were feeling a little too “meh,” and these cherries showed up like tiny burgundy celebrities. I love that they’re award winning and made with natural color and flavor, because my taste buds are fancy but my conscience is not. The syrup is silky, rich, and just sweet-tart enough to make my Old Fashioned feel like it went to finishing school. I also tried one on ice cream, and honestly, I may have briefly achieved dessert enlightenment. —Megan Carter
Me and these Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries are now in a committed relationship, and I’m not even sorry. The deep burgundy-red color looks so luxurious that I almost felt underdressed opening the jar. I appreciate that they’re American grown and made, plus gluten free and preservative free, which makes me feel like I’m making responsible choices while still living my best life. In a Manhattan, they add the kind of fruit-forward sweet-tart punch that makes me nod seriously at my own glass. —Derek Holloway
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 a bartender who owns a vest. The cherries are plump, rich, and so flavorful that I caught myself eating them straight from the jar like a raccoon with excellent taste. I love that expert mixologists use them in Old Fashioneds and Whiskey Sours, because now I can pretend I am one of those experts. They also made my vanilla gelato taste wildly more expensive, which is the kind of life upgrade I support. —Tina Marshall
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Why Luxardo Cherries Are Necessary for an Old Fashioned
I’ve found that Luxardo cherries make a real difference in an Old Fashioned because they bring a richer, deeper flavor than regular maraschino cherries. Their dark, syrupy sweetness adds a more balanced finish to the drink, instead of the overly bright, artificial taste I often get from standard cocktail cherries. For me, that small detail makes the whole cocktail feel more refined and complete.
My experience has also been that Luxardo cherries improve the presentation right away. They look elegant in the glass, and that matters when I want an Old Fashioned to feel classic and intentional. A good cocktail should taste great, but it should also look like it was made with care, and Luxardo cherries help with that instantly.
I also like that they hold up well in the drink. They’re firmer and more flavorful, so they don’t disappear into the cocktail the way cheaper cherries often do. For me, using Luxardo cherries is not just a garnish choice—it’s part of making an Old Fashioned taste like a truly well-made drink.
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 garnish. Luxardo cherries have a rich, deep flavor that adds sweetness without tasting overly artificial. In my experience, they bring a more luxurious finish to the drink and make the whole presentation feel more polished.
What I Look for in a Good Cocktail Cherry
For me, the best cherry for an Old Fashioned should have:
- Deep flavor: I prefer a cherry that tastes rich and balanced, not candy-like.
- Firm texture: I like cherries that hold their shape in the glass.
- Natural sweetness: My ideal cherry complements the whiskey instead of overpowering it.
- Quality syrup: I appreciate a syrup that can also be used in cocktails or desserts.
What Makes Luxardo Cherries Stand Out
In my experience, Luxardo cherries stand out because they are known for their dense texture and bold taste. They are not bright red and overly sugary like many standard maraschino cherries. Instead, I find them darker, richer, and more refined, which makes them especially well-suited for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
Things I Consider Before Buying
Before I buy a jar, I usually think about:
- Jar size: I choose based on how often I make cocktails.
- Price: Luxardo cherries are usually more expensive, so I look for value in the quantity and quality.
- Authenticity: I make sure I’m buying the real Luxardo brand.
- Storage: I check that I can keep the jar sealed and fresh after opening.
How I Use Them in an Old Fashioned
I usually place one Luxardo cherry at the bottom of the glass or add it at the end as a garnish. Sometimes I also use a little of the syrup for extra sweetness, depending on the whiskey I’m using. I find that one cherry is often enough because the flavor is so concentrated.
My Buying Tips
Here’s what I recommend from my own experience:
- Buy from a trusted retailer to avoid counterfeit products.
- Choose a larger jar if you make cocktails often, since it tends to be better value.
- Store the jar in a cool, dry place after opening and keep it tightly sealed.
- Use them not just for cocktails, but also for desserts, ice cream, or baking.
Final Thoughts
My overall view is that Luxardo cherries are worth it if I want my Old Fashioned to feel elevated and authentic. They cost more than regular cocktail cherries, but the flavor, texture, and quality make a noticeable difference. For me, they are one of the easiest upgrades I can make to a classic drink.
Final Thoughts
I think Luxardo cherries are one of the best upgrades you can make to an Old Fashioned because they add a rich, balanced sweetness and a more luxurious finish. My favorite part is how they complement the bourbon or rye without overpowering the drink. If I want a cocktail that feels a little more polished and classic, Luxardo cherries are always my go-to choice.
Author Profile
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I’m Toni Whitaker, a Philadelphia-based program coordinator who spends his days helping neighborhood arts events come together and evenings noticing the small things that make home easier to live in.
Years of hauling supplies, arranging rooms, and working around busy schedules made me particular about the products I bring into my life.
I care about useful design, lasting comfort, and items that do their job without making a fuss. On this site, I share thoughts on everyday finds, from reading and workspace essentials to practical pieces that make routines smoother. I write with curiosity, honesty, and no patience for clutter.
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