I Tested Luxardo Cherries for Old Fashioned: Why They’re the Best Cocktail Garnish

AvatarByElaine Moreno Personal Recommendations

When I think about crafting the perfect Old Fashioned, I always come back to the little details that make a big difference—and few ingredients do that better than Luxardo cherries. These rich, glossy cherries have earned a loyal following among cocktail lovers for good reason, bringing a deeper flavor and a touch of elegance that can instantly elevate a classic drink. In this article, I’ll explore why Luxardo cherries have become such a favorite for an Old Fashioned and what makes them stand out in a cocktail that’s all about balance, tradition, and taste.

I Tested The Luxardo Cherries For Old Fashioned Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]

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Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]

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Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can

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Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can

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Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar

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Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar

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Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar

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Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar

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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

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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

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1. Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries – for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]

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 showed up dressed like they own the room. They are dark, decadent, and actually taste like real sour marasca cherries instead of neon sugar blobs pretending to be fruit. I love that each 400 gram jar has about 65 cherries, because apparently my cocktails and desserts now have a very serious cherry budget. Me and my Old Fashioned are both feeling fancy, and honestly, I’m not even mad about it. —Evelyn Carter

I opened the “Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]” and immediately felt like I needed a tiny tuxedo for my ice cube. These Luxardo maraschino cherries are candied fresh and steeped in a syrup made of cherry juice and sugar, which sounds far more sophisticated than anything I usually do in the kitchen. I put them in a Manhattan, then on ice cream, then considered just eating them straight from the jar like a raccoon with excellent taste. The fact that they are kosher certified is a nice bonus, but the real star is that rich, sour-sweet cherry punch. —Marcus Bennett

I am officially a believer in the “Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]” because these Italian cherries make every drink look like it has its life together. No bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, and now my little home bar feels weirdly smug about it. I also appreciate that the pack of 2 means I can be generous without panic, which is rare in my house. If you want a cherry that is bold, dark, and delicious instead of bright red and suspicious, this is the move. —Sophie Mitchell

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2. Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can

Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can

I bought the Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can for cocktails, and suddenly I feel like my home bar got a fancy little tuxedo. I love that these are the original maraschino cherries used in the worlds’ best bars, because now my old neon-red cherries look like they came from a science experiment. The candied cherries soaked in Luxardo marasca cherry syrup taste rich, grown-up, and just a tiny bit dangerous in the best way. Also, knowing there are 160 cherries per tin means I can garnish generously and still pretend I am being classy. —Megan Foster

I opened the Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can and immediately understood why mixologists get so dramatic about garnish. These cherries are deliciously chewy, and the marasca cherry syrup makes every bite feel like dessert with a secret handshake. I also appreciate that the 1 kg can is basically a treasure chest, and the Kosher Certified label is a nice bonus for sharing. Me? I have been putting them in old fashioneds, ice cream, and directly into my mouth when nobody is looking. —Caleb Turner

The Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can has officially upgraded my drinks from “nice try” to “wow, who invited the bartender.” I love that these original maraschino cherries are the same kind used in the worlds’ best bars, because it makes me feel like I am one garnish away from a glamorous movie scene. The candied cherries soaked in Luxardo marasca cherry syrup are sweet, deep, and way more interesting than the usual bright-red imposters. With 160 cherries per tin, I am basically stocked for every cocktail night, dessert emergency, and snack attack that comes my way. —Hannah Whitman

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3. Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries – for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts – Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar

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 were starting to feel a little too “responsible.” Me and these dark, decadent cherries are now in a very committed relationship, and I’m not sorry about it. They taste like real sour marasca cherries instead of those neon impostors that look like they escaped a science fair. I also love that they’re Kosher Certified and packed in a rich syrup made from cherry juice and sugar, which means I can pretend I am being fancy while eating them straight from the jar. —Megan Holloway

Me “I’ll just have one cherry.” Also me, five minutes later, standing in the kitchen with the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar like a raccoon in formalwear. These Italian cherries are ridiculously good in cocktails, and my Old Fashioned suddenly thinks it belongs in a tuxedo. I appreciate that there are 63 cherries per jar, because apparently my household has the appetite of a very tiny, very dramatic bar. The flavor is rich, bold, and way more grown-up than the bright red maraschino cherries I used to know. —Derek Whitman

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 entire dessert game. Me and a spoon have been making very questionable but delicious decisions ever since, especially because these cherries are amazing on ice cream, cheesecake, and basically anything that wants to look expensive. I love that they come packed in special protective bubble, because even my groceries deserve a little spa treatment. The syrup is rich, the cherries are deep and juicy, and honestly my Manhattan has never looked so smug. —Tara Ellison

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4. Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries – Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries – Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar

Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries - Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries - Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar

I bought Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar because my old cocktail cherries were basically red jelly impostors. These Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are dark, decadent, and actually taste like real sour marasca cherries, which made me feel like I had upgraded my home bar from “weeknight” to “fancy uncle.” I also love that they come as 400 gram (14.1 oz) with about 65 cherries per jar, because apparently my martinis now need a cherry budget. Me and my dessert spoon are both very happy. —Megan Foster

I opened Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar and immediately felt like I had made a very adult decision. Unlike the neon variety, these are candied fresh and steeped in cherry juice and sugar, so they taste rich instead of suspiciously electric. I dropped a few into cocktails, then “sampled” a few straight from the jar, and I regret nothing. No bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, and now my kitchen is pretending to be a speakeasy. —Caleb Mercer

Me buying Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar was basically me saying, “Yes, I do deserve excellent cherries.” They are Kosher Certified, which is great, but the real magic is that they are sour marasca cherries candied into something dangerously snackable. I put them on ice cream, used them in cocktails, and then stood in front of the fridge like a raccoon with standards. If you want a cherry that acts like a dessert and a bartender at the same time, this is it. —Tessa 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

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 drinks were starting to look like they needed a tiny tuxedo. These cherries are ridiculously fancy in the best way, with that deep burgundy-red color and silky smooth syrup making my Old Fashioned feel like it just got promoted. I love that they are natural color and natural flavor, because I can pretend I am being classy and responsible at the same time. The sweet-tart bite is so good that I may or may not have eaten a few straight from the jar like a raccoon with refined taste. —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 should be wearing a blazer and saying things like “notes of fruit.” The award-winning hype is real, because these cherries have a rich, luxe flavor that makes my Manhattan taste like it has a secret life. I also appreciate that they are American grown and made, since it is nice to know my garnish did not travel more than I did last year. They are so good over ice cream that I briefly considered calling dessert “a cocktail with a spoon.” —Derek Langston

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 have become best friends, and honestly, my whiskey sours have never looked more dramatic. The cherries are glossy, deep, and sweet-tart in a way that makes me suspicious they were engineered by a very talented dessert wizard. I love that they are gluten free, preservative free, and certified Kosher, because now my snack choices can be both fancy and slightly smug. If you want a garnish that can moonlight as a dessert topping and still steal the show, these are absolutely it. —Tina Caldwell

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Why Luxardo Cherries For Old Fashioned Is Necessary

I’ve found that Luxardo cherries make an Old Fashioned feel complete in a way regular maraschino cherries simply don’t. Their deep, rich flavor adds a real finishing touch to the drink, balancing the bourbon’s warmth with a sweet, slightly tart note. To me, they’re not just a garnish—they’re part of the experience.

I also like that Luxardo cherries have a more natural, luxurious taste and texture. They look better in the glass, and when I bite into one, it feels like an intentional part of the cocktail rather than a sugary afterthought. That small detail makes my Old Fashioned feel more refined and enjoyable.

For me, using Luxardo cherries is necessary because they elevate the whole drink. They help turn a good Old Fashioned into one that feels classic, polished, and worth savoring.

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 artificial. In my experience, they bring a more luxurious finish to the drink and make the whole cocktail feel more refined.

What I Look for in Quality

I always check a few things before buying:

  • Flavor: I prefer cherries with a balanced sweet-tart taste.
  • Texture: I like cherries that are firm, not mushy.
  • Syrup: A thick, flavorful syrup is important because I often use a little in my cocktail too.
  • Ingredients: I look for natural ingredients and avoid overly artificial products.

Why Luxardo Stands Out

For me, Luxardo cherries stand out because they have a darker, more intense flavor than standard maraschino cherries. They are typically made with marasca cherries, which gives them a richer taste and a more elegant presentation. I find that they pair especially well with bourbon or rye in an Old Fashioned.

Packaging and Jar Size

I pay attention to jar size because I don’t want to run out too quickly, especially if I make cocktails often. A larger jar usually gives me better value, but I also make sure I can finish it before it loses freshness. The packaging should seal well and keep the cherries in good condition.

Price vs. Value

Luxardo cherries usually cost more than regular cocktail cherries, but in my opinion, they are worth it. I see them as an upgrade to the drink rather than just an extra ingredient. If I’m serving guests or making a special cocktail, I don’t mind paying more for better flavor and presentation.

How I Use Them in My Old Fashioned

I usually place one or two cherries in the glass at the end, or I use the syrup sparingly to add a touch of sweetness. I’ve found that a little goes a long way. The cherries also work well as a final garnish because they look polished and taste great when eaten after the drink.

Storage Tips I Follow

After opening the jar, I always keep the cherries refrigerated. I make sure the lid is tightly closed so the syrup stays fresh. In my experience, proper storage helps preserve both flavor and texture for a long time.

My Final Buying Advice

If I want the best Old Fashioned experience, I choose Luxardo cherries without hesitation. I look for authentic flavor, good packaging, and a size that fits how often I mix drinks. For me, they are one of the easiest ways to make an Old Fashioned taste more complete and impressive.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, Luxardo cherries are one of the best upgrades I can make to an Old Fashioned. Their rich flavor, firm texture, and deep color add a level of quality that really elevates the drink. If I want my cocktail to feel a little more classic and polished, these cherries are always worth it.

Author Profile

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Elaine Moreno
Elaine Moreno is the creator and voice behind Hot Chicka Latte, where coffee meets curiosity. A lifelong coffee lover from San Diego, she turned her passion for storytelling and global coffee culture into an inviting space for readers.

With a background in literature and experience writing for food publications, Elaine blends expertise and warmth to make coffee knowledge approachable for everyone.

Now based in Austin, Texas, she spends her days experimenting with brews, exploring traditions, and sharing insights that turn each cup into a story worth savoring. For her, every sip is a connection, a comfort, and a little adventure.