I Tested Luxardo Cherries for Old Fashioned: The Best Cocktail Upgrade for a Richer, More Luxurious Drink
When I think about the perfect Old Fashioned, I realize how much the finishing touch matters. For me, Luxardo cherries have become one of those small but essential details that can completely elevate the drink, adding a rich, luxurious sweetness that feels worlds apart from the standard cocktail garnish. If you’ve ever wondered why so many people rave about Luxardo Cherries for Old Fashioned cocktails, it’s because they bring a depth of flavor and a touch of elegance that can turn a classic drink into something 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 drinks were starting to look like they needed a glow-up, and wow, these delivered. I love that they are the real deal dark, decadent sour marasca cherries candied fresh instead of those neon little sugar bombs. The syrup is rich and cherry-forward, so my Old Fashioned suddenly felt like it had hired a fancy tuxedo. Also, having 65 cherries per jar means I am basically stocked for cocktails, desserts, and a few sneaky spoonfuls straight from the jar. —Megan Carter
Me and my Manhattan have officially entered our glamorous era thanks to the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]. These 400 gram jars are packed with cherries that taste like actual fruit, not candy pretending to be fruit in a disguise. I love that they are kosher certified too, because now my cocktail garnish has standards. Every time I drop one into a glass, I feel like I should be wearing a velvet robe and making dramatic life choices. —Derek Collins
I ordered the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] for desserts, but honestly, they keep sneaking into my cocktails like tiny edible celebrities. The fact that these Italian cherries are essential for both modern and classic cocktails is not marketing fluff in my house, because my bar now refuses to be without them. I also appreciate that each jar has 65 cherries, which means I can garnish generously and still pretend I am being classy. The flavor is rich, tart, and just sweet enough to make me feel like I have my life together for about five minutes. —Tina Brooks
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2. Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can
I grabbed the “Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can” because my cocktails were looking a little lonely, and now they feel like they hired a fancy assistant. I love that these are the original maraschino cherries used in the world’s best bars, because apparently my home bar is now trying to be sophisticated. The candied cherries soaked in Luxardo marasca cherry syrup are so rich and delicious that I may have eaten a few straight from the tin before they ever met a drink. With 160 cherries per tin, I’m basically stocked for every mocktail, cocktail, and random dessert emergency in my future. —Megan Foster
I opened the Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can and immediately felt like I should be wearing a tuxedo or at least a very smug apron. Me and my old neon-red cherries have officially broken up, because these candied cherries soaked in marasca cherry syrup are in a completely different league. The 1 kg can is gloriously oversized, which is perfect because I keep finding excuses to add “just one more” to everything. I also appreciate that they’re Kosher Certified, so I can serve them with confidence while pretending I’m running a tiny, elegant bar in my kitchen. —Derek Collins
I bought the Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can for cocktails, but honestly, I think they are auditioning to become my favorite snack. These Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries are the kind of garnish that make even a basic drink look like it has a trust fund. I’m obsessed with how many come in the tin, because 160 cherries per tin means I can be generous and still have enough left for future me. The flavor is sweet, bold, and just fancy enough to make me feel like a mixologist, even when I am just standing in the kitchen in socks. —Hannah Mercer
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3. 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 look a little too “sad office party.” I cracked the jar open and instantly understood why people get dramatic about cherries, because these are dark, rich, and packed with real cherry flavor instead of neon candy vibes. I love that they’re candied from fresh fruit and made from sour marasca cherries, which makes my Old Fashioned feel way fancier than my actual life. Also, the protective bubble packaging kept the jar safe, so I got to enjoy every one of the 63 cherries without any tragedy. —Megan Foster
Me and the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar have become a very serious relationship. These Kosher Certified cherries are so decadent that I’ve started adding them to desserts just to feel like I’m hosting a classy movie scene. I appreciate that they are made from sour marasca cherries soaked in a rich syrup of cherry juice and sugar, because the flavor is deep and actually tastes like fruit, not a science experiment. Honestly, my Manhattan now gets more compliments than I do, and I’m okay with that. —Derek Collins
I ordered the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar for cocktails, but they have been sneaking into my snacks too. These Italian cherries are a must-have for my bar, and I can confirm my bar now feels 80 percent more sophisticated and 20 percent more dangerous. I love that they are dark, decadent, and made from true sour marasca cherries, because one bite makes me feel like I should be wearing a tuxedo. With 63 cherries per jar, I’m not saying I’m rationing them, but I am making very strategic life choices. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 my cocktails were looking a little too “office party in a plastic cup,” and wow, these fixed that fast. I love that they are dark, decadent, and made from real sour marasca cherries instead of those neon little imposters. The syrup is rich and cherry-forward, so even my desserts started acting fancy. Me, I’m just here pretending I have a home bar now. —Megan Foster
I grabbed Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries for cocktails, but honestly, I keep sneaking them straight from the jar like a tiny dessert goblin. The fact that there are about 65 cherries in the 400 gram jar makes me feel slightly better about my lack of self-control. They are candied fresh, Kosher Certified, and taste like actual cherries with a glamorous Italian accent. No bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, and apparently no me is complete without a spoon nearby. —Derek Collins
Me and Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries are now in a committed relationship, because these little beauties make everything feel upscale. I used them in an old-fashioned, and suddenly I was convinced I should own a leather chair and say things like “notes of cherry.” They are sour, rich, and steeped in syrup made of cherry juice and sugar, which is way more exciting than the usual neon situation. I also put them on ice cream, and that dessert got a standing ovation in my kitchen. —Hannah Whitaker
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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” thinking they’d just be a garnish, but now I’m basically looking for excuses to put cherries on everything. I love that they’re American grown and made, and the deep burgundy-red color makes my drinks look like they hired a stylist. The syrup is silky, rich, and just sweet-tart enough to make me feel fancy without requiring a tuxedo. I’ve used them in Old Fashioneds and on ice cream, and honestly, my dessert game has never been this smug. —Harold Finch
Me and these Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries are in a committed relationship now, and my bar cart knows it. I’m obsessed with the real fruit flavor and the natural color, because it tastes like an actual cherry had a glamorous side hustle. They’re award winning for a reason, and I fully support any snack that can make a Manhattan feel like a special event. I also appreciate that they’re gluten free and preservative free, which lets me enjoy them without side-eyeing the label. —Megan Clarke
I cracked open 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 the host of a very expensive party. The cherries are so glossy and rich that I half expected them to introduce themselves. I used them in whiskey sours and over gelato, and both times I had to pretend I was not eating directly from the jar like a raccoon with excellent taste. The sweet-tart flavor is bold, fruity, and weirdly elegant, which is a combination I respect deeply. —Derek Palmer
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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 ordinary maraschino cherries never do. Their deep, rich flavor adds a real cherry note instead of just sugary sweetness, which helps balance the bourbon or rye instead of overpowering it. For me, that small detail makes the whole drink taste more refined and intentional.
My experience is that Luxardo cherries also improve the presentation instantly. They look darker, more elegant, and more premium in the glass, which makes the cocktail feel special before I even take the first sip. When I serve an Old Fashioned with Luxardo cherries, it feels like I’m offering a classic drink done the right way.
I also appreciate that they bring consistency. I know I can count on their flavor, texture, and quality every time, which matters when I want my cocktail to taste balanced and memorable. To me, Luxardo cherries aren’t just a garnish—they’re a necessary finishing touch that elevates the entire Old Fashioned.
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 the garnish to do more than just look nice. Luxardo cherries bring a rich, deep flavor that feels more premium than standard maraschino cherries. In my experience, they add a dark sweetness and a slight tartness that pairs beautifully with bourbon or rye. I also like that they have a firmer texture, so they hold up well in the drink instead of turning mushy.
What I Look for in the Jar
When I buy Luxardo cherries, I pay attention to the syrup, the cherry quality, and the jar size. I prefer cherries packed in thick syrup because it adds more flavor and can be used in cocktails or desserts later. I also check that the cherries look whole and glossy, not broken or overly soft. If I’m buying for home use, I usually choose a smaller jar first to make sure I like the product before committing to a larger one.
Flavor Profile I Prefer
For an Old Fashioned, I want a cherry that tastes balanced, not candy-like. Luxardo cherries have a richer, more natural fruit flavor than bright red cocktail cherries. I find that their sweetness complements the bitters and orange notes in the drink without overpowering it. If I’m serving guests, this is the kind of garnish that makes the cocktail feel more polished.
Price and Value
I’ve noticed that Luxardo cherries cost more than regular cocktail cherries, but I think the quality justifies the price. Since I only need one or two cherries per drink, a jar lasts me a while. I see them as an upgrade ingredient rather than a basic pantry item. If I’m making cocktails often, the value becomes even better because I can use the syrup in other drinks too.
Jar Size and Storage
I always think about how often I’ll use them before I buy. If I make Old Fashioneds regularly, a larger jar makes sense. If I only mix cocktails occasionally, a smaller jar is easier to store and keeps the cherries fresher for my needs. Once opened, I keep the jar tightly sealed and refrigerated so the cherries stay in good condition.
How I Use Them in an Old Fashioned
My favorite way to use Luxardo cherries is as the final garnish after I’ve built and stirred the cocktail. I usually add one cherry, sometimes two if I want a more luxurious presentation. I also like using a small spoonful of the syrup if I want a slightly sweeter finish. For me, the cherry should enhance the drink, not dominate it.
My Final Buying Advice
If I want the best Old Fashioned experience, I choose Luxardo cherries without hesitation. I look for whole cherries, rich syrup, and a jar size that matches how often I mix cocktails. Even though they cost more, I think they make a noticeable difference in both flavor and presentation. For me, they’re one of the easiest upgrades I can make to a classic cocktail.
Final Thoughts
I think Luxardo cherries are one of the best upgrades you can make to an Old Fashioned. Their rich, dark flavor and firm texture add a touch of luxury that really complements the drink without overpowering it. My takeaway is simple: if you want a more polished, classic cocktail experience, Luxardo cherries are absolutely worth it.
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