Luxardo Cherries Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links · 61 Comments

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Make your own boozy cherries at home with this Homemade Luxardo Cherries Recipe. You can use these cherries in cocktails, desserts, and more!

Luxardo Cherries Recipe (1)

Add a delightful twist to your cocktails and desserts, like my Fresh Cherry Tart Recipe, with these Boozy Luxardo Cherries. These luscious cherries are soaked in a Luxardo liqueur, infusing them with a delightful boozy essence that enhances their natural sweetness.

Whether you're garnishing your favorite cocktail or looking to elevate your desserts, these indulgent treats are sure to impress and add a touch of sophistication to your creations. And if you like fancy cocktail garnishes, check out my Dehydrated Oranges and my Candied Ginger recipes.

Jump to:
  • Why I Love This Recipe
  • Key Ingredients For This Recipe
  • How to Make Luxardo Cherries
  • Recipe FAQs
  • What is Maraschino Liqueur?
  • How to Use These Boozy Cherries
  • Looking for a Non-Boozy Cocktail Cherry?
  • Homemade Luxardo Cherries

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Homemade Luxardo Cherry Recipe because it transforms ordinary cherries into boozy flavor bombs that add a touch of sophistication to any cocktail or dish, similar to my Boozy Sugared Cranberries. The combination of sweet cherries, aromatic spices, and the unique depth of flavor from the Luxardo Maraschino liqueur creates the perfect combination for a liquored-up garnish.

Key Ingredients For This Recipe

Luxardo Cherries Recipe (2)

Fresh Cherries - Fresh cherries are the star of the recipe, providing their natural sweetness and juicy texture. Choose ripe cherries that are firm and plump for the best results.

Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur - Luxardo Maraschino liqueur is a special ingredient that gives these cherries their distinctive flavor. It adds a complex and bittersweet taste, enhancing the natural flavor of the cherries and providing a touch of elegance.

Vanilla Extract - Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cherries, adding a warm and aromatic note. It complements the sweetness of the cherries and adds depth to the syrup.

Cinnamon Stick - A cinnamon stick imparts a subtle and comforting spice flavor to the cherries. It adds a hint of warmth and complexity to the syrup.

Freshly Ground Nutmeg - Freshly ground nutmeg provides a delicate and earthy flavor to the cherries. It adds a touch of warmth and depth that complements the other ingredients. You can use ground nutmeg or omit it if desired.

Lemon Juice - Fresh lemon juice or zest adds a bright and citrusy note to the cherries. It enhances the freshness and tanginess of the cherries, balancing the sweetness. Freshly squeezed is best, the bottled stuff has extra citric acid and additives that will change the flavor of the cherries.

*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Luxardo Cherries

Place the sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Luxardo Cherries Recipe (3)

Add the cherries and bring to a simmer again for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Luxardo liqueur. Allow the mixture to cool completely before putting it into a sealable jar.

Luxardo Cherries Recipe (4)

Recipe FAQs

Are These The Same as Luxardo Cherries in the Jar?

No, these cherries are slightly different. They are boozy from the Luxardo liqueur and the syrup is not as thick.
If you want candied cocktail cherries with thick syrup, try my Amarena Cherry Recipe! It's a non-boozy cherry, but also perfect for cocktail garnishes.

What Kind of Cherries Should I Use For this Recipe?

This recipe works best with fresh cherries and I'm lucky to live in a place that is known for its cherries. I get my cherries from a local farm who are known for its Bing cherries which I use here. You want a sweet, red cherry that is nice a firm.

What is a Substitute for Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur?

Any home bar should have a bottle of Maraschino Liqueur in it. If you can find the Luxardo brand, Maraska, and Lazzarroni are both good options. And if you can't find maraschino liqueur at all, try Cherry Heering or Cherry Kirsch as a substitution.

Can these cherries be preserved?

I have not tried canning these cherries, however, other readers have told me they have. If you do can them, make sure to follow safe canning guidelines.

Luxardo Cherries Recipe (5)

What is Maraschino Liqueur?

Maraschino liqueur originated in Croatia and is made from Marasca cherries. It's a clear, cherry-flavored liqueur that isn't overly sweet so it's perfect for cocktails like the Last Word Cocktail or my Gin Elderflower Cocktail.

Luxardo Cherries Recipe (6)

How to Use These Boozy Cherries

Obviously, these cherries are amazing in cocktails. You can use them as a garnish or as part of the drink. They can also be served as a small dessert, or even better, covered in chocolate.

Luxardo Cherries Recipe (7)

The syrup has so many uses as well including being used in my Fresh Cherry Tart recipe. Just like the cherries, this syrup is perfect for the sweet ingredient in a cocktail. You can also drizzle it over some ice cream for a boozy treat.

These Luxardo Cherries also make an amazing gift for your cocktail-loving friends. Place the cherries in jars, place a homemade or printed tag on them with a bow and you have a homemade gift that anyone would love.

Looking for a Non-Boozy Cocktail Cherry?

Check out my Amarena Cherry post for a non-boozy cherry recipe. These cherries also make a great cocktail garnish. Since they are not made with alcohol, they can also be used in desserts and as a topping for those who can't or don't drink alcohol.

Other Liqueur & Syrup Recipes to Check Out

  • Homemade Creme de Cassis
  • Fresh Fruit Shrub Recipe
  • Fig Leaf Syrup
  • Vanilla Vodka Recipe

If you get a chance to make these Homemade Luxardo Cherries, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes right in your inbox.

Luxardo Cherries Recipe (12)

Homemade Luxardo Cherries

Make your own boozy cherries at home with this Luxardo Cherry Recipe. You can use these cherries in cocktails, desserts, and more!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cooling Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 3 cups

Calories: 61kcal

Author: Emily

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 pinch freshly ground nutmeg
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup water
  • 3-4 cups fresh cherries, stems removed and pitted
  • 1 cup Luxardo Maraschino liqueur

Instructions

  • Place the sugar, vanilla, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, lemon juice, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cherries and bring the mixture to a simmer again for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Luxardo liqueur.

  • Allow the mixture to cool completely and remove the cinnamon stick before adding to a sealable jar, about an hour. Store in the fridge for several weeks.

Notes

Are These The Same as Luxardo Cherries in the Jar?

  • No, these cherries are slightly different. They are boozy from the Luxardo liqueur and the syrup is not as thick. If you want candied cocktail cherries with thick syrup, try my Amarena Cherry Recipe! It's a non-boozy cherry, but also perfect for cocktail garnishes.

Luxardo Liqueur Substitutions

  • Any home bar should have a bottle of Maraschino Liqueur in it. If you can find the Luxardo brand, Maraska, and Lazzarroni are both good options. And if you can't find maraschino liqueur at all, try Cherry Heering or Cherry Kirsch as a substitution.

Nutrition

Serving: 2cherries | Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.1g | Protein: 0.8g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 1.3g | Sugar: 9.1g | Calcium: 11mg

Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @EmilyFabulous_Blog or tag #emilyfabulous!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. John says

    In lieu of fresh cherries, I made this recipe with (unsweetened, unsulfured) dried dark sweet cherries from Trader Joe’s, one 6-oz package (these fluffed up nicely during prep). I didn’t have any vanilla on hand so I added a good pinch of freshly ground cardamom. The result is fab on initial tasting - further testing in a Manhattan is eagerly anticipated…

    Reply

    • Emily says

      Hi John, sounds like an inventive and delicious combo. I hope your Manhattan was fabulous!🥃

      Reply

  2. lazybones says

    about to try these. can i keep the pits? i’m too lazy but want to make sure they won’t mess up the recipe

    Reply

    • Emily says

      It won’t mess up the recipe, but it may add a little almond flavor to the syrup.

      Reply

  3. cfaim says

    Luxardo Cherries Recipe (17)
    Followed the recipe exactly. This is nothing like Luxardo cherries from the jar.

    Reply

    • Emily says

      Hi, this is a boozy cherry recipe using luxardo liqueur. If you are looking for a non-boozy cherry, try this recipe: https://emilyfabulous.com/amarena-cherry-recipe/

      Reply

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Luxardo Cherries Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in Luxardo cherries? ›

True Luxardo cherries are simply candied cherries in cherry syrup. Luxardo maraschino cherries are made with Marasca cherries, they are a variety of sour cherry.

How long do homemade Luxardo cherries last? ›

Coat cherries in the syrup and then remove from heat. Stir in the Luxardo liqueur and let mixture sit until cooled. At this point you can store the cherries in the fridge up to one month, or you can can them and store in a cool, dry place.

How many cherries are in a 12 lb can of Luxardo cherries? ›

The original Luxardo cherry recipe was first produced in their plant in Zara in 1905, and is still in use today. Made with no thickening agents or preservatives, a jar still has a shelf life of 3 years. This can contains approximately 890 cherries.

What is so special about Luxardo cherries? ›

A cutting edge system of pasteurization guarantees the maximum level of preservation and safety. Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries accurate candying process confers to the fruit a crispiness which is rare to find amongst competing brands.

What are Luxardo cherries soaked in? ›

Luxardo cherries are made in Italy. Each jar is packed with Italian-grown sour marasca cherries that are candied and soaked in sweet syrup.

Are Luxardo cherries soaked in brandy? ›

Brandied Cherry – These are cherries that have been soaked in brandy, sugar, and water to create a uniquely flavored cocktail cherry. You'll often see Amarena or Luxardo cherries referred to as brandied cherries, but technically that would be incorrect as those usually aren't soaked in alcohol.

Can Luxardo cherries go bad? ›

According to Tracey Brigman, EdD, associate director of the National Center for Home Food Preservation, an unopened jar of cocktail cherries can last for up to two years. “Once opened, they can keep for about 6 to 12 months, as long as they are continuously refrigerated during that time,” Brigman continues.

Can Luxardo go bad? ›

Unopened bottles can last for an indefinite amount of time, but the closer you get to the bottom third of the bottle, please consume quickly to prevent oxidation and taste alteration.

How many Luxardo cherries in a 6.6 lb can? ›

This can contains approximately 480 cherries.

How long do Luxardo cherries last unopened? ›

Manufacturer: Girolamo Luxardo S.p.A. Name: Original Maraschino Cherries Alcohol strength: non-alcoholic Size: 400 gr – 3 kg – 5.6 kg Shelf life: 3 years Description: These are candied cherries soaked in Luxardo marasca cherry syrup.

How do you store Luxardo cherries? ›

Answer: It says " Once opened keep the jar closed in a cool and dry place. Do not freeze." on the label of Luxardo Maraschino cherries.

What can you use Luxardo cherries for? ›

These cherries are the perfect garnish for your next Manhattan, a bowl of vanilla ice cream, or a cake. Or keep a few jars on-hand for an elegant hostess gift.

What's the difference between maraschino and Luxardo cherries? ›

Luxardo cherries and Maraschino cherries are both technically Maraschino cherries, but there is quite a difference between the two. The former is considered artisanal and high-end, perfect for a craft cocktail garnish; while the latter is bright red and ideal for topping an ice cream sundae.

What's the difference between maraschino cherries and Luxardo cherries? ›

Luxardo cherries and Maraschino cherries are both technically Maraschino cherries, but there is quite a difference between the two. The former is considered artisanal and high-end, perfect for a craft cocktail garnish; while the latter is bright red and ideal for topping an ice cream sundae.

What chemicals are in maraschino cherries? ›

CHERRIES, WATER, CORN SYRUP, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, MALIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, POTASSIUM SORBATE (PRESERVATIVE), SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), RED 40, SULFUR DIOXIDE (PRESERVATIVE).

What are the ingredients in cherry pits? ›

Cherries have a small, hardened pit that surrounds their seed, also called a kernel. The kernels of cherry pits and other stone fruits contain the chemical amygdalin (2). Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside — a chemical that your body converts into the toxic compound hydrogen cyanide (2, 3 ).

What is the difference between Amarena cherries and Luxardo cherries? ›

Generally speaking, Maraschino cherries are sweet and Amarenas are sour. The traditional European method for creating maraschino cherries is to preserve Marasca cherries in maraschino liqueur (think Luxardo Maraschino). Marasca is the type of cherry, and maraschino refers to the way it's processed.

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