Luxardo Cherries: The Complete Guide
Luxardo Cherries: The Complete Guide
What Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are, how to store them, which size to buy – and where to get them wholesale in Canada.
Shop Luxardo CherriesCompare SizesNon-Alcoholic
Packed in Marasca cherry syrup, not liqueur
Gluten Free
Certified gluten free by Luxardo
3-Year Shelf Life
Unopened, stored cool and dry
Made in Italy
Real Marasca cherries from Luxardo, Padua
Kosher
Kosher certified Luxardo cherries
Vegan
No animal ingredients, plant based
What are Luxardo cherries?
Luxardo cherries – sold as Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries – are Marasca sour cherries candied and packed in their own rich Marasca cherry syrup by Girolamo Luxardo S.p.A. in Torreglia, near Padua, Italy.
They are dark, almost black-red, firm and naturally sweet with a gentle tartness – nothing like the bright red, artificially coloured cherries most people grew up with. Bartenders call them the original cocktail cherry, and they are the standard garnish in craft cocktail bars around the world.
Are they alcoholic? Do they need the fridge?
No alcohol. The name comes from the Marasca cherry – the same fruit used for Luxardo Maraschino liqueur – but the cherries are packed in cherry syrup, not liqueur, so they suit mocktails, desserts and family menus.
Storage. Unopened jars and tins keep about three years in a cool, dry place. Once opened, keep the lid closed and the cherries covered in syrup, and always use a clean spoon or pick. Many bars keep an open jar on the back bar during service; refrigerating between shifts keeps them at their best for longer.
Which size of Luxardo cherries should I buy?
From a single jar for the home bar to 5.6 kg tins for busy kitchens – every format is in stock at Elio Importing.
400g Jar
400ml · Case of 12
Gourmet 2×400ml
1kg · Case of 12
5.6kg Tin · Case of 4
Crushed Cherries · 5.4L
How to use Luxardo cherries
Cocktails
Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Aviation, Whiskey Sour
Sundaes
A spoonful of cherries and syrup on top
Gelato
Ripple the syrup through amarena gelato
Pastry
Pies, Black Forest, cheesecake, panettone
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries on video
Luxardo cherries – quick answers
What are Luxardo cherries made of?
Marasca cherries candied and packed in Marasca cherry syrup, made by Luxardo in Torreglia, Italy.
Do Luxardo cherries contain alcohol?
No. Luxardo lists its Original Maraschino Cherries as non-alcoholic.
Why are Luxardo cherries so expensive?
They are made from real Marasca cherries grown on a small scale and candied slowly in their own syrup instead of being bleached and dyed. One cherry finishes a drink, so the cost per cocktail stays low – which is why bars and restaurants buy them by the case.
Do you have to refrigerate Luxardo cherries after opening?
It is not essential because the heavy syrup preserves the cherries, but keep the jar closed and the cherries covered in syrup; refrigerating helps them stay at their best for longer.
Do Luxardo cherries go bad?
Unopened, they have a shelf life of about three years. Once opened, use clean utensils and keep them covered in syrup; discard them if you see mould or an off smell.
Can I buy Luxardo cherries wholesale in Canada?
Yes. Elio Importing has imported Italian specialty foods since 1976 and supplies Luxardo cherries by the case across Canada, from 400g jars to 5.6kg foodservice tins.
Buy Luxardo cherries wholesale in Canada
Elio Importing supplies the full Luxardo range to bars, restaurants, hotels, bakeries, gelaterias and retailers across Canada. Register for a free trade account to see case pricing.
Shop Luxardo Maraschino CherriesContact Us
