Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 2.2 lbs can

The Verdict

Let’s be honest about what’s happening here. You’re looking at a 2.2-pound can of cherries that costs about the same as a mid-tier bottle of bourbon. And for most people, that seems absurd. But if you’ve ever ordered a proper Manhattan at a decent bar and wondered why the cherry tasted like actual fruit instead of red-dyed corn syrup — this is the answer. The Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries are the gold standard in the cocktail world, and they’ve earned that reputation through sheer, uncompromising quality.

What’s actually in the can

Pop the lid and you’ll find roughly 80–90 deep burgundy cherries floating in a thick, dark syrup that smells faintly of almond and kirsch. These are Marasca cherries — a specific sour variety grown in Italy — preserved with sugar and their own pits, which impart that signature bitter-almond note. The texture is the first thing you’ll notice: firm, dense, almost meaty. These aren’t the squishy, neon-bright orbs from your childhood sundae memories. They hold their shape, they don’t collapse under pressure, and they deliver a concentrated, candied-cherry flavor with a slight boozy warmth. As one Amazon reviewer put it, “I can never go back to the bright red ones. These taste like what a cherry is supposed to be — deep, rich, and complex.”

Build quality and real-world performance

The can itself is utilitarian — a plain metal cylinder with a pull-tab lid. No glass jar here, which actually works in the product’s favor. The cherries stay protected from light, and the syrup doesn’t leak. The 2.2-pound size is the same one bars and restaurants use, which means you’re getting serious volume. For home use, that’s a double-edged sword. The label says refrigerate after opening and consume within 30 days. If you’re making cocktails nightly, you’ll blow through it. If you’re an occasional drinker, you’ll either waste a third of the can or start putting Luxardo cherries on everything — which, honestly, isn’t the worst outcome. One buyer noted, “I put these on ice cream, in yogurt, and straight out of the can. They’re dangerous to have around.”

Where it falls short

Let’s be direct: the price is the barrier. At roughly $30–35 for this can, you’re paying a premium that’s hard to justify if you just want a garnish for a Friday night Old Fashioned. The smaller 400g jar is a better entry point for casual users — you’ll pay less and actually finish it before the 30-day window closes. Also, the sweetness level is intense. These are preserved in a heavy syrup, not a light one. If you prefer less sugar, you might find them cloying. And the almond flavor from the pits is distinct — some people genuinely don’t like it. It’s a polarizing taste, though most find it addictive.

Who should buy this

• Cocktail enthusiasts who make Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, or Whiskey Sours regularly — these elevate the drink noticeably
• Home entertainers who host parties and want bar-quality garnishes without paying bar prices per cherry
• Baking and dessert hobbyists who want a premium ingredient for Black Forest cake, chocolate tortes, or sundae bars

Frequently asked questions

Do these need to stay refrigerated before opening? No. The unopened can is shelf-stable for up to two years. Once opened, they need to go in the fridge, and you should use them within about a month.

What’s the difference between these and regular maraschino cherries? Everything. Standard maraschinos are typically brine-cured and dyed red with artificial coloring. Luxardo preserves the fruit in its own syrup with no artificial dyes — the dark color is natural. The flavor is dramatically deeper, with that characteristic bitter-almond finish.

Can I use the syrup for anything? Absolutely. The syrup is excellent in cocktails — try a splash in a bourbon sour or a ginger ale-based drink. Some people also drizzle it over vanilla ice cream or use it in glaze for pork or duck.

The verdict

The Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries are the real deal. They’re expensive, they’re intensely sweet, and the 30-day post-opening window is genuinely inconvenient for light users. But for anyone who takes their cocktails seriously — or simply wants to taste what a cherry garnish is supposed to be — there’s nothing else on the market that comes close. The texture, the flavor complexity, and the sheer quality are unmatched.

Buy it if you’re a cocktail hobbyist who wants bar-quality results at home, or if you’re hosting events and want to impress guests with a small but memorable upgrade.

Skip it if you rarely make cocktails, you’re on a tight grocery budget, or you prefer a lighter, less candied cherry flavor. In that case, grab the smaller jar and see if it’s worth it before committing to the big can.

Rating: 4.6/5 — one point deducted for the price and the unrealistic 30-day consumption window for home users. But the cherries themselves? Flawless.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.