Make your own boozy cherries at home with this Luxardo Cherries Recipe. You can use these cherries in cocktails, desserts, and more!
Have you ever gone to a bar and ordered a cocktail with a delicious cherry garnish? Have you ever gone to the grocery store to see how much those things cost?!?!
Well, now you can make your own delicious and boozy Luxardo Cherries at home. Not only do you get the cherries but you also get a delicious and versatile syrup as well.
Ingredients Needed to Make these Boozy Cherries
- sugar
- vanilla extract
- cinnamon stick
- freshly ground nutmeg
- fresh lemon
- water
- fresh cherries
- Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
How to Make this Luxardo Cherries Recipe
- 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.
- 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.
What Cherries to 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 used here. You want a sweet, red cherry that is nice a firm.
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 or my Gin Elderflower Cocktail.
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.
What to do With These Luxardo Cherries and Syrup
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.
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 Cocktail & Liqueur Recipes to Check Out
- Homemade Creme de Cassis
- Lavender Pisco Sour
- Black Walnut Bitters Drink Recipes
- Pumpkin Pie Liqueur
- The Last Word Cocktail
Homemade Luxardo Cherries
Equipment
- cherry pitter
- sealable glass jar
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.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Did you Make This Luxardo Cherries Recipe?
I hope you have a chance to make these awesome Homemade Luxardo Cherries and if you do, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me what you made. And, if you love cocktail recipes, sign up for my email list and follow me on Pinterest to get updates on the latest posts.
Rose young says
Once I make the cherries how long are they good fot
Emily says
Hello! These cherries will last up to 2 months refrigerated in a sealed container. Enjoy!
Cathryn says
I am having a cocktail party before Christmas and would like to make these cherries. Do you think I could use canned cherries in water for this recipe. Cannot find cherries right now. Thanks so much! Merry Christmas!
Emily says
Hi Catherine, thanks for reaching out. I haven't tried this recipe with canned cherries, but I have made these https://emilyfabulous.com/amarena-cherry-recipe/, which are delicious in cocktails as well. As you can see in the photos, the cherries just don't have the same structure when they come from a can...however, they are still really good. I think if you make either version, they will be delicious in cocktails. The syrup is yummy too! Enjoy and happy holidays!
Todd says
I used less cherries but same liquid as for 4 cups. There's never enough liquid in
those jars of cherries in the store, ie Bada Bing and the real deal Luxardo.
Also I kept the stems, using the Norpro cherry pitter one cherry at a time.
It's so much more fun in a cocktail with the stem!
And I only used 4 oz of liqueur since there's less cherries.
One last thing. I tasted a cherry and found it to well, sweet. Very sweet
and needing just a tiny bit of salt.
But salt will likely turn the cherries to mush, so I used just a tiny bit
of salt substitute, Potassium Chloride I think it is.
Just barely a tiny pinch to taste. Made them much better,
Now to cool!
Emily says
Great ideas and tips, Todd! I agree, sometimes I find the cherries can be a little on the sweet side as well. What a great idea to add a little saltiness. For some reason, I never thought to leave the stems on but that is also brilliant! My cherry pitter does several at a time, so I will have to reserve a few to keep the stems on next time. Thanks for trying out my recipe!
Jill says
My family and friends love these cherries. I have made them a few times now. I am wondering since cherry season is coming to a close in my area, is it possible to actually canned these to last longer or would you recommend freezing the fresh cherries and making a jar as you need them.
Emily says
Jill, great question. I have not tried canning these cherries but I feel like it would work since there is such a high sugar content. Fresh cherries always make the best luxardo cherries, they will be a little more firm which I prefer. If you do try canning them, I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Jill says
Thanks Emily! I will try and let you know
Addie says
These cherries are so yummy!! Loved them!
Emily says
So glad to hear it!! They are one of my favorites 😊
AISilva says
My husband and i love cherries. This homemade luxardo cherries drink sounds SO good. I can't wait to try it this summer!
Emily says
As a fellow cherry lover, I know you are going to to enjoy these!!
Adriana says
Luxardo cherries are my favorite never knew you could make them! Now I can save a ton those are expensive. Besides there’s nothing like homemade.
Emily says
I totally agree. Enjoy! 😊
Jill Goldman says
Can this recipe be canned for a longer shelf life?
Emily says
Jill, yes, these can be canned! Enjoy 😀
Christie says
What a luxurious treat!
Sue says
I've made your Amarena cherries several times and LOVE them - I think I need to try this version now!
Emily says
Oh yes, these luxardo cherries are definitely different but just as delicious! Enjoy!
Jeannie says
I'm intrigued with this recipe, I will share this to my friends so we can all do together
Emily says
That's a great idea, Jeannie! You guys will have a lot of fun making these...and then hopefully enjoying a few as well! 😁
Sandy Miller says
Er I have now made about 15 jars. We just love them. A great hostess gift too. The Luxardo liqueur is $40 a bottle, is there any other liqeuer I can use that is cheaper.
Many thanks,
Sandy
Emily says
Hi Sandy, thanks for trying out this recipe. I love that you are making these for gifts! Here are a few alternatives I know of for maraschino liqueur: Maraska Maraschino Cherry Liqueur, Lazzaroni Maraschino Liqueur, Cristiani Maraschino. Pricing will depend on location b it all three of these should be a little less expensive.
Dawn Roucka says
I didn't make these yet, but it looks easy and very explanatory! Thank you! I guess I also am curious - do I have to use Luxardo Marschino liquer or can I use thei Luxardo liqueur "Sangue Morlacco" ?
Emily says
Hi Dawn, I'm so glad you are excited about this recipe. I have never had the Sangue Morlacco liqueur (but I'm definitely looking for it now), but I think it would be great! If you give it a try, let me know!
Swathi says
Looks yum. I like homemade version of cherries rather than store bought cheeries.
Emily says
Almost everything is better homemade!
Debra says
Surprisingly easy to make, and so much tastier than the jarred ones.
Emily says
I agree, Debra! So easy to make and homemade is always best.
Natalie says
What a lovely idea to use cherries. Sounds great! I will definitely make this. Thanks.
Jessica says
How have I never done this before! So, So Soooo good!!
Emily says
LOL, thanks, Jessica! Now you can make them all the time!
Lindsay says
Thanks so much for this great recipe and all the ideas of how to use these amazing cherries! I can't wait to try them out!
Emily says
No problem Lindsay, I hope you like them as much as I do!
Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
This sounds perfect to drink with any Christmassy treat. I never thought to prepare drinks rather than buying them, but I'm saving this recipe. I have a feeling this is the year! I can't wait for Christmas!
Emily says
This is the year to try out your own cocktails and these cherries will be the perfect touch!
Alyssa says
I never would have thought to make my own cocktail cherries! That is such a creative idea. Thanks for sharing this recipe, I can’t wait to try it.
Emily says
Thank you, Alyssa, you are going to love these cherries in your cocktails!
jill says
My sister and I are always experimenting with holiday cocktails. She'll love this idea! Thanks for sharing!
Emily says
You are welcome Jill, you could make some as a gift for your sister. Happy cocktailing!
Chef Dennis says
This is making me hungry!
Alexandra says
The perfect festive sweet treat - these also make such a wonderful edible gift!
Emily says
Thanks, Alexandra! I would love to receive these as a gift for sure!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
Oh yummy! What a great garnish for cocktails!!!
Audrey says
Such a good recipe to use up cherries with!
Emily says
Yes, I totally agree and you could make a small batch if you wanted to!
Ramona says
Love the sound of this. My parents used to make something similar. For me, I love anything with cherries so I must make this as soon as possible.
Emily says
I hope you get a chance to try these and they bring back sweet memories!
Amy says
Exactly what I need for all the cocktails I'm going to be making for xmas!
Emily says
Oh good! And don't forget, they make a great gift too!