Make your own boozy cherries at home with this Homemade Luxardo Cherries Recipe. You can use these cherries in cocktails, desserts, and more!
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.
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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.
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.
Key Ingredients For This Recipe
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.
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.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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 and firm.
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.
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.
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.
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 will 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
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.
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.
Notes
- These cherries will last in the fridge for up to 3 months.
- 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.
- 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
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Nat says
I missed cherry season and will try this next year but in the mean time, I was wondering if you have tried making this with frozen cherries before? I was also wondering how close these taste to the actual Luxardo Cherries? I live abroad and have not been able to find them and have been missing them for my cocktails. Thank you!
Emily says
Hi Nat, thanks for asking the questions. I have not tried this recipe with canned cherries because I don't think the texture is going to be the same. Canned cherries also tend to be smaller and I like my cherries large. This recipe tastes like the luxardo liquor more than what I think you are referring to, the canned cherries made by Luxardo brand. However, I think I have the best solution for you that involves canned cherries, my recipe here: https://emilyfabulous.com/amarena-cherry-recipe/. These are exactly like the cocktail cherries you are looking for and you can make them anytime of year. I hope you get a chance to check it out!
Natalie says
Thank you for replying! I had red many peoples questions about canned cherries, but I was wondering about the flash frozen cherries. would that make any difference then the canned ones?
Emily says
Hi Natalie, I think you would have better luck with frozen cherries vs. canned ones. I haven't tried it yet, however, I would recommend allowing the cherries to thaw completely and then follow the recipe.
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!