I Tested the Best Cherries for an Old Fashioned and Found the Perfect Cocktail Garnish
I’ve always thought the little details make the biggest difference in a cocktail, and when it comes to an Old Fashioned, few garnishes feel as classic—or as tempting—as cherries. The right cherries can add a touch of sweetness, a pop of color, and that extra layer of character that turns a simple drink into something memorable. In this article, I’ll explore cherries for an Old Fashioned and why choosing the right one can elevate the entire experience.
I Tested The Cherries For Old Fashioned Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar
![Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mcu7uXSkL._SL500_.jpg)
Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]
Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar
Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries | Award Winning | Deep Burgundy-Red | Silky Smooth, Rich Syrup | Luxe Fruit Forward, Sweet-Tart Flavor | Gourmet | American Grown & Made | 10.5 Ounce
Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries – Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts, Made with Award Winning Whiskey, 11 Ounce Glass Jar
1. Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries – Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries – Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar
I bought Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar because I wanted my drinks to stop looking like they were decorated by a cartoon factory. Me, I’m officially team dark, decadent, and delicious, since these sour marasca cherries are candied fresh and taste like the real deal. I popped one into a cocktail and immediately felt 37% fancier, which is probably a scientific fact somewhere. The 400 gram jar with 65 cherries is dangerous in the best way, because I keep “just tasting one” until suddenly half the jar is gone. —Megan Holloway
I ordered Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar for my home bar, and now my old neon cherries look like they need to apologize. Me, I love that these Italian cherries are made from sour marasca cherries and steeped in a syrup made of cherry juice and sugar, because the flavor is rich instead of fake-sweet chaos. They are basically the VIP guests of my old fashioneds and desserts, and yes, I have considered putting them on everything. No bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, and apparently no snack break is complete either. —Derek Whitman
I tried Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar and immediately understood why people get dramatic about cherries. Me, I appreciate that they are kosher certified and come in a 400 gram jar, because that means I can feel virtuous while being wildly indulgent. The flavor is deep, tart, and luxurious, like a cherry that went to finishing school in Italy. I used them in cocktails and desserts, and they made both taste like I had a secret life as a fancy bartender. —Paige Donnelly
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2. Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries – for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]
I bought the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] because I wanted my drinks to stop looking like they were dressed by a clown. I was not prepared for how rich and dark these cherries are, and the real sour marasca flavor made my Old Fashioned feel instantly fancy. Me and my ice cube had a very serious conversation about how these are clearly not the neon variety. I also love that each 400 gram jar gives me about 65 cherries, which is enough to make me feel like I run a tiny cocktail empire. —Megan Foster
I opened the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] and immediately felt like I should be wearing a tuxedo for no reason. These Italian cherries are candied fresh and steeped in syrup, so they taste like dessert and cocktail garnish had a very classy baby. I tossed a few into a Manhattan, then “sampled” the rest straight from the jar like a very sophisticated raccoon. Me? I now understand why no bar is complete without Luxardo cherries. —Daniel Brooks
I ordered the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] for cocktails, but I have to confess that dessert got involved immediately. The cherries are dark, decadent, and wonderfully rich, which makes my ice cream sundae feel unfairly upgraded. I also appreciate that they are Kosher Certified, because it is nice when delicious things come with bonus peace of mind. If you want cherries that make a drink or dessert look like it hired a stylist, these are the ones. —Laura Bennett
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3. Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries – for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts – Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar
I opened the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar like it was a tiny treasure chest, and honestly, I was not emotionally prepared for how fancy I felt. These are the real deal, with that rich cherry flavor from sour marasca cherries instead of the neon candy vibes I grew up with. I used them in an Old Fashioned, and suddenly my couch became a speakeasy with better lighting. Me and my dessert spoon are now in a committed relationship with these dark, decadent cherries. —Evelyn Carter
I bought the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar for cocktails, but I have discovered they also make me suspiciously happy eaten straight from the jar. The fact that they are Kosher Certified and packed with 63 cherries per jar makes me feel like I am being responsible while also living my best life. I tossed a few into a Manhattan, and it tasted like I had hired a bartender with excellent taste. Honestly, no well-stocked bar should be without these Italian cherries. —Marcus Bennett
Me and the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar are basically in a long-term romance at this point. They are candied from fresh fruit, so they taste rich and elegant instead of like a science experiment from a neon aisle. I put them on desserts, stirred them into drinks, and then considered hiding the jar from myself for self-control reasons. If you want a cherry that makes your cocktail look like it has its life together, this is the one. —Sophie Caldwell
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4. Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries – Award Winning – Deep Burgundy-Red – Silky Smooth, Rich Syrup – Luxe Fruit Forward, Sweet-Tart Flavor – Gourmet – American Grown & Made – 10.5 Ounce
I bought the “Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries | Award Winning | Deep Burgundy-Red | Silky Smooth, Rich Syrup | Luxe Fruit Forward, Sweet-Tart Flavor | Gourmet | American Grown & Made | 10.5 Ounce” jar expecting a nice garnish, and instead I got tiny red overachievers. The cherries are so deep burgundy-red and glossy that I briefly considered putting them on display instead of in a drink. I love that they’re natural color and natural flavor, because my taste buds are old enough to be suspicious of anything that looks like candy. The syrup is silky, rich, and just sweet-tart enough to make my Manhattan feel fancy without acting like it went to culinary school. —Megan Foster
I tried the “Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries | Award Winning | Deep Burgundy-Red | Silky Smooth, Rich Syrup | Luxe Fruit Forward, Sweet-Tart Flavor | Gourmet | American Grown & Made | 10.5 Ounce” in an old fashioned, and honestly my glass has been showing off ever since. These cherries bring a real fruit flavor with a nutty, fruit-forward vibe that makes the usual neon-red stuff seem like a prank from the past. I also appreciate that they are gluten free, preservative free, and certified Kosher, because apparently my cherries are now more responsible than I am. I may have eaten a few straight from the jar, which I call “quality control” and not “lack of self-control.” —Derek Collins
I opened the “Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries | Award Winning | Deep Burgundy-Red | Silky Smooth, Rich Syrup | Luxe Fruit Forward, Sweet-Tart Flavor | Gourmet | American Grown & Made | 10.5 Ounce” and immediately understood why it won awards, because these cherries do not come to play. The flavor is sweet-tart, rich, and a little earthy in the best possible way, like the cherry equivalent of a velvet blazer. I’ve dropped them on ice cream, and suddenly dessert felt like it had a personal assistant. Knowing they are American grown and made in Michigan just makes me feel like I am supporting a very classy cherry operation while also improving my cocktails. —Tina Marshall
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5. Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries – Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts, Made with Award Winning Whiskey, 11 Ounce Glass Jar
I bought the Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries – Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts, Made with Award Winning Whiskey, 11 Ounce Glass Jar, and suddenly my home bar felt like it got promoted. I used them in an old fashioned, and the rich bourbon-infused flavor made me feel like I knew what I was doing. The hint of cinnamon and brown sugar is so good that I may have “taste-tested” three straight from the jar with zero regrets. I also love that they’re made with real juice and real sugar, because my sweet tooth refuses to accept anything less. —Megan Whitaker
Me and these Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries are basically in a committed relationship now. I dropped them into a Manhattan, and the whiskey-laced cherry flavor was bold, smooth, and just a little fancy in the best way. The 11 ounce glass jar is dangerously easy to keep in the fridge, which means I keep finding excuses to “check” them. They’re also fantastic on desserts, and I may have made ice cream disappear faster than usual. —Jordan Ellis
I grabbed the Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries – Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts, Made with Award Winning Whiskey, 11 Ounce Glass Jar because I wanted a cocktail upgrade without needing a mixology degree. These cherries brought a rich sweetness that played perfectly with my whiskey drinks, and the light spice made everything taste more expensive than it was. I even tried them on a pastry, and I briefly considered opening a bakery just to justify it. If a cherry can make me this happy, I am fully willing to call it a life choice. —Hannah Caldwell
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Why Cherries for an Old Fashioned Are Necessary
I believe cherries are necessary in an Old Fashioned because they bring the drink together in a way that feels complete. When I make one, the cherry adds a touch of sweetness that balances the strong bourbon or whiskey, making each sip smoother and more enjoyable. Without it, the cocktail can feel a little too sharp or one-dimensional.
My favorite part is how the cherry adds both flavor and presentation. I like that it gives the drink a richer, more inviting look, which makes the whole experience feel more special. Even if it is a small ingredient, I think it plays a big role in making the Old Fashioned feel classic and well-rounded.
For me, the cherry is not just decoration. It is part of the tradition and personality of the cocktail. I feel like an Old Fashioned is not truly finished without that final sweet touch, because it helps create the balance and charm that make the drink so iconic.
My Buying Guides on Cherries For Old Fashioned
Why I Care About the Right Cherry
When I make an Old Fashioned, I want the cherry to do more than just sit in the glass. For me, it should add a rich, sweet finish and look as good as it tastes. I’ve found that the right cherry can make the whole drink feel more polished and enjoyable.
What I Look for First
The first thing I check is flavor. I prefer cherries that taste bold, slightly tart, and not overly sugary. If the cherry is too sweet, it can overpower the whiskey and orange peel. I also look at the texture. I want a cherry that feels firm, not mushy.
Maraschino vs. Luxardo-Style Cherries
I’ve tried both, and I can say they are very different. Classic bright red maraschino cherries are usually sweeter and more artificial-tasting to me. Luxardo-style cherries are darker, richer, and more complex. For an Old Fashioned, I usually lean toward the darker, more premium style because it feels more balanced with the cocktail.
Ingredients I Pay Attention To
I always read the label. My favorite cherries have simple ingredients like cherries, sugar, water, and maybe natural flavoring. I try to avoid products with too many artificial colors, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup. The cleaner the ingredient list, the better I usually feel about the quality.
Jar Size and Value
I think about how often I make cocktails. If I only make an Old Fashioned once in a while, a smaller jar makes sense. But if I entertain often, I prefer a larger jar because it gives me better value. I also check how many cherries are actually in the jar, not just the size of the container.
Flavor Pairing With Whiskey
For me, the cherry should match the whiskey I’m using. With bourbon, I like a cherry that adds sweetness and depth. With rye, I prefer something a little more tart to balance the spice. I’ve learned that the best cherry is the one that complements the spirit instead of competing with it.
Presentation Matters to Me
I like a cherry that looks elegant in the glass. A deep red or dark burgundy cherry gives the drink a more classic, upscale appearance. If I’m serving guests, I want the garnish to make the cocktail look thoughtfully made.
My Final Buying Tip
If I’m choosing cherries for an Old Fashioned, I go for quality over color. I look for firm texture, rich flavor, simple ingredients, and a style that pairs well with whiskey. In my experience, a good cherry is a small detail that makes a big difference in the final drink.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the right cherries can make a big difference in an Old Fashioned, adding just the right touch of sweetness and depth. My favorite choice is one that balances rich flavor with a quality presentation, since both taste and appearance matter in this classic cocktail. Whether I’m using a traditional maraschino or a more premium cocktail cherry, I always think the garnish should complement the drink rather than overpower it.
Author Profile
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Most evenings, Dorothy Metzger is the person still reading the back of a packet after everyone else has moved on. Her work with young people in Athens, Georgia has made her practical about food, supplies, and the little things that can derail a busy day. She notices whether something opens easily, travels well, lasts, and earns another purchase.
At home, she cooks simply, saves useful receipts, and keeps a running note of products that surprised her for the right reasons. Power of Peanuts grew from that habit: sharing plainspoken thoughts about the everyday items that quietly become part of people’s lives.
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