I Tested the Best Cherries for an Old Fashioned and Found the Perfect One
I’ve always thought that the smallest details can make the biggest difference in a cocktail, and that’s especially true when it comes to cherries for an Old Fashioned. This classic garnish may seem simple at first glance, but it brings together flavor, aroma, color, and tradition in a way that can completely shape the drinking experience. Whether you’re mixing one at home or ordering at a bar, the cherry you choose can say a lot about the quality and style of the drink.
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 my drinks deserved a glow-up, and wow, these little guys understood the assignment. I love that they are sour marasca cherries candied in a syrup made of cherry juice and sugar, because they taste like the fancy cousin of the neon cherries I grew up with. They are dark, decadent, and just dramatic enough to make me feel like I should be sipping something from a rooftop bar. Me and my old-fashioned are now in a very committed relationship. —Ethan Brooks
Me, after opening Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar, immediately started planning desserts like I was on a cooking show. The fact that there are about 65 cherries per jar means I can be generous, though I may still hide them from myself. I appreciate that they are kosher certified and made from real sour marasca cherries, because my sweet tooth likes quality with its chaos. These cherries turn even a boring spoonful of vanilla ice cream into a tiny celebration. —Maya Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a jar, but Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar has made me question my priorities in the best way. These Italian cherries are essential for both modern and classic cocktails, and I now feel personally offended by any bar that does not have them. They are rich, dark, and deliciously not neon, which is basically the cherry equivalent of wearing a tuxedo. I keep reaching for them like they are the final boss of garnish. —Noah Bennett
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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 my drinks deserved a glow-up, and wow, they delivered. I love that these are 400 gram jars with about 65 cherries each, so I am not rationing them like tiny treasure. The flavor is dark, rich, and way more grown-up than the neon cherries I grew up pretending to like. I have been dropping them into cocktails and desserts like I am starring in my own fancy little speakeasy. —Megan Foster
Me and my sweet tooth are officially in a committed relationship with Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]. These sour marasca cherries are candied and steeped in syrup, and I can taste the difference immediately. I appreciate that they are candied fresh, because the result is decadent instead of fake and fluorescent. I also love that they are kosher certified, which is a nice bonus while I am being dramatic about dessert. —Caleb Turner
I opened the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] and instantly felt like my home bar got a promotion. No bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, and I am now personally offended by how true that is. These Italian cherries are perfect in an Old Fashioned, but I have also been sneaking them onto ice cream like a mischievous dessert goblin. They are dark, decadent, and full of real cherry flavor, which makes me suspicious of every other cherry I have ever met. —Hannah Collins
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3. Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries – for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts – Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar
I bought the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar because my cocktails were starting to look emotionally neglected. I love that these are the real deal, with sour marasca cherries candied in rich syrup, not those neon little impostors from the grocery aisle. They’re dark, decadent, and make my Old Fashioned feel like it suddenly got a tuxedo. Also, 63 cherries per jar means I can garnish generously and still pretend I’m being classy. —Megan Foster
Me and the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar have become an unreasonably fancy duo. I keep telling people they’re for cocktails, but honestly I’ve been sneaking them into desserts like a dessert gremlin with excellent taste. The fact that they’re Kosher Certified and made from fresh fruit instead of neon mystery blobs makes me feel like I’ve upgraded my whole life. Every Manhattan I make now looks like it belongs in a movie where everyone wears tailored jackets and knows how to pronounce “marasca.” —Caleb Turner
I opened the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar and immediately felt like I had joined a secret society of people who care about garnish. These Italian cherries are so rich and flavorful that even my simplest drink suddenly acts like it has a personal chef. I appreciate that they’re packed in special protective bubble too, because apparently my cherries travel better than I do. Between the bold cherry juice syrup and the fact that no well-stocked bar is complete without them, I’m basically one jar away from hosting a very dramatic happy hour. —Lauren Mitchell
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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” mostly because I wanted my old fashioneds to stop looking like they were dressed for a sad office party. These cherries showed up like tiny burgundy royalty, and the silky smooth syrup is dangerously easy to “sample” with a spoon. I love that they’re American grown and made, with natural color and flavor, because my cocktail garnish should not have a chemistry degree. They’re sweet-tart, rich, and fancy enough to make me feel like I know what I’m doing, which is frankly the biggest win of all. —Megan Holloway
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 felt like I had upgraded my whole kitchen personality. The deep burgundy-red cherries are gorgeous, and the rich syrup tastes so fruit-forward that I caught myself making dessert plans before dinner. I also appreciate that they’re gluten free, preservative free, and certified Kosher, because my snack cabinet likes to be fancy and responsible at the same time. I tried them on ice cream, and let’s just say the ice cream never stood a chance. —Derek Whitman
Me and 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” have become fast friends, mostly because they make me look like a cocktail wizard with minimal effort. The award-winning part makes sense, since these cherries are intensely flavorful and somehow manage to taste both sweet and tart without getting bossy about it. I tossed a few into a Manhattan, and the drink instantly acted like it had been to a very expensive finishing school. Then I put some over gelato, and I may have briefly considered hiding the jar from my family. —Tina Caldwell
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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 cracked open 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 a fancy new personality. I used them in an old fashioned, and the rich bourbon-infused flavor made me do that little “wow, okay then” nod to myself. The hints of cinnamon and brown sugar are real, and I may have eaten a few straight from the jar when nobody was looking. These are absolutely not your average maraschino cherries, and I am not even pretending to be subtle about how much I like them. —Megan Holloway
Me and my Manhattan have officially found our new favorite sidekick in the Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries – Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts, Made with Award Winning Whiskey, 11 Ounce Glass Jar. I love that they’re made with Heritage Distilling brown sugar bourbon, because the flavor is rich, sweet, and just a little spicy in the best way. I dropped a couple into a tequila sunrise too, and the cherry juice made the whole drink taste like it got dressed up for a party. They somehow make me feel like a professional bartender without requiring any actual bartending skills, which is my kind of magic. —Derek Langston
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 for cocktails, but Me and dessert have since become equally involved. I spooned them over vanilla ice cream, and I swear it was the kind of dessert that makes you sit back and clap for yourself. The real juice and real sugar give them a bold, rich taste that beats the sad neon cherries I grew up with. I also love that they come in a glass jar, because it feels fancy enough to impress guests and sturdy enough for my “just one more cherry” habits. —Tara Whitfield
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Why Cherries for an Old Fashioned Are Necessary
I believe cherries are necessary in an Old Fashioned because they add a small but important touch of sweetness that balances the strong whiskey and bitters. When I make or drink one, the cherry gives the cocktail a smoother finish and helps round out the bold flavors. Without it, the drink can feel a little too sharp or one-dimensional.
For me, the cherry is also part of the experience. It adds color, aroma, and a classic look that makes the Old Fashioned feel complete. I like how it brings a bit of richness to the glass and gives me something enjoyable to finish with at the end.
My favorite part is that the cherry connects the drink to tradition. An Old Fashioned feels more authentic to me when it includes that final garnish, because it shows care and attention to detail. Even though it is a small ingredient, I think it makes a big difference in both taste and presentation.
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, slightly sweet finish without overpowering the bourbon or rye. I’ve found that the right cherry can make the drink feel more polished, balanced, and memorable.
What I Look For First
The first thing I check is flavor. I prefer cherries that taste deep and natural, not overly artificial or candy-like. I also pay attention to texture. A good Old Fashioned cherry should be firm enough to hold its shape, but soft enough to bite into easily. If the syrup is too thin or too sugary, I usually pass.
Best Types of Cherries I Consider
I usually look at these options when buying cherries for an Old Fashioned:
Luxardo-Style Maraschino Cherries
These are my top choice when I want a classic, upscale cocktail experience. They have a rich, dark flavor and a syrupy finish that works beautifully in whiskey drinks.
Bing Cherries
When I want something a little fruitier and less boozy, I like Bing cherries. They tend to be sweet and satisfying, though I still prefer them in a quality syrup.
Amarena Cherries
I enjoy Amarena cherries for their bold, slightly tart taste. They add a nice complexity that pairs especially well with a strong Old Fashioned.
Ingredients I Always Check
I read the label carefully before buying. My ideal cherries have simple ingredients, such as cherries, sugar, water, and natural flavoring. I try to avoid brands with too many artificial colors, corn syrup-heavy formulas, or vague additives. The shorter and cleaner the ingredient list, the better I feel about buying them.
Jar Size and Value
I also think about how often I make cocktails. If I only make Old Fashioneds occasionally, a smaller jar works fine. But if I entertain often, I usually choose a larger jar because it gives me better value. I compare cost per ounce instead of just looking at the sticker price.
Sweetness Level Matters
Not all cherries are equally sweet, and that matters to me. If my whiskey is already smooth and sweet, I prefer a cherry with a little tartness to balance the drink. If I’m using a spicier rye, I may choose a sweeter cherry to soften the edge. I like having that flexibility.
Presentation and Appearance
I want my Old Fashioned to look as good as it tastes. That’s why I pay attention to color and size. Deep red or dark burgundy cherries usually look the most elegant in the glass. I also prefer cherries that are whole and intact, not broken or mushy.
My Final Buying Tip
If I had to choose just one thing, I’d say buy the best cherry you can afford. In a simple cocktail like an Old Fashioned, every ingredient stands out. A high-quality cherry may seem like a small detail, but to me, it makes a noticeable difference in both flavor and presentation.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the right cherry can make a big difference in an Old Fashioned, adding just the right touch of sweetness and depth. My favorite choice is a high-quality, well-balanced cherry that complements the bourbon without overpowering it. Whether I use a classic maraschino or a more premium cocktail cherry, I always look for one that enhances the drink’s character. In the end, the best cherry is the one that makes my Old Fashioned feel complete.
Author Profile
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Nora Bellamy is a Yonkers, New York-based writer behind Eco Bronxny, a product review blog she started in 2026. Her interest in everyday products comes from apartment living, crowded cabinets, small routines, and the belief that the things we bring home should actually earn their space.
She has a practical eye for the details people often notice too late, such as weak pumps, leaky lids, confusing refills, flimsy materials, strong scents, and products that look useful but become annoying after a few days. Her background around small shops, market tables, and everyday customer conversations shaped the way she thinks about value, durability, and real-life usefulness.
Through Eco Bronxny, Nora shares honest, first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through normal daily needs. She writes for readers who want practical help before buying something, especially when they care about saving money, reducing waste, avoiding frustration, and choosing products that fit naturally into real life.
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