The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Cocktail Cherries

Cocktail cherries are more than just a sweet treat—they’re the cherry on top that elevates your drink to the next level! Especially in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, the right cherry adds a burst of flavour and a touch of elegance. Whether you’re a fan of tart, sweet, or boozy, choosing the perfect cherry garnish can turn a good drink into a great one. Ready to cherry-pick your favourite? Here we go!

1. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

No list of the best cherries for cocktails would be complete without Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, which are seen as a stalwart choice across the board. Known for having a sweet, tart, and slightly nutty flavour, it is made using the marasca cherry, which is grown in the Croatian region of Dalmatia.  

The cherries are first soaked in sugar syrup for several weeks, and then they are candied and preserved in a syrup made with marasca cherry liqueur. As such, it is deep red in colour and has a slightly chewy texture. The syrup that the cherries are preserved in is also delicious, and it can be used to make cocktails, syrups, and sauces. We especially love Luxardo Maraschino Cherries in a Rob Roy cocktail.  

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2. Hotel Starlino Maraschino Cherries

If you’re on the lookout for the best cocktail cherries for an Old Fashioned, you might want to give Hotel Starlino a try. The cherries are preserved in their natural marasca cherry juice, which gives them a unique flavour profile. They are less bitter than other maraschino cherries and have a more delicate texture. 

Some home mixologists describe the taste of Hotel Starlino Maraschino Cherries as being similar to a mix of sweet cherry, almond, and vanilla. Others find them to have a slightly spicy flavour. The cherries are also known for their juicy and plump texture.  

3. Fabbri Amarena Cherries in Syrup

These are some of the best cherries for a Manhattan cocktail, Fabbri Amarena Cherries in Syrup are made from wild sour cherries that are candied and then preserved in a syrup made from sugar, water, and natural flavours. 

The cherries are deep red in colour and have a slightly almond-like flavour. The syrup is also sweet and tart, and it has a slightly syrupy texture. A popular ingredient in Italian cuisine, these beauties are often used to garnish desserts, such as ice cream, gelato, and pastries. 

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4. Filthy Black Amarena Cherries   

Some of the best black cherries for cocktails, Filthy Black Amarena Cherries are a unique and delicious type of cherry that is made by macerating sour cherries in a syrup made with sugar, water, and black cocoa powder. The cherries are then preserved in the syrup, which gives them a deep red colour and a slightly chewy texture. 

The cherries have a sweet and tart flavour with a rich chocolatey undertone. The syrup is also sweet and tart, but it has a slightly more viscous texture than traditional maraschino cherry syrup. Do yourself a favour and try Filthy Black Amarena Cherries in an Italian Manhattan cocktail. 

5. In the Curious Kitchen Boozy Cherries

In the Curious Kitchen Boozy Cherries are dark Italian cherries soaked in a syrup made with Kentucky’s finest spirits and pure organic cane sugar. The cherries are plump and juicy, with a sweet and boozy flavour. They are perfect for adding to cocktails, desserts, and other sweet treats. The syrup that the cherries are soaked in is also delicious and can be drizzled over desserts or add flavour to baked goods. 

6. Collins Amarena Cherries

Collins Amarena Cherries are a type of sour cherry that is preserved in a syrup made with sugar, water, and natural flavours. They are deep red in colour and have a slightly chewy texture. The cherries have a sweet and tart flavour with a slight almond undertone.  

7. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries have a sweet, tart, and boozy flavour. They are made with whole cherries that are pitted and steeped in a syrup made with bourbon, sugar, and natural flavours. The cherries are plump and juicy, and they have a slightly chewy texture. 

The overall flavour of Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries is complex and sophisticated, and the syrup is equally delicious with a sweet and boozy flavour. 

Learn more: Manhattan vs Old Fashioned Cocktail: What is the Difference? 

8. Traverse City Whiskey Co. Premium Cocktail Cherries

Traverse City Whiskey Co. Premium Cocktail Cherries are made with Balaton cherries, which are a type of sour cherry known for its complex flavour. The cherries are slow cooked in a copper pot with sugar, water, and natural flavourings. This slow-cooking process helps to preserve the cherries’ natural flavour and imparts a very pleasant texture.  

9. Filthy Wild Italian Amarena Cherries

Filthy Wild Italian Amarena Cherries have a sweet, tart, and slightly nutty flavour. They are made from wild sour cherries that are grown in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. The cherries are first soaked in a syrup made with sugar, water, and natural flavours, and then they are candied and preserved in an Amaretto syrup for a nutty finish.  

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10. Tillen Farms Rum Bada Bing Cherries

Tillen Farms Rum Bada Bing Cherries are made with stem-on Northwest-grown cherries that are pitted and then soaked in a syrup made with rum, sugar, and natural flavours. The cherries are plump and juicy, and they have a slightly chewy texture. If you are a rum-lover, these are the cherries for you. 

11. St. Agrestis Amaro Soaked Cherries

St. Agrestis Amaro Soaked Cherries are first soaked in a syrup made with St. Agrestis Amaro, which is a Brooklyn-based amaro that is made with a blend of 20 herbs, spices, flowers, roots, seeds, and citrus. The cherries are soaked in this syrup for 12 weeks, which allows the amaro flavours to infuse into the cherries. The overall flavour of St. Agrestis Amaro Soaked Cherries is sweet, tart, and slightly herbal. The cherries have a deep red colour and a slightly chewy texture. 

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12. Distilleries Peureux Griottines Cherries

Distilleries Peureux Griottines Cherries are made from Morello cherries, which are a type of sour cherry that is known for its complex flavour. The cherries are grown in the Franche-Comté region of France, famous for its fertile soil and ideal climate for growing fruit trees.  

Distilleries Peureux Griottines Cherries are first macerated in a blend of liquors including kirsch and brandy. This maceration process helps to preserve the cherries’ flavour and texture, resulting in a very unique garnish. 

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13. Maraska Maraschino Cocktail Cherries

Maraska Maraschino Cocktail Cherries are made by the Maraska company, which was founded in 1821, according to a recipe passed down for generations .In fact, Maraska is one of the oldest and most respected producers of which is said to be some of the best Maraschino cherries in the world.  

The company’s cherries are hand-selected and renowned for their high quality and consistent flavour. First soaked in a sugar syrup for several weeks, their Marasca cherries are then candied and preserved in a syrup made with Marasca cherry liqueur. 

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How to store cocktail cherries and understand their shelf life

Storing cocktail cherries is simple. Seal the jar tightly and keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Properly stored, they can last up to a year or even longer. However, take note of any ‘best by’ dates on the packaging and regularly check for signs of spoilage, such as off odours or changes in colour or texture.  

If cherries appear compromised, discard them to ensure safe consumption. To extend their shelf life, consider transferring a portion of the cherries into a smaller container for frequent use, keeping the rest sealed until needed, and always use clean utensils to avoid contamination. 

Choosing the best cherries for your cocktails

When it comes to selecting the best types of cherries for drinks,  consider three key factors: flavour, texture, and cost. Each type of cherry offers a unique combination of these elements, making some cherries better suited for specific cocktails than others.

Flavour

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries and Filthy Black Amarena Cherries, for instance, offer a rich, sweet, and tart flavour, perfect for classic cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned. On the other hand, Hotel Starlino Maraschino Cherries have a milder, more delicate flavour, ideal for a Whiskey Sour or a Negroni where you don’t want the cherry to overpower the drink. Bright red cherries are also the best choice for a peppy drink like the Shirley Temple.

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Texture

The texture of a cocktail cherry can also significantly impact the drinking experience. For a Rob Roy, where the garnish is a key part of the drink, the slightly chewy texture of a Luxardo pairs beautifully with the smoothness of the whiskey. On the other hand, if you’re looking for cherry types for cocktails that blend seamlessly into the drink, softer cherries like those from Collins Amarena might be a better choice.

Cost

Luxardo and Fabbri Amarena cherries are on the pricier side, reflecting their premium quality and the meticulous process involved in their production. For home mixologists looking to experiment without breaking the bank, options like Collins Amarena Cherries or Tillen Farms Rum Bada Bing Cherries offer a balance of quality and affordability.

Learn more: Choosing the Best Whiskey for an Old Fashioned (Bourbon, Rye, or Scotch?)

Specialty cherries & homemade options

While pre-made cocktail cherries are convenient and consistent, there’s something uniquely satisfying about creating your own garnishes. Specialty cherries, such as dark cherries, also offer an alternative to traditional maraschino varieties and can elevate your cocktail game.

Dark cherries

Fresh or preserved dark cherries can add a depth of flavour and colour to cocktails. For example, using fresh Bing cherries in a Cherry Punch can impart a rich, fruity taste that complements bourbon beautifully. Preserved dark cherries, like Filthy Wild Italian Amarena Cherries, bring a nutty, almond-like flavour that can enhance the complexity of a dashing drink like the Brandy Alexander.

DIY cocktail cherries

Making your own cocktail cherries at home can be a fun and rewarding process. Start with pitted dark cherries and soak them in a mixture of your favourite liquor (like bourbon, rum, or brandy) and a sugar syrup made from equal parts sugar and water.

For an added twist, infuse the syrup with spices like cinnamon or vanilla, or add a splash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier for citrusy notes. Let the cherries marinate for at least 48 hours to absorb the flavours fully. These homemade cherries can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks and used to garnish any number of cocktails.

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Pairing cherries with spirits

Selecting the right type of cherry to complement the spirit in your cocktail can take your drink from good to extraordinary.

Bourbon & rye

The sweet, caramel notes of a bourbon like Wild Turkey 101 pair beautifully with the tartness of Luxardo Maraschino Cherries or the richer flavour of Filthy Black Amarena Cherries. In a Manhattan, the depth of these cherries balances the boldness of rye whiskey, while in a Whiskey Sour, they add a sweet contrast to the drink’s acidity.

Brandy & Cognac

For brandy or Cognac-based cocktails, consider using cherries with a slightly nutty or almond undertone, like Fabbri Amarena Cherries. Their subtle complexity complements the warm, fruity notes of brandy, making them ideal for a drink like a Vieux Carre.

Rum

When pairing cherries with rum like Appleton Estate, cherries like Tillen Farms Rum Bada Bing Cherries work exceptionally well. The sweet, slightly spiced profile of the cherries enhances the molasses and caramel flavours of the rum, perfect for a Rum Old Fashioned or a Mai Tai.

TOP TIP! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cherry and spirit combinations. Personalising your garnishes with unique pairings can result in a signature cocktail that is truly your own. For example, try pairing a cherry infused with a touch of amaretto with a bourbon-based cocktail for an unexpected twist.

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