Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur is the benchmark for premium cherry liqueurs — rich yet refined, with a distinct nutty and cherry-stone character, and outstanding versatility. Whether sipped slowly or stirred into a classic cocktail, it delivers elegance and depth.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by the historic house of Luxardo in Padova, Italy (founded 1821), this liqueur is made from the sour Marasca cherry (including skins, pits and stems) macerated and distilled, then rested and blended in oak vats. The result is a clear, intensely flavored maraschino-style liqueur bottled at approximately 32%-38% ABV (varies market) and recognized worldwide. It remains true to its traditional recipe and is widely regarded as the original maraschino liqueur.

Critics Reviews

• A spirits-review panel described Luxardo Maraschino as “a woody, almost herbal aroma that is unmistakably cherry but not candy-sweet… on the palate you taste cherry pip, bitter almond and subtle nutty/woody back-notes.”

• Another reviewer noted “the flavor was not as sweet as expected — in the best way. The cherry is very natural, with slightly nutty and woody quality that paints a picture of the Marasca cherry orchard.”

• Industry commentary states that Luxardo “sets the standard for maraschino liqueurs—full-flavoured, rich and brilliant in classic cocktails.”

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Crisp cherry-maraska lineage; almond and cherry-stone bitterness, light herbal lift and subtle wood/vanilla from resting.

• Palate: Medium-bodied liqueur; bright cherry flavour leads, followed by bitter almond, dried cherry fruit, and gentle woody undertones. Sweetness is balanced and never cloying.

• Finish: Dryish for a liqueur; lingering cherry kernel bitterness, a hint of marzipan and a clean fade into almond-nut after-taste.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Here are some well-known cocktail uses of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur:

• The Last Word
  Ingredients: 1 oz gin • 1 oz green Chartreuse • 1 oz fresh lime juice • 1 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
  Method: Shake with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a maraschino cherry.
  Comment: Recognised as a classic for its herbal-cherry interplay.

• Martinez
  Ingredients: 2 oz Old Tom gin • 1 oz sweet vermouth • ¼ oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur • 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  Method: Stir ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass, garnish with a lemon twist.
  Comment: A precursor to the modern Martini, where Luxardo gives sweet-and-complex red-fruit nuance.

• Fancy Free (Maraschino Old-Fashioned style)
  Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon or rye • ½ oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • 1 dash orange bitters
  Method: Stir with ice in mixing glass, strain over a large ice cube, garnish with orange peel.
  Comment: A modern riff incorporating maraschino liqueur for deeper fruit/almond overlay.