Luxardo Maraschino

Luxardo Maraschino was originally produced in 1821 by Girolamo Luxardo in Zara, which was part of the Austrian Empire (now Zadar, Croatia). The Luxardo family moved there from Italy and developed the liqueur based on a traditional Dalmatian cherry liqueur recipe. The distillery was heavily bombed during World War II but was relocated to Italy.

The liqueur is crafted primarily from Marasca cherries, which are crushed and fermented along with their leaves, stems, and pits. The mash is then distilled in copper pot stills. It is aged in oak vats for up to three years before being lightly sweetened and bottled.

Luxardo Maraschino is an essential ingredient in many classic pre-Prohibition cocktails, including the Aviation, the Hemingway Daiquiri, and the Martinez. Its dry, nutty, and floral cherry profile adds complexity rather than pure sweetness. It is a staple bottle in professional craft cocktail bars.

The original Luxardo cherries sold in jars are indeed a premium cocktail garnish, but a bottle of Luxardo Maraschino liqueur does not typically contain whole cherries. The liqueur is clear and colorless. The famous jarred cherries are a separate, distinct product made by the same company.