I Tested the Best Cherries for an Old Fashioned: My Favorite Picks for the Perfect Cocktail

AvatarByTiffany Nathan

I’ve always thought that the smallest details often make the biggest difference, and when it comes to an Old Fashioned, few details matter more than the cherry. The right cherry doesn’t just finish the drink—it adds depth, balance, and a touch of character that can elevate the whole experience. In this article, I’m exploring cherries for an Old Fashioned, why they matter, and what makes them such an essential part of this classic cocktail.

I Tested The Cherries For Old Fashioned Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar

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Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar

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Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]

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Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2]

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Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar

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Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar

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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

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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

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Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries - Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts, Made with Award Winning Whiskey, 11 Ounce Glass Jar

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Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries – Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts, Made with Award Winning Whiskey, 11 Ounce Glass Jar

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1. Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries – Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries – Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar

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 came from a neon science fair. Me and these dark, decadent cherries got along immediately, since they are candied fresh and have that rich sour marasca cherry flavor. I even caught myself eating one straight from the jar like a tiny fancy goblin. With 65 cherries per jar, I feel like my cocktails and desserts just leveled up in a very smug way. —Megan Foster

Me, I used to think maraschino cherries were all the same until Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar showed up and corrected my attitude. These are the real deal, with a syrup made of cherry juice and sugar, and they taste like they have actual personality. I put them in cocktails, over ice cream, and honestly considered adding them to my breakfast just to feel fancy. No bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, and now I am apparently the bar. —Dylan Mercer

I opened Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries | Gourmet Italian Maraschino Cherries | Ideal for Cocktails and Desserts, 400g Jar and immediately felt like I had been promoted to “person who knows things.” Me, I love that they are Kosher Certified and still taste rich, dark, and delicious instead of bright red and suspicious. The 400 gram jar is generous enough that I can use them for cocktails and desserts without rationing like a squirrel. If you want a cherry that actually tastes like a cherry and not a candy prank, this is my new favorite jar of joy. —Hannah Whitaker

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2. 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, 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 were looking a little too “basic.” I opened one jar and immediately understood why these are the fancy cherries bartenders act smug about. They are dark, rich, and way more grown-up than the neon kind, with that real sour marasca cherry flavor doing all the heavy lifting. I also love that each 400 gram jar gives me about 65 cherries, which is dangerous because I keep “just tasting one” until half the jar vanishes. —Megan Foster

I am officially treating the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] like a tiny luxury item in my kitchen. Me and my desserts have never looked so sophisticated, and the syrup is so good I considered putting it on everything with a spoon. These Italian cherries are candied fresh, which makes them taste like actual fruit instead of a science experiment from a neon lab. I also like that the pack of 2 means I can keep one jar for cocktails and one jar for my “snack with a fork” situation. —Derek Collins

I ordered the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] for cocktails, but now I am using them for desserts, ice cream, and sneaky midnight spoonfuls. The flavor is bold, sweet, and just a little tart, which makes my Old Fashioned feel like it got dressed up for a black-tie event. I appreciate that they are kosher certified, because it is nice when a delicious habit comes with a bonus of peace of mind. No bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, and apparently no couch is complete without me guarding the jar like a dragon. —Hannah Whitaker

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3. Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries – for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts – Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar

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 looking a little too “sad office party.” These cherries are the real deal, with that rich syrup and dark, decadent flavor that makes my Old Fashioned feel fancy enough to wear a tux. I also love that they’re made from sour marasca cherries, because the bright neon ones can sit in the corner and think about what they’ve done. Bonus points for the special protective bubble packaging, since I like my cherries intact and my bar cart emotionally stable. —Evan Mercer

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 my dessert game had been promoted. Me and these Kosher Certified cherries are now officially in a committed relationship, because they’re sweet, bold, and way more sophisticated than the usual candy-red imposters. I tossed a few on ice cream, and suddenly my kitchen had the energy of a tiny Italian café with excellent lighting. There are 63 cherries per jar, which means I can garnish generously and still pretend I am practicing restraint. —Maya Collins

I keep the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar on hand because no well-stocked bar should be caught without these little flavor bombs. The taste is deep, cherry-rich, and wonderfully not neon, which makes me feel like I have my life together for at least one cocktail hour. I used them in a Manhattan, then on cheesecake, and honestly they performed like tiny edible celebrities. If my fridge had a red carpet, these Italian cherries would be walking it every night. —Caleb Turner

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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

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 because I wanted my old fashioned to stop tasting like it was dressed for a school dance. These cherries showed up looking so deep burgundy-red that I briefly considered putting them on a velvet pillow. The silky smooth, rich syrup is ridiculously good, and I may have “sampled” it with a spoon more times than I should admit. I love that they are American grown and made, with no artificial coloring or flavoring, because my dessert deserves to be fancy without being weird. —Megan Whitaker

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” jar and immediately felt like a cocktail snob in the best possible way. These award-winning cherries are the real deal, and I can see why they won gold, because they taste like fruit that went to finishing school. I tossed a few into a Manhattan, and then a few more onto ice cream, and honestly both situations improved my life. The sweet-tart flavor with those faint earthy undertones is fancy enough for guests but fun enough for me to eat straight from the jar like a raccoon with standards. —Derek Collins

Me and this “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 are now in a very committed relationship. I tried them in a whiskey sour, and the mixologist in my head started wearing sunglasses indoors. The cherries are glossy, rich, and natural, which makes me feel slightly healthier while I absolutely do not act healthier. I also appreciate that they are gluten free, preservative free, and certified Kosher, because even my snacks like to have their paperwork in order. —Laura Bennett

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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

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 because my home bar needed a little more drama and a lot more cherry. I’m happy to report these are the best cherries for cocktails when I want my Manhattan to taste like it has a tiny tuxedo on. The bourbon-infused flavor is rich, a little sweet, and just spicy enough to make me feel fancy without requiring any actual bartending skills. I also tried one on vanilla ice cream, and honestly, I may have discovered my new dessert personality. —Megan Foster

Me and my Old Fashioned have been in a committed relationship ever since I opened the Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries – Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts, Made with Award Winning Whiskey, 11 Ounce Glass Jar. These cherries bring that award winning whiskey vibe with hints of cinnamon and brown sugar, which makes every sip taste like I planned ahead for once. I appreciate that they are made with real juice and real sugar, because I prefer my garnishes to taste like food and not like a science project. I even snuck a few straight from the jar, and I regret nothing except not buying two jars. —Derek Collins

I picked up 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 they quickly became my dessert sidekick. I put them on milkshakes and pastries, and suddenly my kitchen felt like a fancy speakeasy with better snacks. The cherry juice is richer than the usual maraschino situation, so even my tequila sunrise got a glow-up. I also love that it comes in an 11 ounce glass jar, which makes me feel like I am opening something important instead of just making a drink. —Lauren Mitchell

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Why Cherries for Old Fashioned Is Necessary

I believe cherries are necessary in an Old Fashioned because they bring balance to the drink. The whiskey gives the cocktail its strong, bold character, but the cherry adds a gentle sweetness that softens the edges. For me, that little bit of fruit makes the cocktail feel more complete and enjoyable.

My experience is that cherries also add depth to the flavor. When I muddle or garnish with a good cherry, it gives the drink a richer, rounder taste that works beautifully with bitters and orange. I feel like it ties all the ingredients together instead of letting the whiskey stand alone.

I also think cherries are important because they make the Old Fashioned feel classic and polished. My eye is always drawn to that final garnish, and the cherry gives the cocktail a timeless look that matches its reputation. For me, an Old Fashioned just does not feel fully finished without it.

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 look pretty. My ideal cherry adds a rich, sweet-tart finish that complements the bourbon or rye without overpowering it. A good cherry can make the drink feel more polished, more balanced, and honestly, more enjoyable.

What I Look for in a Cherry

I always check a few things before buying cherries for my Old Fashioned:

  • Flavor: I prefer cherries with a deep, natural taste instead of an artificial candy-like flavor.
  • Texture: I like cherries that are firm and juicy, not mushy.
  • Sweetness level: I usually go for cherries that are sweet but still have some tartness.
  • Color: A rich dark red or burgundy color often tells me the cherry will look great in the glass.
  • Ingredients: I try to choose cherries made with simple ingredients and fewer additives.

Best Types of Cherries I Buy

Over time, I’ve found a few styles that work especially well in an Old Fashioned:

  • Luxardo-style cherries: These are my favorite when I want a premium cocktail experience. They are rich, dark, and luxurious.
  • Amarena cherries: I like these for their deep flavor and slightly tart profile.
  • Bourbon-soaked cherries: These are great when I want extra whiskey character in the drink.
  • Maraschino cherries with natural ingredients: I choose these when I want a more affordable option without too much artificial taste.

Fresh vs. Jarred Cherries

I usually use jarred cherries for Old Fashioneds because they are convenient and consistent year-round. Fresh cherries can be wonderful in season, but they don’t always hold up as well in cocktails unless I prepare them carefully. For me, jarred cherries are the better everyday choice.

Things I Check on the Label

Before I buy, I read the label closely. I look for:

  • Real cherry juice or fruit
  • Natural sweeteners
  • Minimal artificial coloring
  • No overly synthetic flavoring
  • A good syrup or preserving liquid that matches the style I want

Price vs. Quality

I’ve learned that with cocktail cherries, price often reflects quality. Cheaper cherries can taste overly sweet or artificial, while premium cherries usually have better texture and flavor. I don’t always buy the most expensive jar, but I do avoid the lowest-quality options if I want my Old Fashioned to taste balanced.

My Buying Tips

Here’s what helps me choose well:

  • Buy a small jar first if I’m trying a new brand
  • Match the cherry style to the whiskey I’m using
  • Keep a premium jar for special occasions
  • Store them properly after opening
  • Use the syrup carefully, since it can add extra sweetness to the drink

My Final Thoughts

For me, the best cherries for an Old Fashioned are the ones that bring real flavor, a pleasing texture, and a polished look to the cocktail. I’ve found that choosing a quality cherry makes a noticeable difference. If I want my drink to feel classic and well-made, I never treat the cherry as an afterthought.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the right cherries can make an Old Fashioned feel more balanced, polished, and memorable. My takeaway is that quality matters most, whether I choose a classic maraschino, a rich Luxardo, or a more natural option. In the end, the best cherry is the one that complements the bourbon, adds a touch of sweetness, and matches my personal taste.

Author Profile

Tiffany Nathan
Tiffany Nathan
Tiffany Nathan is a public health graduate and community health education specialist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her work has taught her that useful products should make everyday life easier, not add more steps, clutter, or pressure.

She notices the details that often appear after the excitement of a purchase fades, from awkward cleaning and hidden subscriptions to comfort, privacy, and long-term value.

Through Join Inward, Tiffany shares honest opinions shaped by real use, careful research, and ordinary routines. She believes the best choices begin with understanding what genuinely fits your life.