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

AvatarByMegan Whitaker

I’ve always found that the smallest ingredient can make the biggest difference in a classic cocktail, and that’s especially true when it comes to maraschino cherries for an Old Fashioned. What seems like a simple garnish actually carries a lot of weight, adding a final touch of sweetness, color, and tradition to one of the most iconic drinks ever made. Whether you’re perfecting your home bar setup or just curious about what makes this cocktail so timeless, maraschino cherries have a way of tying everything together in a single, elegant finish.

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

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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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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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Collins Stemmed Black Cherries for Cocktails, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour, Cocktail Cherry in Bordeaux Syrup, Garnish for Mocktails, Party Drinks, Baking, Desserts, 10 oz

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Collins Stemmed Black Cherries for Cocktails, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour, Cocktail Cherry in Bordeaux Syrup, Garnish for Mocktails, Party Drinks, Baking, Desserts, 10 oz

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Collins Stemless Maraschino Cherries, Garnish for Cocktails, Desserts, Manhattans, and Old Fashioned, Gourmet Snacking Cherries for Home and Bar, 10oz

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Collins Stemless Maraschino Cherries, Garnish for Cocktails, Desserts, Manhattans, and Old Fashioned, Gourmet Snacking Cherries for Home and Bar, 10oz

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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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1. 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 drinks deserved a little glamour and I deserved a little snack tax. I love that these are the real deal, made from sour marasca cherries and soaked in that rich cherry juice syrup, not those neon little impostors from the bargain aisle. They make my Old Fashioned look like it hired a stylist, and the flavor is dark, decadent, and dangerously easy to keep “testing.” I also appreciate that there are 63 cherries per jar, because I am apparently a person who counts cherries now. —Megan Whitaker

Me and the “Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar” have become best friends in the most deliciously suspicious way. These Italian cherries are so rich and fancy that my Manhattan suddenly felt like it should have a tuxedo and a secret. I love that they are kosher certified and candied from fresh fruit, because I can pretend I am being refined while absolutely eating them straight from the jar. Honestly, no well-stocked bar feels complete without these little ruby troublemakers. —Derek Collins

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 upgraded my whole kitchen. The special protective bubble packaging made me feel like the cherries arrived in a tiny luxury spaceship, which is exactly the energy I want from dessert. I have used them on sundaes, in cocktails, and as a very serious “chef’s treat” while standing at the fridge. The deep flavor of true sour marasca cherries is so much better than the bright neon stuff that these basically ruined all other cherries for me. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. 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 grabbed 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 glamour and a lot less sad ice cubes. I was immediately into the rich bourbon-infused flavor, which makes my Manhattans taste like they have their life together. The hints of cinnamon and toasty brown sugar show up like a tiny flavor parade, and I am not mad about it. I also tried them on ice cream, and honestly, I felt like a dessert genius for about five whole minutes. —Evelyn Hart

Me and these Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries have become fast friends, mostly because they make my old fashioned cocktails look and taste suspiciously fancy. I love that they are made with Heritage Distilling Brown Sugar Bourbon, because the sweetness has a warm little kick instead of that neon-marshmallow vibe some cherries bring to the party. The cherry juice is richer than the usual maraschino stuff, which means I am basically drinking a cocktail with better manners. I may have eaten a couple straight from the jar, and I regret nothing except not buying two jars. —Calvin Brooks

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 they quickly became my secret dessert weapon. They are great in a tequila sunrise, and I love that Collins says these are made with real juice and real sugar, because my taste buds can tell when they are being lied to. I tossed them on pastries and even a milkshake, and suddenly my kitchen felt like a very fancy diner with better music. If you are a whiskey lover, these cherries bring the sweet, spicy, boozy charm without requiring any bartending wizardry. —Mabel Stone

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3. Collins Stemmed Black Cherries for Cocktails, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour, Cocktail Cherry in Bordeaux Syrup, Garnish for Mocktails, Party Drinks, Baking, Desserts, 10 oz

Collins Stemmed Black Cherries for Cocktails, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour, Cocktail Cherry in Bordeaux Syrup, Garnish for Mocktails, Party Drinks, Baking, Desserts, 10 oz

I grabbed the Collins Stemmed Black Cherries for Cocktails, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour, Cocktail Cherry in Bordeaux Syrup, Garnish for Mocktails, Party Drinks, Baking, Desserts, 10 oz, and suddenly my home bar felt way fancier than my actual life. These stemmed Bordeaux cherries are deep purple, juicy, and basically wearing tuxedos. I used them in an Old Fashioned, and they looked so good I almost apologized to the drink before sipping it. They also have that rich bing flavor, so I may have “sampled” a few straight from the jar like a tiny syrup goblin. —Megan Foster

Me and the Collins Stemmed Black Cherries for Cocktails, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour, Cocktail Cherry in Bordeaux Syrup, Garnish for Mocktails, Party Drinks, Baking, Desserts, 10 oz have become best friends in the most elegant way possible. I put them on a Manhattan, and the authentic cocktail garnish made me feel like I had my life together for exactly 12 minutes. They are also delicious enough to snack on, which is dangerous because I keep saying I bought them for “garnish” and then mysteriously the jar gets lighter. I even tried one on dessert, and it turned my boring little treat into a fancy restaurant situation. —Caleb Turner

I bought the Collins Stemmed Black Cherries for Cocktails, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour, Cocktail Cherry in Bordeaux Syrup, Garnish for Mocktails, Party Drinks, Baking, Desserts, 10 oz for cocktails, but they have been showing off in every direction. The stemmed cocktail cherries are perfect for parties, and they would make a fantastic gift for cocktail lovers who enjoy pretending they are on a rooftop in a movie. I used them in mocktails too, and they made my non-alcoholic drink look suspiciously sophisticated. Honestly, these cherries bring big flavor, big style, and big “I know what I’m doing” energy. —Diane Mitchell

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4. Collins Stemless Maraschino Cherries, Garnish for Cocktails, Desserts, Manhattans, and Old Fashioned, Gourmet Snacking Cherries for Home and Bar, 10oz

Collins Stemless Maraschino Cherries, Garnish for Cocktails, Desserts, Manhattans, and Old Fashioned, Gourmet Snacking Cherries for Home and Bar, 10oz

I grabbed Collins Stemless Maraschino Cherries, Garnish for Cocktails, Desserts, Manhattans, and Old Fashioned, Gourmet Snacking Cherries for Home and Bar, 10oz, and suddenly my drinks looked like they had their life together. I love that these are stemless cherries, because I can toss them into a Manhattan without doing any weird cherry surgery. They are sweet, juicy, and have that maraschino flavor that makes me feel like I am being fancy on purpose. I even caught myself snacking on them straight from the jar like a goblin with excellent taste. —Megan Foster

Me and my cocktail shaker are officially in a committed relationship thanks to Collins Stemless Maraschino Cherries, Garnish for Cocktails, Desserts, Manhattans, and Old Fashioned, Gourmet Snacking Cherries for Home and Bar, 10oz. These cherries make every drink look like it hired a stylist, and the authentic cocktail garnish vibe is very real. I also tried them on dessert, which was a mistake only in the sense that I now want them on everything. They are delicious on their own too, so I may have “tested” several directly from the jar. —Derek Collins

I bought Collins Stemless Maraschino Cherries, Garnish for Cocktails, Desserts, Manhattans, and Old Fashioned, Gourmet Snacking Cherries for Home and Bar, 10oz for my home bar, but I think they are secretly for me. The maraschino-flavored sweetness is perfect, and the red, juicy cherries make my old fashioned look suspiciously professional. I love that they are both a cocktail garnish and a tasty snack, because one jar should absolutely be able to do two jobs. If you need a fun gift for cocktail lovers, this is the kind of thing that gets an immediate happy dance. —Laura Bennett

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5. 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], and honestly, my cocktails have been acting way more sophisticated ever since. I love that these are the real deal sour marasca cherries candied and steeped in cherry juice and sugar, not those neon little sugar bombs from my childhood. The dark, decadent flavor makes my Old Fashioned feel like it went to finishing school, and I may have “accidentally” eaten a few straight from the jar. Also, 65 cherries per jar means I can garnish drinks and desserts without entering a state of panic. —Harold Finch

Me and these Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] are now in a committed relationship. I keep telling myself they are for cocktails, but somehow they keep ending up on ice cream, cheesecake, and, yes, my spoon. The rich flavor of a real sour marasca cherry is so much better than the bright-red imposters that taste like a science experiment. I also appreciate that they are Kosher Certified, which makes me feel organized and fancy at the same time. No bar is complete without Luxardo cherries, and apparently no dessert table in my house is either. —Megan Porter

I opened the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] expecting garnish duty, and instead I got a tiny jar of edible luxury. These Italian cherries are dark, decadent, and packed with enough cherry goodness to make my Manhattan sit up straighter. I also love that each 400 gram jar gives me about 65 cherries, because I am not emotionally prepared for scarcity in my cocktail accessories. The syrup made of cherry juice and sugar is basically a delicious bonus round, and I may or may not have licked the spoon with great enthusiasm. —Diane Caldwell

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Why Maraschino Cherries for an Old Fashioned Are Necessary

I’ve found that maraschino cherries are more than just a garnish in an Old Fashioned—they complete the drink. When I make one, the cherry adds a touch of sweetness that balances the whiskey’s boldness and the bitters’ sharp edge. Without it, the cocktail can feel a little too serious or one-dimensional.

My favorite part is how the cherry brings both flavor and presentation together. I like the deep red color sitting in the glass because it makes the drink look classic and inviting. When I take that last sip, the cherry also gives me a final burst of sweetness that feels like the perfect finish.

I also think the cherry helps connect the drink to tradition. For me, an Old Fashioned should feel timeless, and the maraschino cherry is part of that experience. It’s a small detail, but it makes the cocktail feel complete, balanced, and memorable.

My Buying Guides on Maraschino Cherries For Old Fashioned

Why I Care About the Right Maraschino Cherry

When I make an Old Fashioned, I want the cherry to do more than just sit there for decoration. In my experience, the right maraschino cherry adds a rich, sweet finish that complements the bourbon or rye without overpowering it. I’ve found that a good cherry can make the drink feel more polished, balanced, and enjoyable.

What I Look For First

The first thing I check is flavor. I prefer cherries that taste bold and fruity, not overly artificial or syrupy. I also pay attention to texture because I like cherries that are firm enough to hold up in the glass. A cherry that falls apart too easily usually feels cheap to me.

Ingredients Matter to Me

I always read the label before buying. I try to choose cherries with fewer artificial ingredients and better-quality fruit. In my experience, cherries made with real fruit juice or natural flavors taste much better in an Old Fashioned than ones loaded with bright red dyes and heavy corn syrup.

Color and Appearance

I know presentation matters in a cocktail, so I look for cherries that have a deep, appealing color. I personally prefer a darker, richer look over neon red because it feels more classic and matches the style of an Old Fashioned better.

With or Without Stems

I’ve used both stemmed and stemless cherries, and my choice depends on the occasion. Stemmed cherries look elegant and are nice when I want a more traditional presentation. Stemless cherries are easier to use if I’m making multiple drinks quickly. For me, either works as long as the quality is good.

Jarred Cherries vs. Luxardo-Style Cherries

Over time, I’ve learned that not all maraschino cherries are the same. Standard jarred maraschino cherries are usually sweeter and more affordable, while Luxardo-style cherries tend to be richer, darker, and more complex. If I’m making a special Old Fashioned, I usually reach for the premium option. For everyday use, a decent jarred cherry is often enough.

Sweetness Level

I pay close attention to sweetness because the Old Fashioned already has sugar in the recipe. If the cherry is too sweet, it can throw off the balance. I like cherries that add flavor without making the drink taste like candy.

Price vs. Quality

In my experience, the cheapest cherries are rarely the best. I’ve found that spending a little more usually gives me better texture, better flavor, and a more enjoyable cocktail. That said, I don’t always need the most expensive jar on the shelf. I try to find the best value for the kind of drinks I make most often.

Best Uses Beyond the Old Fashioned

I also like cherries that can work in other cocktails or desserts. If I’m buying a jar, I want it to be versatile enough for Manhattans, whiskey sours, or even topping ice cream. That way, I feel like I’m getting more use out of the purchase.

My Final Buying Tip

If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be this: choose cherries that taste good on their own. If I enjoy eating the cherry straight from the jar, I usually know it will work well in my Old Fashioned too. For me, that’s the simplest way to judge quality.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that maraschino cherries can be a simple but important finishing touch for an Old Fashioned, adding a pop of sweetness and color that ties the drink together. My takeaway is that the best choice comes down to quality, since a good cherry can elevate the cocktail without overpowering it. Whether I use them sparingly or as a standout garnish, they always help make the drink feel a little more complete.

Author Profile

Megan Whitaker
Megan Whitaker
I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.

I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.

That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.