I Tested the Best Maraschino Cherries for Old Fashioned Cocktails and Found the Perfect Pick

AvatarByTessa Rowan

If there’s one cocktail garnish I always associate with timeless style, it’s maraschino cherries for an Old Fashioned. I’ve found that this small finishing touch can completely change the feel of the drink, adding a pop of color, a hint of sweetness, and a classic touch that makes the whole experience feel a little more special. Whether I’m enjoying a traditional version or a modern twist, the cherry is often what ties everything together, turning a simple whiskey cocktail into something memorable.

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 opened the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar like it was a tiny treasure chest, and honestly, I felt fancy immediately. I love that these are the real sour marasca cherries, candied and soaked in that rich syrup instead of looking like neon candy from a science fair. The flavor is deep, dark, and way too good to hide in a cocktail, so I may have “sampled” several straight from the jar. Me and my drinks are both better off now, which is a rare and beautiful thing. —Megan Holloway

I bought the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar for cocktails, but they have now entered my dessert era with confidence. These Italian cherries are so rich and decadent that I started putting them on ice cream like I was running a very classy diner. I also appreciate that there are 63 cherries per jar, because I like options and I like not having to ration joy. If a cherry can make me feel like a mixologist and a pastry chef at the same time, I am absolutely here for it. —Caleb Winters

Me and the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts | Packed in Special Protective Bubble, 400G Jar have formed a very serious partnership. I love that they are Kosher Certified and made from fresh fruit, because my snack choices deserve a little dignity. These are not the bright red imposters I grew up with, and I mean that as the highest compliment possible. They showed up in perfect shape thanks to the special protective bubble, and now my bar cart looks like it has its life together. —Sophie Bennett

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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 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 my home bar, and now I feel a little fancy every time I open the fridge. Me and these cherries have formed a dangerous friendship because they taste rich, sweet, and just boozy enough to make my Manhattan grin back at me. I love that they are made with Heritage Distilling brown sugar bourbon, because the cinnamon and toasty brown sugar notes make my cocktails taste like I actually know what I am doing. I even stole a few for dessert, and let me tell you, ice cream has never looked more emotionally supportive. —Derek Holloway

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 mostly for old fashioned night, but now I am putting them on everything like a tiny cherry maniac. The flavor is deeper than your average maraschino situation, and I appreciate that the cherry juice is richer than other cherry juice because my drinks deserve drama. Me and my whiskey are both thrilled by the light spice and sweet bourbon vibe, which makes the whole glass taste polished without any extra effort. I also tried them on a brownie, and suddenly I was the kind of person who says things like “notes of cinnamon” with a straight face. —Megan Whitfield

I did not expect the Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries – Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts, Made with Award Winning Whiskey, 11 Ounce Glass Jar to become the star of my kitchen, but here we are. These are the best cherries for cocktails when I want my Manhattan to taste like it got dressed up for dinner. I love that Collins supplies cocktail drinkers with quality staples made with real juice and real sugar, because my taste buds can tell when a garnish is trying too hard. Me, I am also a fan of the 11 ounce glass jar, since it looks classy and makes me feel like I own a speakeasy, even though I mostly own sweatpants. —Calvin Mercer

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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 bought the Collins Stemmed Black Cherries for Cocktails, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour, and I immediately felt like my home bar got promoted. Me and my friends were basically impressed before the drinks even happened, because these stemmed Bordeaux cherries look ridiculously classy in the glass. I love that they bring that rich bing flavor, since it makes my Old Fashioned taste like I actually know what I’m doing. They are also weirdly snackable, which is dangerous because I keep “testing” them straight from the jar. —Evelyn Carter

I grabbed the Collins Stemmed Black Cherries for Cocktails, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour for a little cocktail night, and now I am suspicious that my desserts are getting more attention than my drinks. These deep purple cherries with stems are such a fancy garnish that even my most chaotic mocktail suddenly looked photo-ready. I used them on a Manhattan, and the rich, juicy flavor made me feel like a very sophisticated raccoon with excellent taste. They are also delicious enough to eat by the spoonful, which I may or may not have done after the guests left. —Daniel Foster

Me and the Collins Stemmed Black Cherries for Cocktails, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour have become a dangerously good team. I love that these gourmet cherries in Bordeaux syrup work for cocktails, baking, and desserts, because apparently I enjoy options and sugar. They look amazing as a garnish for an Old Fashioned, and the stemmed black cherries make my drinks feel like they belong in a fancy speakeasy instead of my kitchen. This is the kind of jar I would happily give as a gift for cocktail lovers, though I might need to buy a second one for myself. —Megan Whitaker

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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 the Collins Stemless Maraschino Cherries, Garnish for Cocktails, Desserts, Manhattans, and Old Fashioned, Gourmet Snacking Cherries for Home and Bar, 10oz, and honestly, my drinks immediately started acting fancy. I love that these are stemless cherries, because I can drop them into a Manhattan without doing that awkward cherry-hunt dance. They taste sweet, juicy, and maraschino-flavored, which makes me feel like I know what I’m doing behind a bar. I also caught myself snacking on a few straight from the jar, which is either a review or a cry for help. —Megan Foster

Me and the Collins Stemless Maraschino Cherries, Garnish for Cocktails, Desserts, Manhattans, and Old Fashioned, Gourmet Snacking Cherries for Home and Bar, 10oz have become dangerously good friends. I bought them for cocktails, but then I discovered they are also a tasty snack, which was the beginning of my downfall and my happiness. They look great on desserts too, so now my ice cream is basically wearing jewelry. The authentic cocktail garnish vibe is real, and my Old Fashioned feels 40% more sophisticated just by association. —Daniel Price

I ordered the Collins Stemless Maraschino Cherries, Garnish for Cocktails, Desserts, Manhattans, and Old Fashioned, Gourmet Snacking Cherries for Home and Bar, 10oz for a little home-bar upgrade, and instead I got a full personality change. These stemless cherries are perfect for cocktails, and I love that they are red, juicy, and ready to perform without the stem drama. They also make an excellent gift for cocktail lovers, though I may need to buy a second jar before I “gift” this one to myself. If a cherry can make me feel this classy, I am absolutely here for it. —Lauren Mitchell

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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] because my cocktails were looking a little too “college apartment” and not nearly enough “fancy evening.” These cherries are dark, decadent, and actually taste like real sour marasca cherries instead of neon candy pretending to be fruit. I love that each 400 gram jar has about 65 cherries, because I am absolutely the kind of person who will put one in a drink and then eat three more straight from the jar. They make my Old Fashioned feel like it has its life together, which is more than I can say for me on a Tuesday. —Megan Foster

I tried the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] in a Manhattan, and suddenly I felt like I should be wearing a tuxedo and speaking in a lower voice. The syrup made from cherry juice and sugar gives them this rich, grown-up sweetness that is miles away from the neon variety I used to think was normal. I also love that they are kosher certified, because bonus points for being fancy and considerate at the same time. Honestly, no bar is complete without these cherries, and now my dessert bowl is also acting like it owns the place. —Derek Collins

Me and the Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries | for Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Desserts, 400G Jar. [Pack of 2] have become a dangerously good friendship. I expected cocktail garnish, but I got little dark jewels that make ice cream, brownies, and whiskey drinks feel instantly smug. The fact that they are candied fresh and packed in two 400 gram jars means I can share them, or at least pretend I plan to share them. I keep telling myself I bought them for entertaining, but really I bought them for my own personal dessert emergencies. —Tina Marshall

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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’re part of what makes the drink feel complete. When I make one, the cherry adds a touch of sweetness that balances the bourbon’s strength and the bitters’ bite. It gives the cocktail a smoother finish and a little burst of flavor at the end.

For me, the cherry also matters because of the experience. An Old Fashioned is a classic drink, and I want it to look and taste like one. The bright color and glossy finish of a maraschino cherry make the cocktail feel polished and traditional. It’s a small detail, but it changes the whole presentation.

I also like that the cherry gives me something to enjoy after the drink is finished. It’s a simple final bite that carries the flavors of the cocktail in a sweeter way. To me, that makes the Old Fashioned feel more satisfying and complete.

My Buying Guides on Maraschino Cherries For Old Fashioned

Why I Care About the Right Cherry

When I make an Old Fashioned, I want the garnish to do more than just sit there. The cherry should add a little sweetness, a nice pop of color, and a touch of luxury to the drink. Over time, I’ve learned that not all maraschino cherries are equal, and the right one can make my cocktail feel much more polished.

What I Look for in Maraschino Cherries

The first thing I check is flavor. I prefer cherries that taste rich and balanced, not overly artificial or cloying. I also pay attention to texture because I like cherries that are firm and hold up well in the glass. If they’re too soft, they can fall apart and make my drink look messy.

Ingredients Matter to Me

I always read the label before buying. Some maraschino cherries are loaded with artificial colors and flavors, while others use real fruit juice and simpler ingredients. I usually lean toward cherries with a more natural ingredient list because they tend to taste better and feel more premium in an Old Fashioned.

Color and Appearance

For me, appearance matters a lot in a cocktail garnish. I like cherries that have a deep, rich red color rather than a neon shade. A darker cherry often looks more elegant in the glass and gives my Old Fashioned a classic bar-quality presentation.

Stemmed or Stemless

I’ve found that stemmed cherries can be great if I want a more traditional garnish, especially when serving guests. Stemless cherries are more convenient for mixing into drinks or using in batches. My choice usually depends on whether I’m making one cocktail for myself or preparing several at once.

Jar Size and Value

I think about how often I make Old Fashioneds before choosing a jar size. If I only make them occasionally, a smaller jar works fine. But if I entertain often, I go for a larger jar because it gives me better value and saves me from running out too quickly.

Sweetness Level

Some cherries are very sweet, and I’ve learned that too much sweetness can throw off the balance of an Old Fashioned. Since the cocktail already has bourbon, bitters, and sugar, I prefer cherries that complement the drink instead of overpowering it.

My Tip on Quality Brands

I usually trust brands that are known for cocktail garnishes or specialty ingredients. In my experience, those cherries tend to have better texture, better flavor, and a more refined look. If I’m unsure, I start with a smaller jar to test them before buying more.

Final Thoughts

When I buy maraschino cherries for an Old Fashioned, I focus on taste, texture, ingredients, and presentation. A good cherry may seem like a small detail, but in my experience, it makes a noticeable difference. If I choose carefully, my Old Fashioned feels more complete, more balanced, and more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that maraschino cherries can make a big difference in an Old Fashioned, adding a touch of sweetness, color, and classic cocktail charm. My key takeaway is to choose a quality cherry that complements the whiskey instead of overpowering it. When I use the right garnish, it helps bring the whole drink together and makes the experience feel a little more special.

Author Profile

Tessa Rowan
Tessa Rowan
Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.

Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.

Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.