Luxardo cherries are a brand of maraschino cherries that have a unique sweet and sour flavor. This is due to their special fermentation process, where the cherries are soaked in a luxardo syrup, made from a blend of cherry juice, sugar and alcohol, for up to 12 months.
This process creates a superior flavor, texture and color that can’t be replicated with ordinary methods of preserving and storing cherries. The syrup also gives the cherries a higher concentration of flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment for cocktails and desserts.
Additionally, Luxardo cherries are pitted, which makes them last longer and eliminates the hassle of dealing with the pits from traditional maraschino cherries. All in all, Luxardo cherries are a unique and superior maraschino cherry, offering a unique flavor, texture, and color to your culinary creations.
What is the difference between Maraschino and Luxardo cherries?
Maraschino cherries and Luxardo cherries are both types of candied cherries that are popular in the US. Maraschino cherries are bright red, often used as a garnish, and are made with a Marasca cherry that is dyed, soaked in highly sweetened processed syrup, and then sometimes dyed again.
Luxardo cherries, on the other hand, are dark red and are made with a different type of cherry called a Luxardo Marasca Cherry. This cherry is soaked in a simple syrup made with sugar, alcohol, and a hint of flavoring, thus preserving its wonderful flavor and natural coloring.
Luxardo cherries are often used in recipes like Black forest cake and cocktails like Manhattans because of their intense and unique flavor. Additionally, Luxardo cherries are more expensive and difficult to find than Maraschino cherries.
Why are Luxardo so expensive?
Luxardo are one of the most expensive liqueurs on the market today. The reason for their high price has a lot to do with the quality and longevity of the product. Luxardo has been producing their unique and delightful liqueurs since 1821, making them one of the oldest manufacturers of liqueurs.
This age and experience is reflected in their products as they use an original formula that has been passed down through generations of their family. The ingredients used produce complex and rich flavors that are hard to replicate.
In addition to the quality and longevity of their product, the cost of the ingredients and production process is also a factor. Luxardo liqueurs are made primarily by macerating fruit like maraschino liqueur, which requires hand-picking the fruit in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy for maximum quality.
All of the alcohol used in the production process is sourced from the Luxardo distillery in Padua and is distilled from different varieties of grapes, including Lambrusco and Sangiovese.
The costs of purchasing, harvesting, and fermenting the ingredients, along with the cost of distillation and aging make Luxardo liqueurs some of the most expensive liqueurs available on the market. However, those who try them will undoubtedly understand why they are so highly valued.
Can you drink Luxardo straight?
Yes, it is possible to drink Luxardo straight. Since Luxardo is a high-proof liqueur, usually no more than 55-60% alcohol by volume, it is truly an exquisite drinking experience. Like other liqueur, Luxardo can be enjoyed neat, chilled, on the rocks or in a cocktail.
Drinking it neat or on the rocks will allow you to appreciate the complex flavor and aroma of this classic Italian liqueur.
You can also enjoy Luxardo in a variety of cocktails. It pairs well with other spirits in traditional cocktails such as a Negroni and Americano, or in a contemporary classic like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
However, if you are looking for a truly unique drinking experience then try it neat or on the rocks. This will allow you to savor the intense licorice and cherry notes of Luxardo for a truly divine drinking experience.
Is Luxardo a cherry brandy?
Yes, Luxardo is a cherry brandy that has been made in Italy since 1821. It is considered one of the best cherry brandies available, and is known for its unique flavor profile. Luxardo cherries are grown exclusively on two farms located near Padova and Venice, where they are processed and distilled as Maraschino cherries, which are a crucial ingredient in the production of Luxardo’s signature maraschino liqueur.
The cherries are macerated in select high-proof moonshine for weeks before a distilling process extracts the juice, which is ultimately added to the brandy. The result is a strong liqueur with the deliciously sweet and slightly acidic taste of the marasca cherries, which is balanced with a hint of bitterness from the alcohol and oak aging barrels.
Luxardo is often found in classic cocktails like the Aviation or the Manhattan.
What kind of cherries do you use for an old fashioned?
For an old fashioned, the traditional recipe calls for a cherry known as a “cocktail cherry”. These cherries are typically found in the grocery store, often on the shelf where the mixers and garnishes are located.
They are specifically for cocktails, as they are a mild, sweet type of cherry, firm enough to perch atop a drink, and not too overpowering so as to override the primary spirit or other ingredients in the cocktail.
They contain a sugar syrup or brine and an ingredient like citric acid, giving them a slight tartness and maintaining their structure. In many cases, you can also opt for a Maraschino cherry, a cherry preserved in a brine of water, salt, and sulfur dioxide very popular in classic cocktails.
Maraschino cherries are usually brighter in color and have a much stronger flavor than cocktail cherries.
How much does Luxardo cost?
The cost of Luxardo depends on where you purchase it. Generally, 750 ml of Luxardo Maraschino liqueur can range anywhere from $25 to $35. Luxardo’s more expensive products such as their Limoncello and Gourmet Marachino cherries can range from about $15 for the cherries to $30 for a 750 ml bottle of Limoncello.
Additionally, specialty cocktail-making kits from Luxardo that contain their products cost around $50.
How many luxardo cherries are in a jar?
The number of Luxardo cherries in a jar depends on its size. Generally, smaller 4 oz. jars contain about 35 pieces, medium 10 oz. jars may have about 95 pieces, since large 16.5 oz jars contain about 160 cherries.
Luxardo cherries are known for their high quality and have been produced with the same recipe since 1821. The cherries are soaked in Luxardo’s special Marasca syrup, giving them a sweet and sour flavor.
Does Costco have luxardo cherries?
Yes, Costco does carry Luxardo cherries. Recently, the wholesale retailer has started to carry Luxardo maraschino cherries, a top-shelf maraschino cherry made with Luxardo’s signature combination of Marasca cherries, natural sugar, and cane sugar-infused syrup.
Luxardo cherries are chemical and dye-free, and boast a bright red color with a rich flavor. They are a perfect topping for Manhattans, Old-Fashioneds, and other classic cocktails. You can also find Luxardo cherries in individual jars and gift sets at select Costco locations.
What is special about luxardo cherries?
Luxardo cherries are some of the best quality cherries available on the market. They are made using a special technique that has been developed by the Luxardo family in Italy over the past 200 years.
The cherries are made using only Marasca cherries, which are small, dark cherries that are grown specifically for Luxardo. These cherries are soaked in a syrup made from their own marasca cherry juice, sugar, and liquor.
This syrup gives the cherries a unique, natural flavor that is unlike any other cherry. Furthermore, the cherries are plump and tender, and they don’t have stems or pits, making them easier to use. Additionally, the cherry syrup can be used in many cocktails and other recipes, adding a unique sweetness and flavor.
All in all, Luxardo cherries are a high-quality product that can elevate any recipe or cocktail.
What can I use instead of luxardo?
You can use a variety of ingredients when substituting for Luxardo maraschino cherries. Possible substitutions include grenadine syrup, tart cherry juice, kirsch, or freeze-dried cherries. Grenadine syrup is a versatile syrup made from sugar and pomegranate juice that can be used in many different recipes.
Tart cherry juice is a great way to add acidity and sweetness to drinks and can be used as a sweetener in some applications. Kirsch is a clear fruit brandy made from cherries and is a popular choice for cocktails.
Freeze-dried cherries tend to be tart and have a slightly sweet flavor, making them a great addition to drinks or as a topping for pastries.
What kind of liquor is luxardo?
Luxardo is a brand of Italian liqueur created by the Luxardo family in the 19th century. Its signature product is Maraschino, a colorless liqueur made from Marasca cherries and typically used for adding flavor and sweetness to cocktails, such as a classic Manhattan.
Luxardo also makes a range of other liqueurs, including Sambuca, Amaretto and Limoncello. The company produces a variety of other products, including bitters, amaretto and bottles of cocktails that are pre-mixed and ready to pour.
All their products are based on their historic family recipes, with flavors that have been enjoyed for generations.
Is Benedictine an alcohol?
No, Benedictine is not an alcohol. Benedictine is a type of herbal liqueur that was first developed by Benedictine monks in the 16th century. It is made from cognac or brandy and a secret blend of up to 27 herbs and spices.
It has an alcohol content of 40%, making it similar to many spirits such as vodka or whiskey. However, it is technically a liqueur and its ingredients and production process are different from spirits.
Do you refrigerate luxardo cherries after opening?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate Luxardo cherries after opening. The syrup in the jar will keep the cherries from spoiling for quite some time but it is important to store the cherries properly to avoid spoilage.
When you open the jar, transfer the cherries to an airtight container and keep the syrup in the jar as well. Place both the cherries and the syrup in the refrigerator. This will keep the cherries from spoiling even longer and also keep the syrup from evaporating.
When you’re ready to use the cherries, just take them out of the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Enjoy!.
What is the cherry for a Manhattan?
The cherry is an integral part of a classic Manhattan cocktail. Originally, a maraschino or Luxardo cherry was used, but over time, many different varieties of cherries have been used. The most common cherry used to finish this drink is a bright red sweet variety which is then soaked in the spirit of your choice.
Most commonly, this is a Maraschino liqueur, which adds an extra punch of flavour, as well as a unique sweetness and complexity. The cherry also provides a beautiful touch of colour, enhancing the look of this classic and sophisticated drink.
Do Luxardo cherries have alcohol in them?
Yes, Luxardo cherries do have alcohol in them. The cherries are soaked in Maraschino liqueur, which is made from a base of either brandy or grain alcohol. The liqueur used to produce Luxardo cherries must contain at least 32% alcohol.
After soaking, the cherries are steeped in the liqueur for up to three years. This process results in the cherries absorbing a substantial amount of the alcohol used to make the liqueur. The cherries also contain sugar, so when eaten, the combination of alcohol and sugar leads to worryingly quick intoxication if consumed in large quantities.
Are cocktail cherries the same as maraschino?
No, cocktail cherries and maraschino cherries are not the same. Cocktail cherries are usually a sweeter, larger variety of cherry, while maraschino cherries are much smaller and contain a brine syrup.
The brine syrup is usually made with a neutral alcohol and corn syrup, which give maraschino cherries their characteristic sweet-tart flavor. Additionally, maraschino cherries are also often dyed bright red in order to give them their signature saturated color.
Cocktail cherries, on the other hand, are usually just pitted sweet cherries, and they maintain their deep red color without the use of any dyes or artificial coloring. Cocktail cherries tend to be softer, juicier, and more flavorful than maraschino cherries, making them ideal for adding to mixed drinks or desserts.
Meanwhile, maraschino cherries tend to be so heavily processed that many people consider them more of an artificial flavor additive than an actual fruit.
