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Add These 7 Cocktail Cherries To Your Bar

Whether you are an expert bartender or a novice making cocktails for your friends, choosing cherries to stock your bar is no joke. 

Fresh summer cocktail with cherry and ice cubes

Mini drinks like a Manhattan require cocktail cherries, and other beverages can benefit from the aesthetically pleasing and tasty addition. 

Usually, cocktail cherries are sweet. Some can be infused with liquor during preservation. Some bartenders keep both alcohol-infused cherries and nonalcoholic cocktail cherries and will use both depending on the cocktail.

Read on to learn about our choices for the best cocktail cherries on the market.


Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries

Luxardo is a brand well known by bartenders.

In addition to their original maraschino cherries, Luxardo also bottles and sells a maraschino cherry liqueur, which is traditionally used and the classic cocktail, Hemingway daiquiri. 

The original maraschino cherries are sold in a can with a distinctive yellow label with red writing.

The syrup that the cherries are stored in is completely natural and is also great to add to cocktails. The original maraschino cherries are gluten-free, vegan, and kosher.

Visit the luxardo website for more information about types of cocktails to make using the original maraschino cherries. 


Fabbri Amarena Cherries

Fabbri Amarena Cherries are wild cherries stored in syrup.

The company was founded in 1905 and these Armenian cherries were some of the first products sold.

The cherries arrive in a distinctive and beautiful blue and white jar. The idea to store cherries and syrup and sell the product to customers came from the wife of the company’s founder. 

Fabbri Amarena Cherries have rave reviews from bartenders and chefs alike.

In addition to using these cherries and your favorite cocktail, you can add some to the top of Greek yogurt or on top of buttermilk pancakes.

These cherries have an intense flavor so use them sparingly if it’s your first time adding them to a cocktail.


Traverse City Whiskey Co. Premium Cocktail Cherries

The sweetness of cocktail cherries pears perfectly with the smokiness of a good bourbon so it’s no wonder that the Traverse City Whiskey company developed their own premium cocktail cherries.

The cherries are packaged in a glass jar with a cream colored label with big, red lettering that is easy to identify. These premium cocktail Cherries are a must-have in any home bar. 

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The company uses Michigan cherries that are slow cooked and then candied before being jarred for sale.

Each jar is about $18 and the Traverse City Whiskey Company notes that adding a single cherry to a pour of their bourbon is a perfect pairing and delicious drink. 


Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries are made from all natural ingredients and are soaked in Woodford reserve bourbon.

The cherries taste sweet and the bourbon add a bit of oak flavor to the fruit. A jar of the bourbon cherries cost about $18 and can be found at most liquor stores. 

Woodford Reserve recommends that you use one of their bourbon cherries in a Rye Manhattan.

Another classic cocktail that uses their bourbon cherries is the Sazerac, a blend of whiskey and bitters.

The sazerac was popularized in New Orleans. These cherries are a unique and alcoholic addition to any cocktail you may aim to create at your bar at home. 


Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Bourbon Cocktail Cherries

Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Bourbon Cocktail Cherries provide expert level cocktail creation from the comfort of your own home. 

The Cherries range in price from about $18 to $24 dollars. The bourbon cocktail cherries are preserved in their own syrup which is also good for cocktail making. 

Jack Rudy’s signature cocktail for the bourbon Cherries is the Kentucky Cousin, made by incorporating mint leaves, lemon slices, Jack Rudy Bourbon Cocktail Cherries, 2oz bourbon, lemon juice, and Jack Rudy Sweet Tea Syrup.

The Jack Rudy bourbon cherries are a perfect addition to any creative cocktail. 


Distilleries Peureux Griottines Cherries

Distilleries Peureux Griottines Cherries are sold in a glass jar.

The liquor distillery was founded in 1846, and shortly after the manufacturers saw a need for cocktail Cherries.

The jar contains wild Morello cherries soaked in liqueur and Kirsch brandy. These world famous Cherries are marinated for at least six months before sell, so the taste is sweet and potent. 

Because these cherries are soaked in Brandy it makes them the perfect addition to any red sangria.

Ref sangria usually includes red wine, brandy, fruit, and a bit of orange juice. The Cherries are also a great addition to any cheeseboard because they pair well with goat cheese and pears.

Any creative cocktail would benefit from the addition of Distilleries Peureux Griottines Cherries. 

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Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries

The Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries are an easily accessible option for an at home cocktail bar.

The blue topped jar is identifiable in most grocery stores across the country. The Cherries retain long stems, which is a fun and interactive addition to a cocktail.

Many people use these cherries in an Old Fashioned or even in a Bloody Mary. Most reviewers give these cherries five stars!

Some people even add Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries to holiday gift baskets or stockings since adding one of these tasty cherries to a cocktail increased holiday cheer! These cherries are delicious! 


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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