Luxardo Maraschino Originale is the original maraschino liqueur — created by Girolamo Luxardo in 1821 and still produced to the same formula, by the same founding family, in the same tradition. Made from Luxardo marasca cherries infused in larch-wood vats for up to three years, then distilled in traditional copper pot stills and matured in ash-wood vats, it delivers a character unlike any other cherry liqueur: crystal clear, smooth yet sharp, with the distinctive roasted nuttiness of marasca cherry distillate and hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, and orange marmalade. The iconic straw-plaited green bottle, still hand-finished within the company, is as recognisable as the liqueur inside it.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Crystal clear — the defining characteristic of a true maraschino, reflecting the purity of the distillation process and the careful separation of the heart from heads and tails in traditional copper pot stills.
Aroma
Complex and distinctive — the characteristic aroma of marasca cherry distillate leads with roasted nuttiness and a subtle floral quality, underpinned by the depth of up to three years of larch-wood infusion. Unlike sweeter cherry liqueurs, Luxardo Maraschino is dry and precise on the nose.
Palate
Smooth yet sharp — a paradox that defines the style. Dark chocolate, vanilla, and orange marmalade emerge with complexity and depth, balanced by the clean, dry precision of the marasca cherry distillate. The 32% ABV gives it presence without heaviness, making it equally compelling neat and as a cocktail ingredient.
Pairs With
An exceptional cocktail ingredient — essential in a classic Aviation, Last Word, Hemingway Daiquiri, or Tuxedo. Equally superb neat or over ice as an after-dinner drink. Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, fresh strawberries, pineapple, and citrus-forward desserts. Also ideal as a flavouring in confectionery and ice cream.
Wine Sellers Direct Verdict
Luxardo Maraschino Originale is not a cherry liqueur in the conventional sense — it is the original, and the category standard against which every alternative is measured. Its strength is the production process: three years of marasca cherry infusion in larch-wood vats, copper pot still distillation, and ash-wood maturation create a depth and complexity that no shortcut production method can replicate. Compared to Maraska Maraschino, Luxardo is more complex and more precisely distilled — the difference between a category original and a capable alternative. This is the bottle we would recommend for any serious home bar, for anyone building a classic cocktail collection, or as a gift for a spirits enthusiast who already has the obvious bottles covered. An exceptional example of Italian liqueur craft that has remained unchanged for over 200 years.
Who Should Drink This?
Luxardo Maraschino Originale is for serious cocktail enthusiasts and home bartenders who want the authentic ingredient — not a substitute. It is essential for anyone making classic cocktails such as the Aviation, Last Word, or Hemingway Daiquiri, and a rewarding after-dinner drink for those who appreciate dry, complex liqueurs over sweet, fruit-forward styles. If you have never tasted a true maraschino, this is the only place to start.
How Should I Serve It?
Serve neat in a small liqueur glass, well chilled, as an after-dinner drink. As a cocktail ingredient, use 15–20mL in classic recipes — Luxardo Maraschino is potent and precise, and a little goes a long way. For a classic Aviation: 45mL gin, 15mL Luxardo Maraschino, 15mL crème de violette, 20mL fresh lemon juice, shaken and served in a chilled coupe. For a Last Word: equal parts gin, Luxardo Maraschino, green Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice.
Why Is Luxardo Famous?
Established in 1821 by Girolamo Luxardo in Zara (now Zadar, Croatia), the House of Luxardo quickly became internationally renowned for its maraschino liqueur — an essential ingredient in the golden age of cocktail culture. In 1913, the third generation heir Michelangelo Luxardo built what was then one of the largest distilleries in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The family survived extraordinary historical disruption and rebuilt their distillery in Torreglia, Italy, where Luxardo Maraschino Originale is still produced today to the same formula created by Girolamo Luxardo over 200 years ago. The straw-plaited bottle, still hand-finished within the company, is a direct reference to the original Zara bottles — where the straw protected the glass during transportation.
Is It Worth Exploring the Range?
Luxardo’s expertise extends well beyond maraschino. Luxardo Limoncello is the natural companion for those who want a citrus expression from the same house, while Luxardo Alkermes is a rare and historically significant Italian liqueur for the genuinely curious.
What’s Similar?
For a direct maraschino comparison, Maraska Maraschino Fruit Liqueur 700mL offers a Croatian-made alternative from the same marasca cherry tradition — slightly sweeter and less complex than Luxardo, but a capable substitute in cocktails. For those drawn to Luxardo’s dry, complex character, Luxardo Limoncello offers a citrus expression of the same Italian craft tradition.
