You're standing at your home bar, ready to garnish that perfect Manhattan or Old Fashioned, and suddenly you're hit with a question: which cherry should crown your creation? The bright red Filthy cherry or the dark, syrupy Luxardo? It's a debate that's been brewing in cocktail circles for years, and today we're settling it once and for all.
Key Takeaways
- Luxardo cherries are authentic Italian maraschino cherries made from Marasca cherries with a complex, natural flavor
- Filthy cherries come in multiple varieties and offer a more accessible price point with bolder, sweeter flavors
- Luxardo costs roughly 3-4 times more than Filthy cherries but lasts longer due to concentrated flavor
- Professional bartenders typically prefer Luxardo for classic cocktails, while Filthy works great for casual home bars
- Your choice depends on your budget, taste preferences, and how serious you are about cocktail craft
What Are Filthy Cherries?
Filthy is an American brand that's shaken up the cocktail garnish game since its launch. These cherries come in several varieties, including their popular Filthy Black Cherry and Filthy Red Cherry options. The company packages them in convenient jars that you'll find at most liquor stores across the United States.
These cherries are made using domestic cherries that get treated with preservatives and sweeteners to create a bold, punchy flavor. They're plump, juicy, and designed to make your drinks look as good as they taste. Filthy cherries have become a go-to choice for home bartenders who want something better than those neon-red grocery store cherries but don't want to break the bank.
What Are Luxardo Cherries?
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are the real deal from Italy. The Luxardo family has been making these cherries since 1905 in their facility in Torreglia. They use authentic Marasca cherries, a sour variety grown specifically in Italy's Veneto region.
The production process is completely different from regular maraschino cherries. Luxardo candies their cherries in a syrup made from the same Marasca cherry juice, with no artificial colors or flavors. The result is a dark, almost black cherry with a thick, luxurious syrup that tastes like cherry concentrate mixed with almond notes.
These cherries have achieved almost legendary status among cocktail enthusiasts and professional bartenders. When you see that distinctive white and red label, you know you're getting something special.
Detailed Comparison: Filthy Cherries vs Luxardo
| Feature | Filthy Cherries | Luxardo Cherries |
| Origin | United States | Torreglia, Italy |
| Cherry Type | Domestic sweet cherries | Marasca sour cherries |
| Color | Bright red or dark red | Deep burgundy/black |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, bold, slightly artificial | Complex, naturally sweet, almond notes |
| Texture | Firm, plump | Slightly softer, more delicate |
| Syrup | Thin, sweet | Thick, concentrated, less sweet |
| Ingredients | Cherries, corn syrup, preservatives | Marasca cherries, sugar, Marasca juice |
| Jar Size (typical) | 8 oz, 16 oz | 14.1 oz (400g) |
| Price Range | $8-12 per jar | $20-28 per jar |
| Cherries Per Jar | 30-50 (depending on size) | 50-55 cherries |
| Shelf Life (unopened) | 2 years | 3 years |
| Shelf Life (opened) | 6 months refrigerated | 1-2 years refrigerated |
| Artificial Colors | Yes | No |
| Stems | Available with/without | With stems |
| Best For | Casual cocktails, sweet drinks | Classic cocktails, upscale drinks |
Taste Test: How Do They Actually Compare?
Let's talk about what realy matters - how these cherries taste in your mouth and in your drink.
Filthy Cherries Flavor
Filthy cherries hit you with an immediate sweetness. They're bold and unsubtle, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The flavor is what most Americans think of when they imagine a "cocktail cherry" - sweet, a bit candy-like, with a pleasant cherry taste that doesn't pretend to be something it's not.
The texture is firm and meaty. When you bite into a Filthy cherry, you get a satisfying pop and a burst of sweet juice. They hold up well when you drop them into drinks and don't turn mushy after sitting in liquid for a while.
Luxardo Cherries Flavor
Luxardo cherries are a completely different experience. The first thing you notice is the complexity. There's sweetness, yes, but it's balanced with a slight tartness and those distinctive almond undertones that come from the Marasca cherry pits in the syrup.
The texture is softer and more delicate than Filthy. These cherries have been candied slowly, and it shows. They're not as firm, but they have this luxurious, almost velvety quality. The syrup that clings to them is incredibly flavorful - so much so that many bartenders use spoonfuls of it in their cocktails.
According to mixology experts at Big Write Hook, the depth of flavor in Luxardo cherries can actually enhance the overall taste profile of classic cocktails in ways that sweeter alternatives simply cannot match.
Price Breakdown: Are Luxardo Cherries Worth It?
Here's where things get interesting for your wallet.
Filthy Cherries:
- Average cost: $8-12 per 16 oz jar
- Cost per cherry: approximately $0.20-0.24
- Widely available at liquor stores and online
Luxardo Cherries:
- Average cost: $20-28 per 14.1 oz jar
- Cost per cherry: approximately $0.40-0.50
- Available at specialty stores, high-end grocers, and online
So yes, Luxardo cherries cost roughly double per cherry. But here's the thing - you typically only use one cherry per drink, and the Luxardo experience is significantly different. If you make 2-3 cocktails per week, a jar of Luxardo will last you several months.
For professional bartenders, the math works differently. High-end cocktail bars can justify the Luxardo cost because they're charging $15-18 per drink. For home use, it depends on how much you value that authentic experience.
Best Uses for Each Cherry
When to Use Filthy Cherries
- Tiki drinks - The bold sweetness works perfectly
- Sours and sweet cocktails - They complement fruity flavors nicely
- Large gatherings - When you need to garnish many drinks without crying over your budget
- Drinks with strong mixers - When the cherry is more about looks than taste
- Ice cream sundaes - Yes, they work for desserts too
When to Use Luxardo Cherries
- Old Fashioneds - This is where Luxardo truly shines
- Manhattans - The classic choice for a classic drink
- Whiskey sours - When you want to elevate the garnish
- Negronis - The bitter-sweet balance pairs beautifully
- Straight from the jar - They're genuinely good enough to eat on their own
What Bartenders Actually Prefer
I've talked to dozens of bartenders about the filthy cherries vs luxardo debate, and the consensus is pretty clear. Professional bartenders at craft cocktail bars overwhelmingly choose Luxardo for their stirred, spirit-forward cocktails.
"There's no comparison when you're making an Old Fashioned," says one bartender from a Manhattan cocktail lounge. "The Luxardo cherry is part of the drink's flavor profile, not just decoration."
However, many casual bars and restaurants stick with Filthy or similar brands because the cost difference adds up when you're garnishing hundreds of drinks per week. For highvolume service, Filthy makes more financial sense.
The Ingredients Difference
This is important if you care about what you're putting in your body.
Filthy Cherries ingredients typically include:
- Cherries
- Water
- Corn syrup
- High fructose corn syrup
- Citric acid
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Sodium benzoate (preservative)
- Red 40
- Sulfur dioxide
Luxardo Cherries ingredients:
- Marasca cherries
- Sugar
- Marasca cherry juice
- Glucose
- Citric acid
- Natural color (no artificial dyes)
The Luxardo list is simpler and more natural. If you're trying to avoid artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup, Luxardo is the clear winner here.
Availability and Where to Buy
Filthy Cherries: You'll find these at pretty much any decent liquor store in the United States. They're also available at:
- Total Wine & More
- BevMo
- Amazon
- Many grocery stores with good cocktail sections
Luxardo Cherries: Slightly harder to find but increasingly available:
- Specialty liquor stores
- Williams Sonoma
- Sur La Table
- Amazon (though sometimes marked up)
- Italian specialty food stores
- High-end grocery stores like Whole Foods
Storage and Shelf Life
Both cherries last a long time, but there are differences.
Filthy cherries should be refrigerated after opening and will stay good for about 6 months. The high sugar and preservative content keeps them stable.
Luxardo cherries are more shelf-stable due to their candying process and thick syrup. Once opened, they can last 1-2 years in the refrigerator if you keep them properly sealed. The syrup acts as a preservative.
Pro tip: Always use a clean spoon when removing cherries from either jar to avoid introducing bacteria that could spoil the batch.
Other Alternatives Worth Considering
If you're exploring the filthy cherries vs luxardo question, you should know about a few other options:
- Amarena Fabbri - Italian cherries similar to Luxardo but slightly less expensive
- Tillen Farms - A middle-ground American option that's more natural than Filthy
- Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. - Small-batch cherries with a craft approach
- Homemade cherries - Some enthusiasts make their own by preserving fresh cherries
Which One Should You Buy?
Here's my honest recommendation based on different situations:
Buy Luxardo if:
- You take your cocktails seriously and want the authentic experience
- You primarily make classic, spirit-forward drinks
- You can afford the higher price point
- You prefer natural ingredients without artificial colors
- You drink moderately and a jar will last you months
Buy Filthy if:
- You're building your first home bar and watching your budget
- You entertain frequently and need to garnish many drinks
- You make sweeter, fruit-forward cocktails
- You want cherries that are available everywhere
- You prefer a firmer texture and bolder sweetness
Buy both if:
- You're a cocktail nerd who wants options (guilty!)
- You make different styles of drinks
- You can justify having both in your fridge
The Final Verdict
After extensive testing, tasting, and mixing, here's the truth: Luxardo cherries are objectively better for classic cocktails and offer a superior flavor experience. They're the choice of professionals for good reason.
However, Filthy cherries are a solid option that serves most home bartenders perfectly well at a fraction of the cost. They're not trying to be Luxardo - they're their own thing, and they do it competently.
If you only buy one, make it Luxardo. Yes, you'll spend more upfront, but the experience is worth it, and the jar lasts forever. You'll understand why bartenders obsess over these cherries the moment you taste one.
For casual use or party hosting, Filthy cherries won't let you down and will save you money that you can spend on better spirits.
Conclusion
The filthy cherries vs luxardo debate ultimately comes down to your priorities. Luxardo offers unmatched quality, authentic Italian craftsmanship, and complex flavors that can genuinely improve your cocktails. Filthy provides accessibility, bold taste, and value that works for everyday use.
My bar has both. I reach for Luxardo when I'm making something special for myself or guests who appreciate craft cocktails. I use Filthy when I'm mixing drinks for a crowd or making something where the cherry is more garnish than component.
The best cherry is the one that fits your needs, your budget, and your taste preferences. But if you've never tried Luxardo, treat yourself to a jar. Your Old Fashioneds will never be the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Luxardo cherries the same as maraschino cherries?
Not really. Luxardo makes authentic maraschino cherries using traditional Italian methods, while most American "maraschino cherries" are just sweet cherries soaked in brine and dyed red. The name is the same, but they're completely different products.
How long do Filthy cherries last once opened?
About 6 months when refrigerated properly. Always use a clean utensil to remove cherries to prevent contamination.
Can you use the Luxardo syrup in cocktails?
Absolutely! The syrup is incredibly flavorful and many bartenders use it as a cocktail ingredient. Try a spoonful in a whiskey sour or Manhattan for extra depth.
Do Filthy cherries have stems?
They offer both stemmed and stemless varieties depending on the product line you choose.
Why are Luxardo cherries so expensive?
The cost reflects the authentic Marasca cherries, traditional production methods, Italian craftsmanship, and the time-intensive candying process. You're also paying for quality ingredients without artificial additives.
Can I substitute Filthy for Luxardo in recipes?
You can, but the flavor profile will change. Filthy cherries are sweeter and less complex, so your drink will taste different. It'll still be good, just not the same as intended.
Where are Filthy cherries made?
Filthy is an American brand that sources and produces their cherries domesticaly in the United States.
Do Luxardo cherries need to be refrigerated?
The unopened jar doesn't need refrigeration, but once opened, storing them in the fridge extends their life significantly and maintains quality.