Maraschino Cherry

Those bright red jar cherries are fine for a Shirley Temple, but if you want to impress, spring for Luxardo or Amarena cherries — they’re darker, richer, and actually taste like fruit. A Manhattan and an Old Fashioned both traditionally get a cherry garnish. The modern neon-red maraschino cherry was invented around 1940 when manufacturers started bleaching and dyeing them, which is why they taste more like candy than fruit. Luxardo cherries run about twenty dollars a jar but last a long time since you’re using one or two at a time. Worth every penny.

Last modified on October 15, 2026