Luxardo cherries do contain alcohol. Luxardo cherries, also known as Maraschino cherries, are made by the Luxardo company in Italy. These cherries are traditionally used to make Luxardo’s famous Maraschino liqueur, which is made from the distillation of Marasca cherries.
The cherries used in Luxardo’s Maraschino liqueur are preserved in a jar with 50% candied cherries and 50% syrup. The syrup is made from the cherry juice and sugar, and it also contains a small amount of alcohol. The alcohol content in Luxardo cherries is typically around 15-20%.
It’s important to note that the alcohol in Luxardo cherries is not very strong, as the cherries are preserved in a syrup rather than a high-proof spirit. However, the alcohol is still present, and consuming a large quantity of the cherries could have an effect.
Luxardo cherries are known for their rich, sweet flavor and firm texture. They are often used as a garnish in cocktails, particularly in classic drinks like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. The addition of Luxardo cherries adds a touch of elegance and enhances the overall taste of the cocktail.
I personally enjoy using Luxardo cherries in my cocktails, as they provide a burst of flavor and a delightful sweetness. The combination of the cherries and the syrup adds a unique depth to the drink, and the cherries themselves are a delicious treat to enjoy on their own.
Luxardo cherries do contain alcohol, as they are preserved in a syrup made from the cherry juice and sugar. However, the alcohol content is relatively low, and the cherries are typically used as a garnish in cocktails rather than consumed in large quantities.