Luxardo cherries have an iconic status in the world of fine dining and craft cocktails. These small, dark, and delicious cherries soak in a signature syrup that imparts their distinct taste. But what exactly is this syrup? In this detailed guide, we’ll uncover the magic behind these cherries, discuss their ingredients, explore how to make them, and even teach you how to recreate them at home. We’ll also look at the different ways you can use them in both food and drink.
Introduction to Luxardo Cherries
What Are Luxardo Cherries?
Luxardo cherries are a type of candied cherry, soaked in a sweet and flavorful syrup derived from marasca cherries. Originally crafted in Italy by the Luxardo family in 1821, they have become the gold standard for cherries used in gourmet cocktails and desserts. Unlike typical store-bought maraschino cherries, which often contain artificial dyes and high fructose corn syrup, Luxardo cherries use all-natural ingredients, providing a richer and more authentic flavor.
People prize these cherries for their deep ruby color and the complex interplay of sweet and sour notes. They add not only a burst of flavor but also an element of luxury to any dish or drink. A key part of their appeal lies in their texture, which is firm yet tender, ensuring that they hold their shape even when garnishing a drink or dessert.
Why Luxardo cherries Are They So Popular?
One reason for the popularity of Luxardo cherries is their versatility. Bartenders love using them as garnishes in cocktails, while chefs enjoy incorporating them into gourmet desserts. Their flavor is far more refined than the bright red maraschino cherries you may be familiar with. These cherries also align with today’s trend of using high-quality, natural ingredients, free from synthetic additives.
Luxardo cherries are often described as having a nuanced sweetness. That’s because they retain some of the tart characteristics of the original fruit. For anyone who appreciates culinary craftsmanship, the intricate flavor profile of Luxardo cherries makes them a must-have item in the kitchen or behind the bar.
The Key Ingredient: Marasca Cherry Syrup
Marasca Cherries: The Core of Luxardo Flavor
Luxardo cherries soak in syrup made from marasca cherries, a small, sour variety indigenous to Croatia and the northern regions of Italy. This cherry variety plays a key role in giving Luxardo cherries their distinctive flavor. The intense taste of marasca cherries combines sourness and sweetness, creating the perfect balance for crafting Luxardo cherries.
You won’t typically find these cherries in local grocery stores. Since marasca cherries thrive in the Mediterranean climate, their cultivation remains somewhat limited, which adds to the exclusivity and allure of products made from them. If you’re interested in exploring different types of cherries and their culinary uses, a comprehensive guide on cherry varieties and their uses provides detailed insights.
Luxardo’s Signature Syrup
What exactly makes the syrup that Luxardo cherries soak in so special? It’s more than just a simple sugar syrup. The recipe blends high-quality sugar, water, and marasca cherry juice into a carefully crafted mixture. Luxardo’s proprietary recipe stands out due to the harmonious combination of sweet and slightly bitter tones.
The sugar used in the syrup is not just a sweetener; it plays a vital role in the preservation of the cherries. It allows them to maintain their firm texture and vibrant color over time. Furthermore, the marasca cherry juice gives the syrup a rich, deep flavor that enhances the natural taste of the cherries themselves.
Natural flavorings are also part of the syrup’s recipe. Luxardo is known for closely guarding the specifics of these ingredients, but we do know that they contribute to the syrup’s depth and complexity. The lack of artificial preservatives and colorings sets Luxardo cherries apart from other candied cherries on the market.
The Role of Alcohol in the Soaking Process
There’s often confusion about whether Luxardo cherries are soaked in alcohol. While the Luxardo family is also known for producing maraschino liqueur, their cherries are not actually soaked in alcohol. The syrup is alcohol-free, making Luxardo cherries suitable for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
That said, their flavor profile complements cocktails that feature alcohol, particularly whiskey-based drinks. For more information on the preservation of cherries and how sugar plays a role in keeping them fresh, you can refer to this detailed explanation of sugar’s role in preservation.
How Are Luxardo Cherries Made?
The Harvesting of Marasca Cherries
Making Luxardo cherries starts with carefully harvesting marasca cherries. Workers pick these cherries at peak ripeness, usually during the summer months, ensuring the fruit remains intact for processing.
Since marasca cherries have a distinct flavor profile, only cherries grown in specific regions with particular climate conditions are suitable for Luxardo cherry production. These geographical limitations contribute to the premium price associated with Luxardo products.
Processing the Cherries
After harvesting, the cherries go through an extensive cleaning and sorting process. Only the highest quality cherries are selected for production. They are washed to remove impurities and then pitted. Careful pitting ensures that the flesh stays intact, maintaining the fruit’s texture throughout the soaking process.
Creating the Syrup
Once the cherries are prepared, the next step is making the syrup. Luxardo creates this syrup by dissolving sugar in water and adding freshly extracted marasca cherry juice. No artificial flavors are introduced, maintaining the authenticity of the product. The mixture is then simmered until it reaches the ideal consistency.
In addition to sugar and cherry juice, Luxardo enhances the syrup with natural flavorings to create a more complex taste. After cooling, the syrup is ready for soaking the cherries. The Luxardo cherries recipe – step-by-step guide for beginners offers more details on recreating this process at home.
Soaking the Cherries
The cherries soak in the syrup for several weeks, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors. This slow soaking process ensures that each cherry becomes infused with the sweet and slightly tart flavor that defines Luxardo cherries. The result is a firm yet tender cherry that bursts with flavor in every bite.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients of Luxardo cherries
Marasca Cherries
Marasca cherries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Not only are these cherries tasty, but they also have potential health benefits. Studies have shown that cherries contain high levels of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. For more information on the nutritional benefits of cherries, Harvard’s article on the health benefits of cherries provides an excellent resource.
Sugar
The sugar used in Luxardo cherries plays a vital role in preserving the fruit and enhancing its flavor. Unlike many mass-produced candied cherries, which rely on high fructose corn syrup, Luxardo cherries use high-quality, natural sugar. This not only improves the taste but also ensures that the cherries retain their texture and vibrant color over time.
Sugar acts as a preservative by creating an environment that prevents the growth of bacteria. This means that the cherries can be stored for longer periods without spoiling. The syrup in which the cherries are soaked serves a dual purpose: flavor enhancement and preservation.
Natural Flavorings
Luxardo’s use of natural flavorings helps to elevate the taste of their cherries without overpowering the natural flavor of the marasca cherries. These flavorings are kept secret, but their role is crucial in adding depth and subtlety to the syrup. They enhance the cherry flavor while preventing the sweetness from becoming too overwhelming.
Homemade Luxardo Cherries: Can You Replicate the Process?
DIY Luxardo Cherry Recipe
If you’re a fan of Luxardo cherries and want to try making them at home, you’re in luck. While you may not be able to replicate Luxardo’s exact recipe, you can create a homemade version that comes close in taste and quality. The recipe below outlines a simple method for making Luxardo cherries using ingredients that are easy to find.
Ingredients Needed
To make homemade Luxardo cherries, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh cherries (marasca if available)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup maraschino liqueur (optional for an added kick)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional for flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Start by thoroughly washing and pitting the cherries. A cherry pitter or a small knife can be used for this task. The aim is to remove the pit without damaging the flesh of the fruit.
Step 2: Make the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, mix together the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally as you bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring that the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
At this point, you can incorporate maraschino liqueur or vanilla if desired. Lower the heat and let the syrup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully blend.
Step 4: Soak the Cherries
Once the syrup is ready, transfer the cherries to a jar and carefully pour the hot syrup over them. Make sure to seal the jar tightly. The cherries should soak for at least a week, though longer soaking will result in a deeper flavor.
Step 5: Store the Cherries
Finally, store the cherries in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a month. Enjoy them in cocktails, desserts, or as a sweet treat on their own.
How to Use Luxardo Cherries
Classic Cocktails with Luxardo Cherries
Luxardo cherries are a staple in many classic cocktails. Their rich, sweet flavor pairs perfectly with strong spirits like whiskey and bourbon. Here are a few iconic cocktails that wouldn’t be complete without a Luxardo cherry garnish:
- Old Fashioned: This whiskey-based cocktail gains depth from the sweetness of Luxardo cherries, which balance the bitterness of the bitters and the strength of the whiskey.
- Manhattan: In a Manhattan, a Luxardo cherry serves as the perfect finishing touch, adding a burst of flavor to the drink.
- Whiskey Sour: The tartness of the whiskey sour is beautifully offset by the rich syrup of a Luxardo cherry.
Dessert Ideas Featuring Luxardo Cherries
Luxardo cherries aren’t just for cocktails. They can also add a touch of sophistication to a variety of desserts:
- Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle the syrup and a few Luxardo cherries over vanilla ice cream for a quick, indulgent dessert.
- Cheesecake Garnish: Add a few Luxardo cherries on top of a cheesecake to give it a pop of flavor and color.
- Cherry Crisp: Use Luxardo cherries as a substitute for regular cherries in a cherry crisp. The syrup adds extra flavor and sweetness to the dessert. You can find a detailed recipe for cherry crisp here: cherry crisp recipe – how to make it with fresh cherries.
Creative Culinary Uses
Beyond desserts and cocktails, Luxardo cherries can be used in more unexpected ways:
- Savory Dishes: Try incorporating Luxardo cherries into savory dishes like roasted meats or charcuterie boards. Their sweetness contrasts nicely with the richness of meat or cheese.
- Pairing with Wine: Serve Luxardo cherries with a cheese plate and a glass of red wine for an elegant appetizer or dessert course.
Nutritional Information and Health Considerations
Nutritional Content of Luxardo Cherries
Each Luxardo cherry is relatively low in calories but contains a high amount of sugar due to the syrup. One or two cherries used in a cocktail or dessert is unlikely to impact your diet significantly. However, consuming large quantities should be done in moderation, especially if you are watching your sugar intake.
Are Luxardo Cherries Healthy?
Cherries provide several health benefits due to their richness in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, since Luxardo cherries soak in syrup, they contain added sugar. You can still enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, but it’s important to consume them in moderation.
Where to Buy Luxardo Cherries
Popular Retailers
You can find Luxardo cherries in many high-end grocery stores or specialty food shops. They are also available online through retailers like Amazon, making them easily accessible to most people. Given their popularity, many liquor stores also stock them alongside cocktail ingredients.
How Much Do They Cost?
Luxardo cherries are considered a premium product, and their price reflects that. A standard jar typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on where you purchase them. The price is higher than regular maraschino cherries, but most people find the quality and taste worth the extra cost.
Conclusion: The Magic of Luxardo Cherries
In summary, what are Luxardo cherries soaked in? The answer lies in their unique, all-natural marasca cherry syrup. Luxardo uses the juice of marasca cherries, high-quality sugar, and natural flavorings to create a syrup that sets these cherries apart from ordinary candied varieties. Over several weeks, the cherries absorb the rich, sweet, and slightly tart syrup, transforming into a luxurious treat perfect for cocktails and desserts.
Knowing what Luxardo cherries are soaked in helps explain their complex and sophisticated flavor. The syrup enhances the cherries’ natural taste, making them an ideal garnish for classic drinks like the Old Fashioned or a decadent addition to desserts. Whether you add them to your favorite cocktail or enjoy them on their own, Luxardo cherries bring indulgence to any dish.
Understanding what Luxardo cherries are soaked in also sheds light on their higher price. The marasca cherries, time-intensive soaking process, and natural ingredients combine to create a high-quality, gourmet product. Luxardo cherries offer a flavor and texture that far surpass typical maraschino cherries, making them worth the investment.
By knowing what Luxardo cherries are soaked in, you can truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind these luxurious cherries. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a dessert lover, these cherries can elevate your culinary creations to an entirely new level.