Discover Luxardo

The iconic tall green bottle with a red cap and straw hand-plaited around the outside is easy to spot on a shelf at a bar. Luxardo Maraschino Originale is an internationally loved liqueur and staple in countless classic cocktails. Luxardo, where centuries-old tradition meets cutting-edge production methods, is one of the few European spirit companies still owned by the founding family.

A consular representative of the Kingdom of Sardinia, Girolamo Luxardo moved to Zara, Dalmatia (current day Croatia) with his family in 1817. His wife, Maria Canevari, quickly became interested in perfecting the local liqueur “Rosolio Maraschino,” which had been produced since medieval times. In 1821, Girolamo founded the Luxardo distillery and spent 8 years perfecting the recipe. He received “Privilege” from the Emperor of Austria, solidifying the superior quality of the product. Popularity grew both locally and internationally. In 1913, the 3rd generation Michelangelo built a modern distillery to produce even more Maraschino Originale.

At the end of World War I, Zara was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy, quickly becoming one of the most important distilleries. However, WWII severely hampered the industrial industry. Additionally, bombings from 1943 to 1944 almost completely destroyed the city and the distillery. The majority of survivors fled to the Italian peninsula and beyond into exile. While many of the family members did not survive, the remaining family left everything behind and escaped to Italy.

In 1947, Giorgio, the last surviving brother, worked with 5th-generation Nicolò III to rebuild the distillery in Torreglia in the northeastern region of Veneto. The other members of the 5th generation came together after the end of WWII with a strong sense of family belonging. Determined to regain the legacy that was almost lost, the company rose again after the devastation of the previous years.  

Today, three generations are working together to continue Girolamo’s legacy. The 6th generation spearheaded investing in the distillery to remain at the forefront of innovation. The 7th generation has joined the ranks, pushing forward while always remembering who came before them.

The Maraschino Originale produced today still follows the same methods set in place by Girolamo. This unique liqueur comes from marasca cherries, originally only produced in Almissa, south of Spalato. With the re-founding of the distillery, the family needed to expand marasca production to the peninsula. With calcareous deposits that resemble the limestone Alps stretching across southern Dalmatia, the eastern part of the Po Valley is an ideal location for marasca cherries. Giorgio Luxardo, with Professor Morettini from the University of Florence, selected a unique variety of marasca, ideal for producing the iconic Luxardo products. Small in size and rich in juice, “Marasca Luxardo” is now cultivated with oversight from the Luxardo company in orchards across northeastern Italy.

These special cherries are harvested at the beginning of every summer. The cherries, plus some leaves and branches, are placed in an alcoholic solution in larch-wood vats to infuse for up to three years. The infused liquid and solids are distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The heart (the best of distillate) is separated from the heads (harsh, beginning distillate) and tails (more watery, ending distillate). The heart is matured in ash-wood vats. Once aged, the distillate is transformed into liqueur with the addition of simple syrup (water and sugar) until the ABV is lowered to 32%.

Clear in color, Maraschino Originale liqueur is smooth with a sharp finish, with notes of roasted nuts, dark chocolate, vanilla and orange marmalade. Enjoy it in a cocktail, neat after dinner, or even poured over fruit and ice cream. Also explore Luxardo’s other Liqueurs & Distillates, including Sangue Morlacco Cherry Liqueur, Bitter Bianco, Amaro Abano, Amaretto di Saschira and more, plus their delicious Maraschino Cherries.

Content is intended for readers aged 21+ only.