Luxardo is one of Italy’s most enduring family-owned spirits houses, a name inseparable from the history of maraschino liqueur and the broader tradition of refined European distillation. Founded in 1821 and still operated by descendants of the original family, the company represents a rare continuity in the drinks world - nearly two centuries of craftsmanship shaped by migration, resilience, and unwavering dedication to quality.
The story begins in the early nineteenth century on the Dalmatian coast, then part of the Venetian sphere of influence, where the Luxardo family perfected a style of maraschino made from local sour cherries and their crushed pits. Unlike brightly colored, syrupy imitations that later appeared elsewhere, authentic maraschino was clear, aromatic, and subtly bitter-sweet, valued across European courts for its elegance and digestive qualities. Even after geopolitical upheaval forced the family to relocate to northern Italy following the Second World War, production resumed with the same meticulous methods, preserving both recipe and reputation.
Today, Luxardo’s identity extends beyond maraschino alone, encompassing a wide portfolio of traditional Italian liqueurs, aperitivi, and specialty ingredients. Yet the original spirit remains central to its cultural significance. Distillation of cherries, slow infusion, and careful aging create a profile defined by delicate almond nuance, floral lift, and restrained sweetness - qualities that have made Luxardo maraschino indispensable in classic cocktails such as the Aviation or the Last Word. Equally iconic are the company’s preserved cherries, produced from the same fruit variety and prized worldwide for their deep flavor and natural texture.
