Step into the rich history of Luxardo, a renowned Italian distillery known for its centuries-old tradition of crafting exceptional liqueurs and spirits. From its humble beginnings in the early 19th century to becoming a global symbol of quality and taste, Luxardo’s journey is a testament to enduring family values, resilience, and innovation. Explore the timeline below to trace Luxardo’s evolution, from the foundation of its distillery in 1821 to its reestablishment in Italy after the turmoil of World War II. Discover how Luxardo’s products have become staples in the world of mixology, adding a touch of elegance to cocktails worldwide.
1817: Girolamo Luxardo moves to Zara (modern-day Croatia) with his wife Maria Canaveri. Maria works on perfecting “Rosolio Maraschino,” a traditional Dalmatian liqueur.
1821: Girolamo establishes his distillery to produce his wife’s Maraschino liqueur recipe.
1829: After eight years of research, Girolamo perfects the Maraschino liqueur recipe, which is still in use today. The recipe receives an exclusive “Privilege” from the Emperor of Austria, a recognition of its superior quality.
1840: Luxardo products began exporting across continents, including the United States.
1868: The Manhattan cocktail is invented, and Luxardo Maraschino Cherry syrup becomes an ingredient in this classic drink.
1870s: Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur can be found in the earliest recipes for the first generation of cocktails, including the Corpse Reviver (1871) and the Martinez (1887). Luxardo further builds its name among bartenders across continents with other products that the Luxardo family began producing soon after its founding, such as the Cherry Liqueur “Sangue Morlacco,” the Original Maraschino Cherries, Limoncello, and many others.
1905: Luxardo launches the Originale Maraschino Cherries in syrup, raising the bar on cocktail garnishes forever
1912: Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur is served aboard the Titanic during its ill-fated voyage.
1913: Michelangelo Luxardo, from the third generation, builds a modern distillery in Zara, one of the largest in the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the time.
1918: After World War I, Zara was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy, and Luxardo became the most important distillery in the country.
1934: Ernest Hemingway frequents La Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba, creating the Hemingway Daiquiri with Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur.
1936: Luxardo London Dry Gin is launched.
1943: The beginning of World War II led to the destruction of Zara and the Luxardo distillery.
1944: German troops withdraw from Dalmatia, and many Italians, including members of the Luxardo family, flee into exile or are killed by Yugoslavian occupiers.
1947: Giorgio Luxardo and his nephew, Nicoló Luxardo III, rebuilt the distillery in Torreglia, Italy, after World War II.
1950s: Luxardo, with the help of the fifth generation, makes a comeback in the post-WWII years, reestablishing relationships with agents and distributors worldwide.
2015: Luxardo now supplies to over 80 countries, including its newest customer in India – Chenab Impex Private Limited, who began purchasing the Original Maraschino Cherries.
2022: Luxardo USA launches a line of ready-to-drink sparkling canned cocktails, introducing a new era of conviviality.