Go Back

Boozy Cherry Bombs

Boozy cherry bombs are alcohol-soaked cherries chilled for 24–48 hours, resulting in deep jewel-toned flavor and syrupy glaze. Skewer-ready party cherries are dusted with sugar for a sweet finish and served as a no-cook appetizer bite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
soaking 1 day
Total Time 1 day 15 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Boozy Cherry Base
  • 24 maraschino or fresh dark cherries with stems Use maraschino cherries for convenience or pit fresh dark cherries while keeping the stems intact.
  • 1 cup bourbon, amaretto, or dark rum Choose one spirit for a consistent soak.
  • 0.5 cup cherry juice or grenadine Use the same option throughout for consistent sweetness and color.
  • 2 tbsp sugar Stirs into the alcohol mixture to dissolve.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds aroma to the syrup.
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar for dusting (optional) Optional sugar dust for a sparkling, sweet finish.
  • 24 cocktail picks for serving Threaded with the soaked cherries for easy bites.

Method
 

Prep and soak
  1. Drain maraschino cherries or pit fresh cherries while keeping the stems intact.
  2. In a jar, combine bourbon, cherry juice (or grenadine), sugar, and vanilla extract, then stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the cherries to the jar and ensure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
  4. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, noting that 48 hours gives the best flavor.
Serve
  1. Remove the cherries with a slotted spoon, then roll lightly in granulated sugar if desired.
  2. Thread the cherries onto cocktail picks and serve, keeping the glossy syrup coating visible.

Notes

For the richest color and flavor, fully submerge the cherries and use the same spirit option (bourbon, amaretto, or dark rum) all the way through. Refrigerate in a sealed jar up to 3–4 days. Freezing is not recommended because the cherries soften after thawing. If you want a lower-alcohol version, use a cherry-flavored syrup replacement and reduce the soaking time, then follow the same serving method.