Drunken Cherries are alcohol-infused maraschino cherries dipped in chocolate. Serve them as a sweet treat or use them as a boozy garnish for cocktails.
Try rum-filled boozy hot chocolate bombs for another fun adult treat.
Table of contents
- Ingredients
- How To Make Drunken Cherries
- Tips for Melting Chocolate
- Recipe FAQs
- Do I Have To Use Shortening For Chocolate
- Want More Sweet Recipes
- Have you ever tried drunken cherries?
This drunken cherry recipe is incredibly simple and easy to scale. Make a small batch for a party or a larger batch for gifting. They also make a fun adult Valentine’s treat.
Ingredients
- Maraschino cherries (with stems)
- Alcohol of your choice (vodka, bourbon, rum, tequila, etc.)
- Chocolate (chips or melting chocolate)
- Shortening (optional, to help chocolate set)
Vodka-soaked cherries are a favorite, but choose whichever alcohol flavor you prefer.
How To Make Drunken Cherries
- Drain the jar of maraschino cherries and transfer the cherries to a clean jar with a lid.
- Pour alcohol over the cherries until they are covered, seal the jar, and let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for stronger flavor.
- Remove the cherries from the alcohol and pat them dry on a towel so the chocolate will adhere.
- Melt chocolate (with shortening if desired), dip each cherry, and place on parchment to set. Add sprinkles if you like.
Tips for Melting Chocolate
- Add about 1 teaspoon of shortening per cup of chocolate to help the coating set quickly; dipped cherries will dry in minutes.
- Almond bark or candy melts are a convenient alternative to chocolate chips.
- You can temper chocolate instead of using shortening if you prefer a glossy, snap finish.
- Melt chocolate gently in the microwave in short bursts or use a double boiler on the stove to avoid burning.
Recipe FAQs
Use bourbon, vodka, rum, tequila, or any spirit you enjoy. Each alcohol imparts a different flavor—vanilla-infused vodka, for example, pairs nicely with chocolate. Choose based on your taste or what you have on hand.
Soak for a few hours up to overnight. Four hours produces a mild infusion; overnight yields a stronger boozy flavor. Adjust to taste.
Yes—you can use white, milk, or dark chocolate. Combining two types (dip in one and drizzle with another) creates an attractive, flavorful finish.
Do I Have To Use Shortening For Chocolate
No—shortening is optional. It helps chocolate set faster and gives a smoother finish, but you can temper the chocolate or freeze the dipped cherries briefly to speed setting without shortening.
Want More Sweet Recipes
- Instant Pot Peanut Butter Cheesecake — rich and indulgent.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls — no-bake peanut butter filling dipped in chocolate.
- Cookie Butter Muddy Buddies — crunchy, sweet, and full of flavor.
Drunken Cherries
Ingredients
- 24 maraschino cherries with stems
- 2 cups chocolate chips milk, white, or semi-sweet
- 1 cup bourbon (or vodka, rum, tequila)
- 1 teaspoon shortening
- sprinkles optional
Instructions
-
Remove cherries from their syrup and transfer them to a jar with a lid.
-
Pour in the alcohol and seal the jar. Soak for 4 hours to overnight; longer yields a stronger flavor.
-
Remove cherries from the alcohol and pat dry on a towel so chocolate will stick.
-
Melt chocolate with shortening if using (microwave or double boiler). Dip cherries and set on parchment to dry. Add sprinkles if desired.
Video
Notes
Temper chocolate instead of using shortening for a professional finish.
Almond bark is an easy alternative to chocolate chips.
Store leftover cherries in the refrigerator until serving.
Make as few or as many as you like—this recipe is easily scalable.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
Nutrition
Calories: 219 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 9 g
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