Festive Drunken Maraschino Cherries Recipe
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Drunken Cherries—maraschino cherries soaked in your choice of vodka, bourbon, or champagne, then dipped in creamy white chocolate and coated with colorful red, white, and green sanding sugar. Perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet, boozy treat, these cherries combine the rich flavors of alcohol with a crisp, sweet chocolate coating, adding a decorative and delicious touch to your festivities.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: About 40 cherries
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cherries and Alcohol
- 1 jar red maraschino cherries (with stems)
- 1 jar green maraschino cherries (with stems)
- 2 cups vodka, bourbon, or champagne (your choice)
Chocolate Coating and Decoration
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- Red, white, and green sanding sugar
Instructions
- Soak the cherries: Pour your choice of vodka, bourbon, or champagne over the red and green maraschino cherries in a container. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight to allow the cherries to absorb the alcohol fully.
- Drain and dry: Remove the cherries from the alcohol and drain any excess liquid. Gently pat each cherry dry with a paper towel to ensure they are not wet, which helps the chocolate stick evenly.
- Melt the chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Dip the cherries: Holding each cherry by the stem, dip about two-thirds of the cherry into the melted white chocolate. Twist slightly during dipping to ensure an even coating.
- Coat with sanding sugar: Immediately after dipping, sprinkle or dip the chocolate-covered portion into red, white, or green sanding sugar, coating halfway up for a festive appearance.
- Chill before serving: Arrange the decorated cherries on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate sets firmly. Serve chilled for best taste and presentation.
Notes
- Choose your favorite type of alcohol based on your desired flavor—vodka for a neutral taste, bourbon for warmth and depth, or champagne for a light, bubbly sweetness.
- Make sure cherries are well-drained and fully dried before dipping to prevent the chocolate from sliding off.
- Use a fork or toothpick to hold cherries if preferred, but stems make handling easier for dipping.
- Store leftover drunken cherries in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some edible glitter or use colored chocolate melts.
