Irresistible Boozy Cherry Bombs: Your Go-To Recipe for Spiked Holiday & Party Treats

Looking for a surefire way to elevate your next holiday gathering or party? These vibrantly festive and incredibly delicious Boozy Cherry Bombs are the ultimate adult treat that promises to be a showstopper! Perfect for Fourth of July, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any celebration in between, these spiked cherries, coated in luscious white chocolate and dazzling sprinkles, are both a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Imagine sweet maraschino cherries infused with a delightful blend of vodka and the warm, spicy kick of Fireball Cinnamon whiskey, then enrobed in a crisp layer of white chocolate and adorned with festive sprinkles. Whether you choose patriotic red, white, and blue for summer holidays, vibrant green for Christmas, or glittering gold for New Year’s, these Boozy Cherry Bombs are guaranteed to be the first to disappear from the dessert table. They’re surprisingly easy to make and offer a unique twist on traditional party snacks, leaving your guests impressed and craving more.

Essential Ingredients Needed for Your Boozy Cherry Bombs

Crafting these delectable Boozy Cherry Bombs requires a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that come together to create this unforgettable treat:

• Maraschino Cherries: The star of our show! A 10 oz. jar of bright red maraschino cherries provides the sweet, juicy base. Ensure they are well-drained before soaking to allow for maximum liquor absorption.
• Vodka: A shot of your favorite vodka will kickstart the boozy infusion, adding a smooth alcoholic warmth without overpowering the cherry flavor. You can use plain vodka or experiment with a vanilla or cherry-flavored vodka for an extra layer of taste.
• Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey: This is where the “bomb” gets its unique spice and depth. Fireball’s distinct cinnamon heat perfectly complements the sweetness of the cherries and provides that signature “cherry bomb” zing. It truly sets this recipe apart.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a hint of vanilla extract helps to round out the flavors, adding a subtle warmth and sweetness that enhances both the cherry and cinnamon notes. Don’t skip this small but impactful addition!
• White Chocolate: For the delicious coating, you’ll need about 2 oz. of baking white chocolate. You can use a bar, white chocolate chips, or white melting wafers. Opt for good quality chocolate for the best melting consistency and flavor. The recipe also notes dairy-free or vegan options, which is great for accommodating dietary needs.
• Almond Milk (Optional): If your melted white chocolate is too thick for dipping, a teaspoon of almond milk can help achieve a smoother, thinner consistency, making it easier to coat the cherries evenly.
• Sugar Sprinkles: These provide the festive flair and a pleasant textural contrast. Blue sugar sprinkles are perfect for patriotic holidays, while green sprinkles are ideal for Christmas. Feel free to get creative with other colors to match any party theme!

Together, these ingredients combine to create a sweet, boozy, and slightly spicy treat that your guests will absolutely rave about!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft Your Own Boozy Cherry Bombs

Making these boozy delights is a straightforward process, but following these detailed steps will ensure perfect results every time. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!

• STEP 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Prepare the Cherries
  Start by collecting all the necessary ingredients on your workspace. Open the jar of maraschino cherries and carefully pour off half of the cherry juice. Don’t discard this liquid! It’s a valuable component for a future Boozy Shirley Temple, as detailed in our tips section. Draining some of the juice ensures there’s enough room in the jar for the liquor mixture and helps the cherries absorb more of the alcohol.
• STEP 2: Infuse the Cherries with Booze
  Pour the cherries and the remaining half of their juice into a clean bowl or back into the jar if it’s large enough. Now, add one shot of vodka, one shot of Fireball Cinnamon whiskey, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cherries. Stir gently to ensure all cherries are submerged and coated in the mixture. Cover the bowl or jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This prolonged soaking time is crucial for the cherries to fully absorb the boozy flavors, making them truly “bombs.”
• STEP 3: Prepare Cherries for Dipping
  After soaking, carefully remove the cherries from the liquid. Again, save this flavorful liquid for a Boozy Shirley Temple! Lay the soaked cherries out on a plate lined with paper towels. Gently pat each cherry dry. This step is extremely important; any residual moisture on the cherries will prevent the white chocolate from adhering properly and can cause it to seize.
• STEP 4: Melt the White Chocolate
  Now it’s time to prepare the chocolate coating. The best method for melting white chocolate is a double boiler to ensure even heating and prevent burning. If you don’t have a traditional double boiler, you can create one by placing a heat-proof bowl (with the chocolate inside) over a small saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir continuously until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in 15-second intervals and stirring thoroughly after each interval, but be extra cautious as white chocolate can burn easily. If the melted chocolate appears too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon of almond milk until it reaches a smooth, dip-able consistency.
• STEP 5: Dip and Decorate Your Cherry Bombs
  Once your cherries are dry and your white chocolate is perfectly melted, it’s dipping time! Using a toothpick or a small fork, pick up one cherry at a time and dip it into the melted white chocolate, swirling to coat it evenly. Let any excess chocolate drip off. Immediately after dipping, swirl or roll the chocolate-coated cherry in your chosen colored sprinkles. Ensure a good, even coating for maximum visual appeal.
• STEP 6: Chill and Serve
  Place each finished Boozy Cherry Bomb on a plate lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Once all cherries are dipped and decorated, refrigerate them for at least an hour, or until the white chocolate has fully set and hardened. This chilling process ensures a firm coating and the best possible texture. Serve chilled and remember to enjoy responsibly, as these are definitely not suitable for children!

Pro Tips for Achieving Perfect Boozy Cherry Bombs Every Time

While the recipe is simple, a few expert tips can elevate your Boozy Cherry Bombs from good to absolutely phenomenal:

• Don’t Rush the Soak: The longer the cherries soak (within reason, up to 24 hours), the more infused they will become. Overnight is ideal for maximum flavor penetration.
• Thoroughly Dry the Cherries: This cannot be stressed enough! Water and melted chocolate are enemies. Ensure your cherries are completely dry before dipping, or your chocolate will seize and become lumpy.
• Temper Your Chocolate Carefully: Melting white chocolate can be tricky. Using a double boiler provides gentle, even heat, significantly reducing the risk of burning or seizing. If using a microwave, use low power and stir frequently.
• Keep Chocolate Warm While Dipping: As you dip, your chocolate may start to cool and thicken. If this happens, briefly place it back over the double boiler or microwave for a few seconds to restore its smooth consistency.
• Experiment with Sprinkles and Toppings: While sugar sprinkles are classic, consider other decorative options. Finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of contrasting chocolate (like dark chocolate) can add extra flavor and visual interest.
• Use a Toothpick or Small Skewer: For easy handling and minimal mess during dipping and sprinkling, insert a toothpick into the stem-end of each cherry before you start.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: As noted in the ingredients, choose a dairy-free white chocolate and use almond milk (or another plant-based milk) if thinning is needed, to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

How to Serve Your Boozy Cherry Bombs:

Presentation is key for these eye-catching treats! Arrange your Boozy Cherry Bombs artfully on a platter. You can serve them in mini cupcake liners for easy grabbing, or simply on a festive plate. They make a fantastic addition to any dessert bar, cocktail party spread, or holiday potluck. For an extra touch, you could even serve them alongside the Boozy Shirley Temple made from the leftover soaking liquid.

Storing Your Boozy Cherry Bombs:

These cherry bombs are best enjoyed chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The chocolate coating will keep them fresh, and the flavors will continue to meld beautifully. They are not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the cherries and chocolate may change upon thawing.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions to Try

While the original recipe is fantastic, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are a few ideas to customize your Boozy Cherry Bombs:

• Different Liquors: Instead of vodka and Fireball, try rum for a sweeter, warmer profile, or bourbon for a deeper, more robust flavor. Flavored vodkas (like cherry, vanilla, or even whipped cream vodka) could also be interesting.
• Chocolate Alternatives: If white chocolate isn’t your preference, dark chocolate or milk chocolate would also work wonderfully. The contrast with the sweet cherry and spicy Fireball would be delicious.
• Other Toppings: Beyond sprinkles, consider finely crushed cookies (like graham crackers or Oreos), shredded coconut, or even a dusting of cocoa powder for a sophisticated finish.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: To make these kid-friendly (minus the “bomb” part!), soak the cherries in a mix of cherry juice and a little cherry or vanilla syrup. Then proceed with the chocolate and sprinkle coating. It’s a fun, alcohol-free treat everyone can enjoy!

Looking for More Irresistible Party Recipes?

If you loved these Boozy Cherry Bombs, you’re in for a treat! Discover more crowd-pleasing recipes to make your gatherings unforgettable. From savory party meatballs that are packed with flavor to unique and sweet cocktails that will wow your guests, Kitchen Gone Rogue has a treasure trove of party recipes designed for potlucks, celebrations, and everything in between. Explore our collection and find your next favorite dish!

If you tried this Boozy Cherry Bomb recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!

Boozy Cherry Bombs

Kelly Kirkendoll

Bring spiked cherries (aka boozy cherry bombs) to your next holiday party! They’re fun and easy to make. Even better to eat! Use blue sprinkles for Fourth of July and Memorial Day … and green for Christmas!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time

5 minutes
mins

15 minutes
mins

Total Time

20 minutes
mins

Course
Appetizer, Cocktails, Party Food

Cuisine
Dairy-Free

Servings
20

Calories

31
kcal

Ingredients

  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  10 oz. jar
  maraschino cherries

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  shot
  vodka

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  shot
  Fireball Cinnamon whiskey

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tsp
  vanilla extract

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  oz.
  baking white chocolate (or white choc chips or white melting chips)
  (dairy-free or vegan)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tsp
  almond milk, if needed to thin the white chocolate

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2-3
  Tbsp
  blue sugar sprinkles

Instructions

 

• Pour off half of the maraschino cherry juice (save the remaining for a Boozy Shirley Temple!)
• Pour the cherries and the remaining juice into a bowl; add vodka, Fireball, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully meld and the cherries to soak up the liquor.
• Carefully remove the cherries from the bowl, reserving the liquid for another use (like a Boozy Shirley Temple).
• Gently pat each cherry completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the chocolate to adhere properly.
• Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler. (If you don’t have one, place a small, heat-proof bowl with chocolate over a larger pan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water.) Stir until smooth. Alternatively, melt carefully in the microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring in between.
• Using a toothpick or small fork, dip each dry cherry into the melted white chocolate. Swirl to coat the bottom and let any excess drip off. If the chocolate is too thick, add 1 tsp of almond milk and stir.
• Immediately after dipping, gently roll or swirl the chocolate-coated cherry in your blue (or preferred color) sprinkles to coat.
• Place all finished cherries on a parchment-lined plate or tray and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until the white chocolate has fully firmed up. ENJOY responsibly! (These are strictly for adults and not suitable for children.)

Notes

TIP: Save the cherry juice and booze you soaked the cherries in to make a Boozy Shirley Temple. This delicious cocktail utilizes the flavorful leftover liquid, ensuring no waste and another delightful adult beverage!

Use blue sugar sprinkles for patriotic holidays and green for Christmas! You can also use other colors to match specific party themes or personal preferences.

NOTE: These Boozy Cherry Bombs contain alcohol and are therefore not suitable for children. Please consume responsibly.

Nutrition

Calories:
31
kcal


Carbohydrates:
3
g


Protein:
0.2
g


Fat:
1
g


Saturated Fat:
1
g


Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.03
g


Monounsaturated Fat:
0.3
g


Cholesterol:
1
mg


Sodium:
3
mg


Potassium:
8
mg


Fiber:
0.01
g


Sugar:
3
g


Vitamin A:
1
IU


Vitamin C:
0.01
mg


Calcium:
6
mg


Iron:
0.01
mg

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