Drunken Cherry Holiday Chocolate Bites Recipe
These Holiday Sugar-Coated Drunken Cherries are a festive treat combining maraschino cherries soaked in your choice of vodka, bourbon, or champagne, then dipped in creamy white chocolate and decorated with colorful sanding sugar. Perfect for holiday parties or as a delightful seasonal dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 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 chosen alcohol (vodka, bourbon, or champagne) over the red and green maraschino cherries in a container. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight to let the cherries absorb the alcohol fully.
- Drain and dry: Remove the cherries from the alcohol and drain off any excess liquid. Gently pat each cherry dry with a paper towel to ensure the surface is dry enough for the chocolate to adhere properly.
- Melt the chocolate: Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Dip the cherries: Holding each cherry by its stem, dip about two-thirds of the cherry into the melted white chocolate. Twist slightly while dipping to create an even coating.
- Coat with sanding sugar: Immediately after dipping in chocolate, roll or dip the chocolate-coated part of the cherry into red, white, or green sanding sugar. Coat halfway up the chocolate-covered portion for a festive look.
- Chill before serving: Place each decorated cherry onto a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow the chocolate and sugar coating to set firmly before serving.
Notes
- Use jars of maraschino cherries that include stems to make dipping easier.
- Choose your favorite type of alcohol or blend them for unique flavors.
- Ensure cherries are well dried before dipping to prevent chocolate from sliding off.
- White chocolate chips can be substituted with candy melts if preferred.
- The sanding sugar adds a festive color and a slight crunch to complement the smooth chocolate.
- Store leftover drunken cherries in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
