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Boozy Cherry Bombs

Boozy cherry bombs are alcohol-soaked cherries chilled for 24 hours, then served on skewers with a sugar-dusted finish. Expect deep jewel-toned, plump dark-red cherries glistening with bourbon, amaretto, or dark rum syrup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
soaking 1 day
Total Time 1 day 15 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Boozy cherry syrup and cherries
  • 24 maraschino or fresh dark cherries with stems Use stems intact for the best presentation.
  • 1 cup bourbon, amaretto, or dark rum Choose one alcohol option.
  • 0.5 cup cherry juice or grenadine Sub in grenadine for a sweeter syrup.
  • 2 tbsp sugar Used to dissolve into the soaking syrup.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds warm flavor to the syrup.
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar for dusting (optional) Optional, for a sparkling sugar finish.
  • 24 cocktail picks for serving For skewering and serving.

Equipment

  • 1 jar

Method
 

Soak the cherries
  1. Drain maraschino cherries or pit fresh cherries, keeping stems intact.
  2. Combine bourbon (or amaretto or dark rum), cherry juice (or grenadine), sugar, and vanilla extract in a jar and stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add cherries to the jar, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
  4. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours; 48 hours gives the best flavor, with the cherries turning glossier and more jewel-toned as they soak.
Serve
  1. Remove cherries with a slotted spoon, letting excess syrup drip back into the jar.
  2. Roll cherries lightly in granulated sugar if desired, so the exterior looks frosted and sparkly.
  3. Thread cherries onto cocktail picks, making a tight cluster for a strong presentation.
  4. Serve immediately, keeping any remaining cherries chilled so the syrup stays deep and glossy.

Notes

Pro tip: Use stems intact and keep cherries fully submerged—floating pieces won’t soak evenly and won’t get the same dark-red shine. Refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 4 days; drain and dust right before serving for the best sugar finish. Freezer: no, freezing softens cherries. Dietary swap: for a non-alcohol option, replace the 1 cup alcohol with additional cherry juice and a splash of cherry extract for a similar syrupy soak.