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Boozy Cherry Bombs

Boozy cherry bombs are alcohol-soaked cherries marinated for 24 to 48 hours until they turn jewel-toned and syrupy. You’ll get plump dark-red cherries glistening with bourbon or amaretto syrup, skewered and finished with a light sugar dust.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
24 hours soaking 1 day
Total Time 1 day 15 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Alcohol-soaked cherries
  • 24 maraschino or fresh dark cherries with stems Use with stems intact for the best presentation.
  • 1 cup bourbon, amaretto, or dark rum Choose one spirit for the batch.
  • 0.5 cup cherry juice or grenadine Use either for a tangy, cocktail-like syrup.
  • 2 tbsp sugar Helps dissolve into the soaking liquid.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds a warm aromatic note to the syrup.
  • granulated sugar for dusting (optional) Optional for a sweet, sparkly finish before serving.
  • cocktail picks for serving Used to serve the cherries on skewers.

Equipment

  • 1 jar with lid

Method
 

Prep the cherries
  1. Drain maraschino cherries or pit fresh cherries, keeping stems intact.
Make the boozy syrup
  1. Combine bourbon, cherry juice or grenadine, sugar, and vanilla extract in a jar and stir until the sugar dissolves.
Soak the cherries
  1. Add cherries to the jar, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
  2. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours—48 hours gives the best flavor.
Serve
  1. Remove cherries with a slotted spoon, roll lightly in granulated sugar if desired, and thread onto cocktail picks.
  2. Serve chilled for the darkest color and the most syrupy bite.

Notes

For the brightest jewel-toned look, keep stems intact and ensure cherries stay fully submerged under the liquid while they soak. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (flavor strengthens over time); freeze is not recommended because cherries soften and can release excess liquid. For a lower-alcohol option, replace part of the spirit with additional cherry juice or grenadine and extend soaking to develop flavor.