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Boozy Cherry Bombs

Boozy cherry bombs are alcohol-soaked cherries marinated for 24 hours until they turn deep jewel-toned and glisten with bourbon or amaretto syrup. Skewered and optionally sugar-dusted for a sweet, boozy party appetizer bite with stems left intact.
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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: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Boozy cherry bomb ingredients
  • 24 maraschino or fresh dark cherries with stems Use maraschino cherries with stems drained or pit fresh dark cherries while keeping stems intact.
  • 1 cup bourbon, amaretto, or dark rum Choose one spirit for the full batch.
  • 0.5 cup cherry juice or grenadine Use either for a deeper cherry syrup.
  • 2 tbsp sugar For dissolving in the soaking liquid.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds rounded flavor to the alcohol syrup.
  • 1 granulated sugar for dusting (optional) Optional finishing sugar for a sweet, sparkly coating.
  • 24 cocktail picks for serving For threading cherries and serving as bite-size skewers.

Equipment

  • 1 jar

Method
 

Prep the cherries
  1. Drain maraschino cherries or pit fresh cherries, keeping stems intact.
  2. Set the cherries aside so they can be added to the jar without delay.
Make the boozy cherry syrup
  1. Combine bourbon, cherry juice or grenadine, sugar, and vanilla extract in a jar, then 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, with 48 hours giving the best flavor.
Serve
  1. Remove cherries with a slotted spoon, letting excess syrup drip back into the jar.
  2. Roll cherries lightly in granulated sugar if using the optional dusting for a sweet finish.
  3. Thread the cherries onto cocktail picks, then arrange and serve cold.

Notes

Pro tip: Keep stems intact for that hero presentation, and ensure cherries are fully submerged so the color stays even. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator up to 5 days; the flavor can keep improving through 48 hours. Freezing is not recommended because cherries soften and lose texture. For a lighter option, use less syrup sweetness by cutting the 2 tbsp sugar to 1 tbsp while keeping the same soak time.