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Boozy Cherry Bombs

Boozy cherry bombs are alcohol-soaked cherries soaked in bourbon, amaretto, or dark rum syrup for 24–48 hours. They come out plump and glistening with a jewel-toned finish, threaded onto cocktail picks and optionally sugar-dusted.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
chilling/soaking 1 day
Total Time 1 day 15 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cherries and soaking syrup
  • 24 maraschino or fresh dark cherries with stems Use maraschino or pit fresh cherries; keep stems intact.
  • 1 cup bourbon, amaretto, or dark rum Choose one for a consistent flavor.
  • 0.5 cup cherry juice or grenadine Use cherry juice or grenadine based on the syrup style you prefer.
  • 2 tbsp sugar Dissolves to coat the cherries as they soak.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds round, sweet aroma to the syrup.
  • 0.25 tsp granulated sugar for dusting Optional, for a lightly sugar-dusted 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. In a jar, combine bourbon, cherry juice (or grenadine), sugar, and vanilla extract, then stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add cherries to the jar and make sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
  4. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours; for best flavor, refrigerate up to 48 hours.
Serve
  1. Remove cherries with a slotted spoon and keep them above the jar to let excess syrup drip back.
  2. Roll cherries lightly in granulated sugar if desired for a sugar-dusted finish.
  3. Thread cherries onto cocktail picks and serve chilled.

Notes

Pro tip: keep stems intact so the cherries look presentation-ready on the picks, and choose either bourbon/amaretto/rum for a cleaner flavor profile. Store the jar, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days; the texture will stay juicy but the syrup flavor will mellow slightly. Freezing is not recommended because maraschino or fresh cherries can soften and weep after thawing. For a lower-sugar option, reduce the 2 tbsp sugar to 1 tbsp and expect a lighter syrup coating.