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Boozy Cherry Bombs

Boozy cherry bombs are alcohol-soaked cherries simmer-free and marinated for 24–48 hours, turning into plump, jewel-toned bites. They’re served on cocktail picks with a sugar-dusted finish for a glossy, cocktail-ready look.
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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: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Boozy cherry marinade
  • 1 cup bourbon, amaretto, or dark rum Choose one alcohol; use enough to fully submerge the cherries.
  • 0.5 cup cherry juice or grenadine Use cherry juice for a brighter flavor or grenadine for deeper color.
  • 2 tbsp sugar Sweetens the syrup so it clings and coats the fruit.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds warmth to the alcohol syrup.
Cherries and serving
  • 24 maraschino or fresh dark cherries with stems If using fresh, pit carefully but keep stems intact.
  • 1 granulated sugar for dusting (optional) Dusting is optional for a sparkly, sugar-finished exterior.
  • 24 cocktail picks for serving Use picks to serve each cherry.

Equipment

  • 1 jar

Method
 

Prep the cherries
  1. Drain maraschino cherries or pit fresh cherries, keeping stems intact.
Make the alcohol syrup
  1. Combine bourbon, cherry juice, sugar, and vanilla extract in a jar and stir until sugar dissolves.
Soak and chill
  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, then thread onto cocktail picks.
  2. Serve chilled for the deepest jewel-toned color and glossy syrup finish.

Notes

Pro tip: keep cherries fully submerged so every bite gets the same alcohol-and-fruit syrup coating and color. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; the syrup will keep tasting stronger over time. Freezing is not recommended because the cherries can soften and release excess liquid. For a lighter option, use a lower-proof alcohol (or replace part of the alcohol with extra cherry juice) to reduce overall alcohol intensity while keeping the flavor.