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Boozy Cherry Bombs

Boozy cherry bombs are alcohol-soaked cherries marinated for 24–48 hours, creating plump, deep jewel-toned party cherries. Serve them on cocktail picks with a sugar-dusted finish for an easy appetizer bite.
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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: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Maraschino or fresh dark cherries with stems
  • 24 maraschino or fresh dark cherries with stems Use stem-in cherries for the best skewer presentation.
Booze for soaking
  • 1 cup bourbon, amaretto, or dark rum Choose one spirit and use it throughout.
Cherry liquid
  • 0.5 cup cherry juice or grenadine Helps tint the syrup and keep cherries glossy.
Sweetener and flavor
  • 2 tbsp sugar Stir until fully dissolved to coat cherries evenly.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds rounded aroma to the bourbon or amaretto syrup.
Optional finishing sugar
  • granulated sugar for dusting (optional) Dust lightly only right before serving so the sugar stays crisp.
Serving tool
  • 1 cocktail picks for serving Thread cherries onto picks to serve as bite-size party appetizer bites.

Equipment

  • 1 jar

Method
 

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

Notes

Pro tip: submerge the cherries completely so every stem-in cherry turns glossy and evenly flavored. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days (flavor deepens for 24–48 hours). Freezing is not recommended because cherries soften too much. For a no-alcohol swap, use cherry juice + a splash of cherry extract and omit the spirits, then extend chilling toward 48 hours for stronger flavor.