
Boozy chocolate-covered cherries are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate-covered cherry treat. The combination of sweet cherries, rich chocolate, and a touch of alcohol creates a luscious and indulgent dessert. Here's a recipe to make boozy chocolate-covered cherries:
Prep - Start by washing and drying the cherries thoroughly. Remove any stems that may be damaged or brown. Make sure the cherries are completely dry before proceeding.
Macerate (optional) - Place the cherries in a bowl or container and pour enough bourbon or your chosen liqueur over them to cover them completely. Allow the cherries to soak in the alcohol for at least 30 minutes to infuse them with flavor. Pro tip - You can soak them longer if you desire a stronger boozy taste. I like to soak them for 48 hours.
Drain - After the cherries have soaked, drain them from the alcohol. It's essential to remove excess liquid. If you do not soak the cherries in alcohol, wipe them dry on a paper towel. Pro tip - Wipe any moisture on the cherries to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
Pan - Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment or wax paper.
Chocolate - In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the dark or semi-sweet chocolate until smooth and fully melted. Pro tip - If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid overheating.
Dip - Using the stem as a handle, dip each cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the chocolate-covered cherry on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this step with the remaining cherries.Pro tip - If you do not let the excess chocolate drip, you will find a pool at the bottom of each cherry.
Optional - If desired, pour some white chocolate over the chocolate-covered cherries for decoration. You can use a piping bag or a small zip-top bag with a tiny hole cut in one corner for precision.
Chill - Once all the cherries are coated and decorated, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to set completely. This usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour.
Store - Once the chocolate has hardened, remove the chocolate-covered cherries from the refrigerator and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
Enjoy these boozy chocolate-covered cherries as a delightful dessert, gift, or party treat. They offer a perfect balance of fruity sweetness, rich chocolate, and a hint of liqueur for a truly indulgent experience.