Boozy Bliss: Liquor-Infused Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Indulge your senses with a decadent treat that combines the sweetness of cherries, the richness of chocolate, and the warmth of your favorite liquor. These liquor-infused chocolate covered cherries are the perfect homemade gift, party favor, or personal indulgence. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the flavor combinations are endless! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring perfect boozy cherries every time.

## Why Liquor-Infused Chocolate Covered Cherries?

Forget those overly sweet, artificially flavored cherries from the store. Homemade liquor-infused chocolate covered cherries are a world apart. Here’s why you should make them:

* **Superior Flavor:** The combination of real cherries, quality chocolate, and your chosen liquor creates a complex and delicious flavor profile that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
* **Customization:** You have complete control over the ingredients and the intensity of the liquor flavor. Choose your favorite cherry variety, chocolate type, and liquor to create a personalized treat.
* **Impressive Presentation:** These cherries look absolutely stunning, making them a perfect gift or addition to any dessert table.
* **Surprisingly Easy:** While they look fancy, these cherries are relatively simple to make with just a few basic ingredients and tools.
* **Unique and Memorable:** Offer your guests something truly special and memorable with these sophisticated treats.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Cherries:** Fresh or jarred maraschino cherries with stems. If using fresh, opt for a variety like Bing or Rainier for their sweetness and size. For jarred cherries, choose ones packed in water or light syrup, not heavy syrup.
* **Liquor:** Your choice of liquor! Bourbon, rum, brandy, vodka, amaretto, Kahlua, or even flavored liqueurs work wonderfully. Consider the flavor profile you’re aiming for. For example, bourbon pairs well with dark chocolate, while amaretto complements milk chocolate.
* **Chocolate:** High-quality chocolate is key! Choose your favorite type: dark, milk, or white chocolate. Chocolate chips, couverture chocolate, or melting wafers all work well. Couverture chocolate, with its higher cocoa butter content, will give you the shiniest, smoothest coating.
* **Optional Add-Ins:**
* Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
* Sprinkles
* Sea salt flakes
* Cocoa powder
* Edible glitter
* Shredded coconut

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Small saucepan (for melting chocolate)**
* **Heatproof bowl (for melting chocolate)**
* **Double boiler (optional, for melting chocolate)**
* **Spoon or fork for dipping**
* **Parchment paper or silicone baking mat**
* **Baking sheet**
* **Toothpicks (optional, for transferring cherries)**
* **Small airtight containers (for storing cherries)**

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Cherries**

1. **If using fresh cherries:** Wash and dry the cherries thoroughly. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Leave the stems intact, as they will serve as handles for dipping.
2. **If using jarred cherries:** Drain the cherries from their liquid. Pat them dry very thoroughly with paper towels. This is crucial for the liquor to absorb properly and to prevent the chocolate from seizing up later. Place the cherries on a clean paper towel-lined plate and let them air dry for at least an hour to further reduce moisture.

**Step 2: Infuse the Cherries with Liquor**

1. Place the dried cherries in a clean glass jar or container. A jar with a tight-fitting lid is ideal.
2. Pour your chosen liquor over the cherries, ensuring they are completely submerged. The amount of liquor will depend on the size of your jar and the number of cherries. Use enough to fully cover them.
3. Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days, to allow the cherries to absorb the liquor. The longer they soak, the more intense the flavor will be.
4. Gently rotate the jar once or twice a day to ensure even soaking.

**Step 3: Drain the Cherries (Again!)**

1. After the soaking period, carefully drain the cherries from the liquor. You can reserve the infused liquor to use in cocktails or other recipes.
2. Place the cherries on a fresh paper towel-lined plate and gently pat them dry once more. This step is vital to remove any excess liquor and prevent the chocolate from seizing.
3. Allow the cherries to air dry for another 30 minutes while you prepare the chocolate.

**Step 4: Melt the Chocolate**

There are several ways to melt chocolate. Here are two popular methods:

* **Double Boiler:** This is the most gentle and foolproof method, preventing the chocolate from burning.
1. Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer.
2. Place a heatproof bowl (glass or stainless steel) on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
3. Add the chocolate to the bowl and stir occasionally until it is completely melted and smooth.
* **Microwave:** This is a quicker method, but requires careful attention to avoid burning the chocolate.
1. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is almost completely melted.
3. Continue stirring until the remaining chocolate melts from the residual heat.

**Tips for Melting Chocolate:**

* Use small pieces of chocolate to melt faster and more evenly.
* Stir frequently to prevent burning.
* Avoid getting any water or steam into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize up.
* If the chocolate seizes, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening and stirring vigorously. This may help to smooth it out.

**Step 5: Dip the Cherries in Chocolate**

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cherries from sticking.
2. Hold a cherry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating it completely or partially, depending on your preference.
3. Gently shake off any excess chocolate. You can also use a toothpick to help remove excess chocolate from the bottom of the cherry.
4. Place the dipped cherry on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Repeat with the remaining cherries.

**Step 6: Add Toppings (Optional)**

1. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the cherries with your desired toppings, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, sea salt flakes, cocoa powder, edible glitter, or shredded coconut.
2. Gently press the toppings into the chocolate to ensure they adhere properly.

**Step 7: Chill the Cherries**

1. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
2. This will help the chocolate to set and prevent the cherries from sticking together.

**Step 8: Store the Cherries**

1. Once the chocolate is completely set, carefully remove the cherries from the baking sheet.
2. Store the cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
3. They are best enjoyed within a few days for optimal freshness.

## Variations and Tips

* **Type of Chocolate:** Experiment with different types of chocolate to find your favorite combination. Dark chocolate provides a rich, intense flavor, while milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. White chocolate can be paired with fruit-flavored liqueurs for a unique twist.
* **Liquor Combinations:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with your liquor choices! Here are a few ideas:
* Bourbon + Dark Chocolate + Pecans
* Rum + Milk Chocolate + Shredded Coconut
* Amaretto + White Chocolate + Almonds
* Kahlua + Dark Chocolate + Cocoa Powder
* Raspberry Liqueur + Dark Chocolate + Sea Salt Flakes
* **Extracts and Flavorings:** Enhance the flavor of your cherries by adding a few drops of extract or flavoring to the melted chocolate. Vanilla extract, almond extract, or peppermint extract can all add a delicious touch.
* **Chocolate Drizzle:** Once the chocolate has set, drizzle the cherries with a contrasting color of melted chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.
* **Use a Dipping Tool:** A chocolate dipping tool can make the dipping process easier and more efficient, especially if you are making a large batch of cherries. These tools are available at most craft stores or online.
* **Prevent Chocolate Bloom:** Chocolate bloom is a white, powdery coating that can appear on chocolate when it is stored improperly. To prevent bloom, store your chocolate covered cherries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
* **Tempering Chocolate:** For the ultimate shine and snap, consider tempering your chocolate. This process involves heating and cooling the chocolate to specific temperatures to stabilize the cocoa butter crystals. Tempering requires a candy thermometer and more precision, but it results in a superior chocolate coating.
* **Vegan Option:** Use vegan chocolate and ensure your liquor choice is also vegan-friendly. Many brands of dark chocolate are naturally vegan.

## Troubleshooting

* **Chocolate Seizing:** If your chocolate seizes (becomes thick and grainy), it’s usually due to moisture. Try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening and stirring vigorously. In extreme cases, you may need to start over.
* **Cherries Slipping Off the Stem:** Ensure the cherries are thoroughly dry before dipping. You can also try using a small fork or toothpick to help hold the cherry while dipping.
* **Chocolate Not Setting:** If the chocolate isn’t setting properly, it may be too warm. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few minutes to speed up the process.
* **Uneven Chocolate Coating:** Practice makes perfect! Try dipping the cherries at a slightly different angle or using a different dipping technique to achieve a more even coating.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Gift Giving:** Package the cherries in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
* **Dessert Platter:** Add the cherries to a dessert platter alongside other treats like cookies, brownies, and fruit.
* **Party Favors:** Individually wrap the cherries in cellophane bags for elegant party favors.
* **After-Dinner Treat:** Serve a few cherries as a sophisticated after-dinner treat.
* **Cocktail Garnish:** Use a cherry to garnish a cocktail for a touch of boozy sweetness.

## Recipe Card

**Boozy Bliss: Liquor-Infused Chocolate Covered Cherries**

**Yields:** Approximately 24 cherries
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes (plus soaking time)
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 24 fresh or jarred maraschino cherries with stems
* 1/2 cup liquor of your choice (bourbon, rum, brandy, amaretto, etc.)
* 12 ounces high-quality chocolate (dark, milk, or white), chopped
* Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sprinkles, sea salt flakes, cocoa powder, edible glitter, shredded coconut

**Equipment:**

* Small saucepan
* Heatproof bowl
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Baking sheet
* Spoon or fork for dipping

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cherries:** If using fresh cherries, wash and dry thoroughly. If using jarred cherries, drain and pat dry very thoroughly. Let air dry for at least 1 hour.
2. **Infuse with Liquor:** Place cherries in a jar and cover completely with liquor. Seal and refrigerate for 24-72 hours, rotating occasionally.
3. **Drain and Dry:** Drain the cherries from the liquor and pat dry thoroughly. Let air dry for 30 minutes.
4. **Melt the Chocolate:** Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5. **Dip the Cherries:** Hold a cherry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating completely or partially. Shake off excess chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. **Add Toppings (Optional):** While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with your desired toppings.
7. **Chill:** Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
8. **Store:** Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

**Notes:**

* Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
* Be sure to dry the cherries thoroughly to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
* Experiment with different liquors and toppings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* For a smoother chocolate coating, temper the chocolate.

Enjoy your boozy bliss!

## Final Thoughts

Liquor-infused chocolate covered cherries are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a little patience and creativity, you can create a personalized and impressive dessert that’s sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, choose your favorite liquor, and get ready to indulge in a truly boozy bliss!