My friend Erin made these Buzzed Cherry Bombs last year, and they were so good, I didn’t even mind that she tricked me into helping her make like five thousand of them for the three Memorial Day barbecues she and her family attended. She said they were a huge hit everywhere they went, and that even though she traveled with a truckload of them, they could have used more at every party.  Maybe she would have had enough if her “helpers” wouldn’t have tested so many. What can I say? Quality control is very important to me.

Also, the kids were mad that she didn’t make more of the virgin ones for them to enjoy. Sorry kiddos! If you,too, want to make some for the kids, just skip the alcohol step.

This recipe is pretty versatile. If you don’t want to use cherries, strawberries would work. If you don’t like vodka, swap it out for rum. You can use white chocolate pieces instead of candy melts, and you could change the colors of the melts or the sugar to tailor it to your own event. You could even add some sprinkles!

These tasty little suckers only contain four ingredients, and are super simple to prepare, as long as the melted candy cooperates. I had no idea candy melts could be so temperamental, but we were able to whip up a whole army of Buzzed Cherry Bombs after figuring out how to keep the candy from clumping up.

Here’s what we learned:

1. 1. Melt the candy in small batches in a small, glass bowl.
   2. Microwave it at 50% for one minute, and stir well. If it’s not melted through, re-microwave in 30 second increments, stirring well and frequently.
   3. Work quickly when candy is ready. You want it to harden on the cherry, not in the bowl.
   4. If it is too thick, adding a tiny bit of Crisco can smooth it out but may make it take longer to dry.
   5. Pour yourself a shot of the leftover cherry soaking vodka. You’ve earned it.

Buzzed Cherry Bombs

Ingredients

1 jar (10 oz) red maraschino cherries with stems
approx. 1 cup vanilla-flavored vodka, whipped cream vodka, or Fireball (we used 1/2 whipped vodka and half Fireball)
1 (10 oz) bag white candy melts
blue sugar sprinkles

Directions

Drain liquid out of cherry jar, and replace with alcohol of your choice. Fill until cherries are covered (about one cup should do it). Replace lid and refrigerate about 12 hours. The longer the cherries soak, the stronger they’ll be.
Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Drain cherries (but don’t toss that tasty liquid down the drain!) and gently pat dry. The surface of the cherry needs to be dry, but don’t squeeze the good stuff out of the cherries. Save the soaking liquid for cherry flavored cocktails later, or for a shot right now.
Put a handful of candy melts in small, microwave safe bowl. Heat at 50% for 1 minute and stir. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until the candy is smooth. Don’t overcook it, or it won’t be easily to work with.
Holding cherry by the stem, dip in melted candy, twisting as you pull it up. Then, dip cherry in blue sugar and place gently on parchment paper.
Refrigerate until serving. Best within 1 to 2 days.

Continue to Content

Yield: 20 cherries

Buzzed Cherry Bombs

Print

Make these fun treats for your Memorial Day or 4th of July party!

Prep Time 12 hours 30 minutes

Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 jar (10 oz) red maraschino cherries with stems
• approx. 1 cup vanilla-flavored vodka, whipped cream vodka, or Fireball
• 1 (10 oz) bag white candy melts
• blue sugar sprinkles

Instructions

1. Drain liquid out of cherry jar, and replace with alcohol of your choice. Fill until cherries are covered (about one cup should do it). Replace lid and refrigerate 12 to 24 hours. The longer the cherries soak, the stronger they'll be.
2. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
3. Drain cherries and gently pat dry. The surface of the cherry needs to be dry, but don't squeeze the good stuff out of the cherries.
4. Put a handful of candy melts in small, microwave safe bowl. Heat at 50% for 1 minute and stir. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until the candy is smooth. Don't overcook it, or it won't be easily to work with.
5. Holding cherry by the stem, dip in melted candy, twisting as you pull it up. Then, dip cherry in blue sugar and place gently on parchment paper.
6. Refrigerate until serving. Best within 1 to 2 days.