The Ultimate 4-Ingredient Red, White, and Blue Drunken Cherries

Summer is just around the corner, and I’m already thinking about all the fun, festive treats I can bring to our family gatherings. These Red, White, and Blue Drunken Cherries are one of my new favorites because they’re so easy to make, and they pack a fun punch with just 4 ingredients! I’m all about making things that taste amazing without a ton of effort, and these cherries do just that. With the vibrant colors and the whipped cream vodka, they’re perfect for a summer snack or treat when you don’t feel like turning on the oven.

Honestly, this recipe is perfect for when you want something a little more grown-up, but still fun for the whole family. I’ve been making these for a few years now, and they’ve always been a hit! Plus, you can make them ahead of time and just dip them when you’re ready to serve. I love that I can prep everything the night before, and then have them ready to go when my guests arrive. It’s seriously one of the easiest and most festive things to add to your summer menu.

And if you’re thinking about making them for a big party or just a small family get-together, they’re a total crowd-pleaser. The sprinkles give them a little extra pop, and the vodka-soaked cherries are just the right amount of indulgence without being too over-the-top. If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate the red, white, and blue, these Drunken Cherries are the perfect treat to whip up!

You will need:

• Paper Towels
• Parchment Paper
• 16-Ounce Mason Jar with Lid

Ingredients

• 2 Jars Maraschino Cherries with Stems (10 ounces each): Start with two jars of maraschino cherries with stems to give your treat a festive look and easy-to-hold handles for dipping!

• 12 Ounces Whipped Cream Vodka: Pour in 12 ounces of whipped cream vodka for that smooth, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet cherries.

• ⅓ Cup White Chocolate Chips: Melt ⅓ cup of white chocolate chips to create a deliciously sweet and creamy coating for your cherries.

• 2 Ounces Red White and Blue Nonpareils: Add 2 ounces of red, white, and blue nonpareils for that pop of color and extra crunch, making these cherries as festive as they are delicious!

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Pour both jars of maraschino cherries into a bowl. Pick out any cherries that don’t have stems or are broken, like halves or any that won’t be good for dipping.

2. Transfer the good cherries into a mason jar. Pour the vodka over the cherries, making sure they’re completely covered.

3. Seal the jar and place it in the fridge overnight to allow the cherries to soak up the vodka.

4. After the cherries have soaked, drain them and gently lay them out on paper towels. Pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.

5. Place the white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is smooth and lump-free (about 1 ½ minutes total).

6. Pour the red, white, and blue nonpareils into a small bowl and line a plate or small sheet pan with parchment paper.

7. Using the stem, pick up one cherry at a time and dip the bottom half into the melted white chocolate. Gently run the bottom of the cherry along the edge of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.

8. Immediately dip the cherry into the nonpareils, then place it onto the parchment paper. Repeat this process with all the cherries.

   

9. Allow the cherries to sit for about 5 minutes to let the chocolate harden. Most of them will dry by the time you’re done, but this will give the last ones a chance to set. Enjoy!

Top Tips

• Let the Cherries Soak Longer: For a stronger vodka flavor, let the cherries soak for up to 24 hours in the fridge. The longer they soak, the more flavor they’ll absorb!

• Dry the Cherries Well: Be sure to gently pat the cherries dry after draining them to ensure the chocolate sticks properly. If they’re too wet, the chocolate will slide off.

• Use Quality Chocolate: For the best texture and taste, use good quality white chocolate chips. High-quality chocolate will melt smoother and coat the cherries more evenly.

• Customize with Other Sprinkles: While red, white, and blue nonpareils are perfect for a patriotic touch, feel free to switch up the sprinkles to match any occasion or theme!

• Make Them Ahead of Time: These cherries can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh until you’re ready to serve.

• Adjust Alcohol Flavor: You can swap out whipped cream vodka for other flavored vodkas, such as vanilla or berry, to give the cherries a unique twist!

• Serve Right After Dipping: For the best texture and flavor, serve the cherries soon after dipping them in the chocolate and sprinkles. They’re best enjoyed within a couple of hours, but will stay good for a few days in the fridge.

• Freeze for a Fun Twist: Freeze the cherries for a cool treat during hot summer days! Just be cautious of the sprinkles, as they can be hard on your teeth when frozen.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Red, White & Blue Drunken Cherries

• As a Festive Cocktail Garnish: Add these drunken cherries to your favorite summer cocktails, like a vodka soda or mojito. They make a colorful and flavorful garnish!

• As a Sweet Snack: These cherries are the perfect adult-only snack for a sunny afternoon. Grab a few for an easy treat that feels extra special.

• On a Charcuterie Board: Serve them on a holiday or party charcuterie board alongside cheese, nuts, and other sweet treats. They add a fun pop of color and flavor to your spread.

• For Dessert Pairing: Pair these cherries with a slice of cake, cheesecake, or even a bowl of vanilla ice cream. The creamy white chocolate and tart cherry flavor elevate any dessert.

• At Backyard BBQs: These cherries are a perfect addition to any summer BBQ or picnic. They’re easy to make ahead and serve as a fun adult treat for guests to nibble on.

• In a Fruit Salad: For a grown-up twist on a traditional fruit salad, add a few of these drunken cherries to your mix of fresh summer fruit!

• As a Simple Party Favor: If you’re hosting a party, these cherries make a cute and delicious party favor. Just pack them in little jars or small containers and hand them out to guests as they leave.

• With Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, pair these cherries with chocolate-dipped strawberries for a sweet and decadent treat at your next gathering.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cherries non-alcoholic?
Yes! Simply skip the vodka and soak the cherries in fruit juice or a flavored syrup of your choice. You’ll still get that delicious sweet-and-tart cherry flavor without the alcohol.

2. How long can I store these drunken cherries?
You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months, but note that the sprinkles may become hard when frozen.

3. Can I use a different type of vodka?
Absolutely! While whipped cream vodka gives them a creamy, smooth flavor, you can swap it for other flavored vodkas, such as vanilla, berry, or citrus, to add a unique twist to the cherries.

4. How do I get the chocolate to stick properly to the cherries?
Make sure the cherries are dry before dipping them in chocolate. Excess moisture can cause the chocolate to slide off. Gently pat them dry with paper towels after draining to ensure the best coating.

5. Can I make these cherries ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. The longer they soak, the more flavor they’ll absorb!

6. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
While white chocolate is the best choice for this recipe, you could use milk or dark chocolate if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly!

7. Are these cherries okay to serve to kids?
While this recipe is made with alcohol, you can easily make a kid-friendly version by skipping the vodka and using juice or flavored syrup for soaking the cherries. Just leave out the alcohol and add extra sweetness!

8. Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Fresh cherries work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen cherries in a pinch. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and drained before soaking them in vodka.

9. How long should I soak the cherries in vodka?
For the best flavor, soak them overnight. If you’re short on time, you can soak them for as little as 4 hours, but they’ll have a stronger flavor the longer they soak.

10. What can I serve these cherries with?
These cherries are great on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a summer cocktail, charcuterie boards, or even desserts like ice cream or cheesecake!