Drunken Cherries in Amaretto

published: Jun 4, 2022

updated: Dec 13, 2022

A Luxurious Treat That’s Easy to Make!

Aren’t these boozy, white-chocolate-dipped, amaretto cherries the prettiest thing? And on top of that, they are utterly delicious. Each ruby-red maraschino cherry is infused with scrumptious Italian amaretto liqueur, and then coated in a layer of decadent white chocolate and almonds. Perfect for the holidays!

Best of all, this recipe is amazingly easy to pull off, even for people who don’t cook much or don’t like to cook. In fact, there’s no cooking needed, unless you count melting the white chocolate. This post and recipe will show you just how to make them.

If you love amaretto, make sure you check out some of my other favorite amaretto desserts: Almond Amaretto Cheesecake and Almond Amaretto Pound Cake!

From top left: Sliced almonds, maraschino cherries, amaretto liqueur, white chocolate chips.

What Ingredients Are in Amaretto Cherries?

One of my favorite things about this recipe? The ingredients list – you literally only need four items to make an ultra-luxe holiday treat. Here’s the scoop:

Cherries: Some recipes use fresh cherries, but I love the color and easiness of maraschino cherries in a jar. Look for the kind with stems, if possible. If not, a pretty cocktail toothpick can be used instead.
Amaretto Liqueur: There are various brands you can buy for this. Any will do. I don’t think it’s necessary to use the most expensive – a mid-priced version should be fine. But use what you like!
White Chocolate: Baking chips or a chopped-up white chocolate bar.
Almonds: You can use sliced almonds or slivered almonds, finely chopped.

What Liquor Is Best with Cherries?

This is all about your personal taste. The almond flavor in amaretto liqueur is really great with cherries, but other options could include bourbon, Fireball whisky, rum, vodka, gin… choose your favorite, or try something new!

How to Make Drunken Cherries

Making drunken cherries is so easy if you use a jar of maraschino cherries like I do. Here’s the method:

Soak the Cherries in Amaretto Liqueur. To start, grab your jar of maraschino cherries. I use the red ones, but green also work. Drain the liquid from the cherries, and then cover them with amaretto liqueur. Place the lid back on the jar and soak the cherries overnight, or for around 12 hours.

Amaretto liqueur poured over cherries in a jar.

Overhead shot of a jar full of maraschino cherries, covered in liqueur.

Dry the Cherries. When you’re ready to dip the cherries, make sure to drain them well first and then dry them off. I like to pour off the liqueur (you can save it for another use, if you like!) and then scatter the cherries on some paper towels. Then pat the outsides dry with more clean paper towels or kitchen towels.

Soaked maraschino cherries drying on paper towels.

Dip the Cherries. Melt the white chocolate using your preferred method, whether on the stove in a double boiler, or using short bursts in the microwave. If you use the microwave, make sure to stir well after each burst. Next, dip each cherry into white chocolate. I only dip about ¾ of the way, so you can still see the top ¼ of the cherry. Finally, roll each one in sliced almonds.

A cherry being dipped in melted white chocolate.

A white-chocolate coated cherry being rolled in chopped almonds.

Allow to Set. As you go, place the cherries on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray, and refrigerate until the white chocolate is set.
Enjoy!

Close-up shot of drunken cherries coated in white chocolate and almonds, drying on a tray.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Amaretto Cherries

Be sure to keep these helpful tips in mind when you’re making these amaretto cherries. Each tip will help ensure a perfect result.

Pat Dry Thoroughly: Make sure your cherries are patted really dry, with all the juice dried off the outside, before dipping them. If they are still a little damp, the chocolate will slide off.
To Dip or Not to Dip: You do not have to dip drunken cherries in white chocolate. They are delicious all by themselves, as well! You might find yourself sneaking one or two right out of the jar.
Almond Alternative: Instead of almonds, you can use sprinkles for a more festive touch. However, I think the almonds add a good crunch and flavor.
Best By Date: Once you dip the cherries, they are only good for a couple of days, max. I like to dip them the day of a party for best results. After sitting for a little while, the cherry juice will eventually soak the chocolate, making them less appetizing.

Dipped cherries on a parchment-lined tray.

Serving Ideas

Dipped in white chocolate and almonds, these easy drunken cherries are a truly indulgent treat. They’re also great served plain – no dipping needed! Either way, you can pair them with another festive treat if you like. Check out these recipes for inspiration!

Ice Cream: Everyone loves drunken cherries over ice cream, with vanilla being a favorite option. However, you could make things even more decadent by serving them with this killer no-churn Dulce de Leche Ice Cream!
Cake: Pound cake is a favorite around here, and adding these boozy little cherries is the perfect way to elevate pound cake into an epic dessert experience. Need a great recipe? Try this classic tutorial for Vanilla Bean Pound Cake.
In Your Favorite Drink: Any drink that you would serve with maraschino cherries would be fantastic with one of these instead. Sparkling Pineapple Punch, anyone?

White-chocolate coated cherries lined up on a green serving plate.

How to Store Drunken Cherries

Store the dipped cherries in the fridge for up to 2 days- although I think they taste and look their best within the first 12 hours.

If the cherries are not dipped in chocolate, they can be stored in the amaretto, in the fridge, for up to 3 months! Perfect for spooning over your favorite dessert.

Drunken cherries dipped in white chocolate and almonds.

4.9 from 7 votes

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Yield: 24 Cherries