Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples

Name: Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 10 medium strawberries, washed and dried; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup strawberry liqueur; 1 teaspoon corn syrup; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Wooden skewers or sticks for dipping

Highlighted under: Cozy Desserts

I absolutely love making Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples, especially for gatherings or as a fun dessert. The combination of sweet candy coating and a hint of fruity flavor from the strawberries gives these treats a unique twist. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also deliver a delightful surprise with each bite. It’s always satisfying to watch my friends' reactions when they take a bite and discover the juicy strawberry inside. Let’s explore how easy it is to whip these up at home!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-27T13:34:28.369Z

During my last gathering, I decided to surprise my guests with Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples. I experimented with different liqueurs, finally settling on a strawberry liqueur that perfectly complemented the candy coating. It was amazing to see how the flavors melded together, creating a delightful treat that everyone loved. The addition of the bourbon gave it a sophisticated twist that was surprisingly refreshing.

One tip I learned along the way is to ensure the strawberries are thoroughly dried after washing them. This helps the candy coating stick better and gives a smoother finish. It’s these little details that elevate a simple treat into something memorable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet candy coating with a hint of fruity liqueur
Beautiful presentation that’s perfect for parties
Juicy strawberries that burst with flavor

Perfecting the Candy Coating

Achieving the right consistency for your candy coating is crucial for delicious Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples. You want a smooth, glossy finish that sets well. Stir the sugar mixture continuously over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This ensures that the coating hardens properly when cooled. If the mixture crystallizes, try adding a tablespoon of water and returning it to the heat, stirring until smooth again.

When you dip the strawberries, speed is key. Work quickly while the syrup is hot, coating each strawberry thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor infusion. If you wait too long, the syrup will thicken and may not coat the strawberries evenly. A good rule of thumb is to dip no more than three berries at a time to maintain the syrup’s temperature.

Serving and Storage Tips

These candy apples are best served the same day they’re made, as the coating can become sticky if left out in humid environments. For serving, consider placing the apples on a decorative platter or in cupcake liners for visual appeal. Drizzling some melted chocolate over the set coating or sprinkling crushed nuts can elevate the presentation and add texture to each bite.

If you have leftovers, store the dipped strawberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Refrigerating them can cause the candy coating to sweat and soften. If you’re planning to make them ahead for an event, prepare the strawberries and candy syrup a day prior, then dip just before serving for the freshest taste.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a fun and delicious treat!

Ingredients

10 medium strawberries, washed and dried
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup strawberry liqueur
1 teaspoon corn syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Wooden skewers or sticks for dipping

Make sure to prepare these ingredients ahead of time for a smoother cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples!

Prepare the Strawberries

Insert the wooden skewers into the tops of the washed and dried strawberries. Set aside.

Make the Candy Syrup

In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Add the Liqueur

Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from heat and carefully stir in the strawberry liqueur.

Dip the Strawberries

Quickly dip each strawberry into the hot syrup, ensuring it's well coated. Let excess syrup drip off.

Cool and Set

Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined tray to cool and set. Enjoy once hardened!

Once you've completed these steps, your Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples will be ready to impress! Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Make sure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping to ensure the candy coating sticks well. You can also experiment with different flavored liqueurs for a unique twist!

Creative Variations

Feel free to switch up the berry choice! While strawberries are delicious, similar-sized fruits like raspberries or cherries can also work beautifully. Just ensure they are equally dry before dipping. For a more adult-oriented version, try incorporating different liqueurs, like raspberry or orange-flavored, to diversify the fruity notes.

If you want to create a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the strawberry liqueur with strawberry juice or a fruit-flavored soda. This will retain a delightful sweetness while catering to those who prefer not to consume alcohol.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your candy coating isn’t hardening, it could be because the mixture didn’t reach the necessary temperature. Ensure you use a reliable candy thermometer and don’t rush the heating process. If you find the syrup too thick to dip your strawberries easily, you can reheat it gently over low heat with a splash of water to loosen it up.

Sometimes, the coating may crack once it hardens. This often happens if the strawberries weren't dried properly or if water got into the syrup. To avoid this, make sure your strawberries are completely dry and handle them carefully to prevent any moisture from getting into your candy coating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different fruits?

Yes, you can try using apples or even grapes for a fun variation!

→ How long do they last?

They are best eaten fresh but can last in the refrigerator for a day or two.

→ Can I make them without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can skip the liqueur and just use flavored syrups for a non-alcoholic version.

→ What’s the best way to store them?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.