The first time I created these Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Picture this: juicy strawberries marinating in your spirit of choice, soaking up all that luscious flavor, and then getting a decadent cloak of rich, melted chocolate. It’s the kind of elegant dessert that transforms a simple gathering into a memorable celebration. Whether it’s date night or a last-minute potluck invitation, these delightful bites add a dash of charm and whimsy that’s hard to resist.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—we can customize each batch with your favorite liqueurs, from smooth vodka to crisp champagne, making every taste experience unique. With just a bit of prep, you can impress your friends or create an indulgent treat for yourself and your loved ones. So grab your strawberries and let’s dive into this irresistible, playful dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any occasion!
Why Are Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries a Must-Try?
Versatile choices: With countless alcohol options, you can personalize these strawberries to suit any taste, from fruity to bold.
Crowd-pleaser appeal: Perfect for parties or romantic dates, this dessert truly captures attention and tantalizes taste buds.
Elegant yet simple: Enjoy the sophisticated presentation while enjoying a stress-free, easy preparation process.
Decadent flavor: The combination of juicy strawberries and creamy chocolate creates a delightful taste explosion that’s hard to resist.
Easy customization: Experiment with different chocolate types and toppings, making each batch uniquely yours!
This recipe is sure to elevate any occasion, transforming it into something truly special.
Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries Ingredients
For the Strawberries
• Dry Alcohol of Choice – 3 cups; infuses the strawberries with flavor—vodka, champagne, or Prosecco work beautifully.
• Strawberries – 2 pounds (about 20 strawberries) with stems; ripe and fresh strawberries yield the best results.
For the Chocolate Coating
• Semisweet Chocolate – 5 ounces, broken into smaller pieces; provides a rich chocolate coating that pairs well with the fruit.
• Milk Chocolate – 5 ounces, broken into smaller pieces; adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the coating.
• Coconut Oil – 2 teaspoons; enhances the melting quality of chocolate and adds a glossy shine for presentation.
For Decoration
• White Chocolate – 2 ounces; drizzle over the dipped strawberries for a lovely decorative touch—can use colored melts for variety.
These Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries are not only indulgent but customizable, making them perfect for any gathering.
How to Make Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries
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Prepare the pan: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking, making it easy to transfer your finished strawberries later.
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Soak the strawberries: Place strawberries in a large bowl and cover completely with your chosen alcohol. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 5 hours for a more intense flavor infusion.
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Dry thoroughly: Drain the strawberries and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as any moisture will prevent the chocolate from sticking properly.
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Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
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Dip the strawberries: Using a fork, dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place them carefully on the lined pan and repeat until all strawberries are coated.
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Chill the chocolate: Put the strawberries in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to set the chocolate until it’s firm to the touch.
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Decorate with white chocolate: For a beautiful finishing touch, melt the white chocolate in the same way. Drizzle it over the dipped strawberries creatively. Chill again for at least 30 minutes until the white chocolate has set.
Optional: Consider rolling the dipped strawberries in crushed nuts or coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize these delightful treats to match your taste buds!
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Flavored Liqueurs: Experiment with options like orange liqueur or coffee liqueur to create exciting flavor profiles that surprise and delight.
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Dark Chocolate Delight: Swap semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer, more decadent experience that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
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Milk Chocolate Only: For a sweeter treat, use only milk chocolate for the coating, ensuring every bite is sugary bliss.
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Nutty Finish: Roll the chocolate-covered strawberries in crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy twist that adds texture and depth.
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Coconut Bliss: After dipping, coat your strawberries with shredded coconut to infuse a tropical flavor and inviting appearance.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder to the melted chocolate for an unexpected spicy twist that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
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Colorful Sprinkles: Roll or sprinkle the dipped strawberries with colorful sprinkles for a fun, festive look that’s perfect for celebrations.
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Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel over the chocolate for a luxurious touch that enhances both flavor and visual appeal, making it truly irresistible.
Make Ahead Options
These Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries are fantastic for meal prep, making them a perfect choice for busy home cooks! You can soak the strawberries in your chosen alcohol: just cover them completely and refrigerate for up to 5 hours for maximum flavor infusion. To prep in advance, drain and dry the strawberries, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. On the day you’re ready to serve, simply melt the chocolate, dip each strawberry, and chill them for 15-30 minutes until set. This way, you’ll have a stunning dessert that’s just as delicious and visually appealing, leaving you with more time to enjoy your occasion!
Expert Tips for Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Dry Strawberries: Ensure strawberries are completely dry before dipping in chocolate. Any moisture will cause the chocolate to slide off instead of adhering properly.
- Soaking Time: For a stronger flavor, soak your strawberries overnight. This allows them to absorb more alcohol, enhancing the taste of your Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
- Melting Technique: When melting the chocolate, do it in short bursts. Stir well between intervals to prevent burning and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Creative Coatings: After dipping in chocolate, try rolling the strawberries in crushed nuts or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
- Storage Solutions: Store leftover strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid stacking them to prevent the chocolate from getting damaged.
Storage Tips for Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Avoid stacking to keep the chocolate intact.
Freezer: While it’s not ideal, you can freeze Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries for up to 1 month. Wrap each strawberry individually in plastic wrap for best results.
Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy them warm, gently microwave the strawberries for about 10 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the chocolate may melt too much.
What to Serve with Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
Imagine a gathering filled with laughter and smiles, where these delectable bites steal the show. Pair them with the perfect accompaniments to create a complete and unforgettable experience.
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Champagne Toast: Effervescent champagne enhances the luxurious feel, making each bite of chocolate-strawberry bliss even more special. Perfect for toasting during celebrations!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream offers a contrasting coolness that beautifully balances the richness of the chocolate and the tartness of the strawberries. It’s a delightful combination!
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites bring a rich, creamy texture that complements the juicy strawberries. Their smoothness pairs elegantly with the chocolate coating, creating a decadent trio.
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Fresh Mint Leaves: Bright, refreshing mint elevates the flavor profile of your dessert platter. A sprig of mint not only adds a pop of color but also invigorates the palate.
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Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of chocolate-covered pretzels introduces a delightful contrast to the sweet strawberries, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
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Coffee or Espresso: A bold cup of coffee or espresso brings depth to the dessert, balancing sweetness and richness while offering a warm, inviting contrast to the chilled strawberries.
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Fruit Platter: A vibrant fruit platter featuring seasonal fruits adds a fresh element, complementing the strawberries while inviting variety to the table. Each vibrant bite adds color and flavor!
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Chocolate Martini: For a sophisticated touch, pair with a chocolate martini to mirror the flavors of the strawberries, making every bite and sip a celebration of indulgence.
Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe FAQs
What types of alcohol work best for soaking the strawberries?
Absolutely! You can get creative with your choices. Options like vodka, champagne, Prosecco, and even flavored liqueurs (like orange or raspberry) work beautifully, each imparting a unique twist to your strawberries.
How should I store leftover Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the chocolate intact, avoid stacking them. I often place a layer of parchment paper between the layers to preserve their beauty!
Can I freeze Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
Yes, you can! Wrap each strawberry individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together, and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours.
What should I do if the chocolate isn’t sticking to the strawberries?
This can happen if the strawberries are too wet. Make sure they are completely dry after soaking! Pat them down with paper towels before dipping. For an extra layer of certainty, try chilling the strawberries for 15-30 minutes before dipping; it helps the chocolate adhere better.
Are there any dietary considerations for my guests?
Definitely! If serving to those with dietary restrictions or allergies, ensure to check for any specific alcohol allergens, and consider using alcohol-free alternatives for soaking. You could also provide a separate batch that’s non-alcoholic to cater to everyone’s preferences.
How long can I soak the strawberries before dipping them in chocolate?
For the best flavor infusion, I recommend soaking them for at least 1 hour. However, for a stronger kick, you can soak them for up to 5 hours or even overnight. Just keep in mind that longer soaking times can yield a more pronounced alcohol flavor!
Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Ultimate Indulgence
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Place strawberries in a bowl and cover completely with your chosen alcohol. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Drain the strawberries and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals until melted.
- Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off.
- Put strawberries in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the dipped strawberries.
- Chill again for at least 30 minutes until the white chocolate has set.