Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples

Name: Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh strawberries; 1 cup vodka (or your favorite spirit); 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 medium-sized apples; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 1/2 teaspoon food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Festive Flavor Collection

I absolutely adore making Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples for gatherings and celebrations! This recipe combines sweet, succulent strawberries soaked in your favorite spirit with the satisfying crunch of candy-coated apples. It’s a playful twist on classic treats that never fails to impress my friends and family. The hint of alcohol in the strawberries elevates the flavors perfectly, making them a delightfully unique dessert. Plus, the vibrant colors are always a crowd-pleaser, adding a festive touch to any occasion.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-01-27T10:45:27.553Z

When I first concocted my Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples, I wanted to create something that was both visually striking and incredibly delicious. The first time I served them, I felt a rush of excitement as my friends devoured the colorful treats. What makes these apples special is the fresh vodka-infused strawberries; it not only enhances their flavor but also contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the candy coating.

A tip I've learned along the way is to make sure your strawberries are dry before dipping them in the candy mix. This allows the coating to adhere better and ensures a smooth, glossy finish that makes each bite so much more enjoyable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Delicious strawberries paired with crunchy candy-coated apples
A fun and unique dessert that adds excitement to any gathering
The perfect balance of sweet and slightly boozy flavors

Perfecting the Candy Coating

To achieve that glossy, hard candy shell on your apples, it's crucial to heat the sugar mixture to exactly 300°F, known as the hard crack stage. This temperature ensures the sugar crystallizes correctly and forms a sturdy coating that crunches delightfully. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy—if you don’t have one, look for the mixture to turn a light amber color just before reaching that temperature. Stay vigilant, as sugar can go from perfect to burnt quickly—it's best not to stir once it starts boiling to prevent crystallization.

If you want to infuse an extra level of flavor into the candy coating, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a few drops of your favorite extract right after you remove the pan from heat. This won't affect the set of the candy and will add a delicious aroma that complements the apples beautifully. Just remember to work quickly after adding flavor, as the mixture will start to cool and thicken fast.

Serving and Storage Tips

For the best presentation, serve the Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples on a decorative platter. Arrange the candy-coated apples standing upright with the strawberries artfully arranged around them. This not only looks appealing but also makes it easy for guests to enjoy both treats without any fuss. For added flair, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled candy apples before serving—this elevates the dessert's appearance and flavor.

If you have leftover candy apples, store them in a cool, dry place, as humidity can cause them to become sticky. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to help maintain their crispness. Unfortunately, these treats are best enjoyed fresh and may not freeze well due to the sugar's texture change. For pre-party preparations, you can soak the strawberries and make the candy coating ahead of time—just dip the apples on the day of serving.

Ingredients

For the Drunken Strawberries

1 pound fresh strawberries
1 cup vodka (or your favorite spirit)
1 cup granulated sugar

For the Candy Apples

6 medium-sized apples
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon food coloring (optional)

Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Drunken Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the strawberries and vodka. Let them soak for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors. Drain and toss the strawberries in granulated sugar right before starting the candy apples.

Prep the Apples

Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Insert wooden sticks into the tops of the apples and set them aside.

Make the Candy Coating

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to heat it to 300°F (hard crack stage). If using, add food coloring before removing from heat.

Dip the Apples

Quickly dip each apple into the candy mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow the excess to drip off before placing them on parchment paper to cool.

Serve

After the candy apples have cooled and set, arrange them on a platter, garnishing with the drunken strawberries for an impressive display.

Enjoy your homemade Drunken Strawberry Candy Apples with friends!

Pro Tips

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results, particularly the apples and strawberries.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for alternatives to vodka for soaking your strawberries, a fruity liqueur like amaretto or peach schnapps adds wonderful flavor. For non-alcoholic variations, use fruit juices or flavored syrups to soak the strawberries. Just note that the texture may vary slightly without the effects of alcohol, but the fruity essence will still shine through beautifully.

For the apples, while Granny Smith apples are highly recommended for their tartness and crisp texture, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just ensure to choose apples that can hold their shape when dipped in the hot candy mixture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your candy coating isn't setting properly, it might not have reached high enough temperature. Ensure your candy thermometer is accurate and that you're allowing the sugar mixture to boil undisturbed until it hits that crucial 300°F. If it’s too thick when dipping, you can gently reheat it to achieve a more fluid consistency before dipping the apples again.

In case the sugar coating starts to stick to your hands while handling the cooled apples, it signifies they may not have fully cooled off or the humidity level in your kitchen is higher than ideal. Always give the dipped apples adequate time to cool and set on parchment paper, and consider working in a less humid environment for the best results.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of alcohol for the strawberries?

Absolutely! You can use rum, champagne, or even flavored liqueurs for different taste profiles.

→ How do I store leftover candy apples?

Store them in an airtight container in a cool place, but they are best enjoyed fresh on the same day.

→ Can I make these apples without alcohol?

Yes! Just use a flavored syrup or juice instead of alcohol for the strawberries.

→ What if my candy coating didn't set properly?

If it’s too sticky, it may need to be cooked a bit longer. Ensure you reach the hard crack stage at 300°F.