When you think of summertime, probably one of the first images that crosses your mind is one filled with fresh fruit and cold beverages by the poolside. So why not put two and two together and infuse summer fruit with some of your favorite adult sips, combining fruit and alcohol into the perfect refreshing mix? Don't be afraid to get wild with it, even if it's not summer! There are a bunch of all-season sangrias too that need fruit!
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We know that fruit juice goes great with alcohol, so it only makes sense that alcohol infused with fruit would be an even more delectable combo. Whether you're using a honeydew, blueberries or strawberries for your fruit, you can't go wrong with a fruit infused with alcohol. Plus, it's way more exciting and unique than a simple mixed drink or a cocktail!
Boozy fruit is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Simply select your preferred fresh fruit, pair it with a complimentary liqueur, and then let things marinate. That's it. It's so easy you won't even have trouble whipping up seconds. If you're not sure how to choose which fruits for which alcohol, think about your favorite fruity cocktails. You already know that pineapple juice goes great with rum, and maybe you enjoy strawberry-flavored vodka Jell-O shots or the occasional fruit-infused moonshine. This is enough information to get the ball rolling on deliciously boozy fruits!
For more guidance on where to begin, here are 10 alcohol and fruit recipes for deliciously boozy fruit experience.
1. Pineapple + Rum
Tropical pineapple embodies the taste of summer. It's refreshing, tangy, and unbearably juicy. This year, however, up the ante and soak these fresh fruit chunks in rum for an extra delicious, boozy infused fruit treat.
Make sure to mix things up though by using both spiced and coconut rum. Get a recipe at Domestic Superhero.
2. Coconut + Rum
Channel your inner pirate and break out the coconut... and the rum. Rum-infused coconut is delicious in tres leches cake, as a piña colada garnish, or simply eaten with a fork.
Or alternatively, you can just pour some rum over ice cubes into the inside of a fresh, young coconut and call it a day.
Get the recipe at Bon Appétit.
3. Mango + Champagne
Mangos are great because you don't have to soak them so much as blend them with your favorite alcohol.
Give a mango + lime + champagne agua fresca a try at your next brunch party to see how boozy you like your tropical fruit. Get a recipe at Boulder Locavore.
4. Watermelon + Beer
Summer beers are here and you know you're going to need every excuse to try them all. So why not take it to the next level try out beer-soaked watermelon. You will be surprised with the hoppy results. Get a recipe at The Beeroness.
If beer isn't your thing, don't fret. Tequila-soaked watermelon is also a wonderful concoction. Try it out with your favorite (not terribly expensive) agave liquor.
5. Strawberries + Vodka
There are so many liqueurs that you should be soaking your strawberries in. For starters try:
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Sherry
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Triple Sec
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Kirsch
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Kahlua
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Vodka
Or you can get extra fancy and plump your strawberries up with some champagne and then dress them up with a coat of frosting. No one will be disappointed with these summertime beauties. Get a recipe at Tablespoon.
6. Raspberries + Champagne
Raspberries and champagne are a classic, so don't leave this out of your booze-soaked fruit repertoire.
Simply submerge your raspberries in champagne to make a lovely cocktail with this recipe from the Cookie Rookie or blend the two ingredients together and you can turn it into a cake with this recipe from the Cake Blog. Either way, you're going to be pleased with the bright, sparkling flavor result.
7. Oranges + Brandy
If you soak oranges in brandy, you'll basically be making DIY Grand Marnier, which is never a bad thing. This way, you'll save yourself a few bucks and have boozy orange slices to much on.
Wondering what you would use homemade Grand Marnier for? Try using it in French toast or a dark chocolate soufflé.
Get the recipe at Food.com.
8. Peaches + Bourbon
Southern summers mean peaches. And while peaches are juicy to their core, there is no reason you can't gild the lily and add some extra hydration with a liqueur bath.
Try soaking them in bourbonwith this recipe from A Family Feast or dressing them in whiskey with this recipe from The Primal Desire to get yourself started.
9. Cherries + Bourbon
Cherries are at their peak in high summer as warm weather touches the perma-cloudy Northwest of the United States. While those in Seattle are probably having trouble withstanding the sunshine, the rest of the country is thankful as cherry shipments begin.
This year, scrap the complicated cherry recipes in favor of letting them marinate in a large bowl of bourbon. Don't believe it will be as delicious as your favorite dessert? Give it a try with this recipe from How Sweet Eats and prove yourself wrong.
10. Grapes + Wine
The perfect way to use grapes is to not soak them in alcohol. Instead, use grapes as ice cubes in your red wine or white wine.
All you have to do is freeze them and toss a couple into your glass. That way you can keep your vino cool without diluting it.
Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Eats are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.This post was originally published on March 23, 2020.
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