Sugar- rolled Brandy Grapes. Doesn’t that just feel sweet on your tongue already?

I don’t remember the first time I had these, but my mother has been making them for years. They tend to show up at birthdays and new years. Any festive occasion is an appropriate time for these gems. I started making this recipe in college for parties, they were dubbed the “boozy grapes”. I still have friends that make the boozy grapes on the other side of the country. These photos are from a batch my mother made when I was home for a party recently.

There is nothing complicated about this recipe. But, this is a great party treat and it will be an unexpected hit at your event. I usually serve them on a platter in a glorious glittering pile. These are served on toothpicks with small cubes of swiss cheese. The cheese makes a nice compliment to the brandy and sweetness.

The grapes must start soaking the night before and rolled the day of.

Sugar-Rolled Brandy Grapes

This recipe can be made in any amount.

Wash a bag or container of red grapes. Place them all in a large ziplock bag. Place enough brandy in the bag so that when the bag is laying flat, the brandy covers them about half way. (Optional: Also add a splash of orange liquor.) Let the grapes soak overnight, flipping the bag once for even coating.

After the grapes have soaked, it is time to roll them in sugar! I used to get a bowl and fill it with sugar and roll them one at a time, placing them in a single level on a plate. But, when I made them with my mother, she had a better method. Get a cookie sheet and pour sugar on it. Then you can place all the grapes on the sheet at once and roll them around until covered. Then place the whole tray in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

The sugar sticks to the grapes and when it dries, it forms a sparkling crystal layer around them. Serve them and enjoy! But you might want to warn your guests about the alcohol before they eat the whole plate, or don’t and expect to have an even more interesting party.