Retro-style holiday no-bake treat! Often called Whisky Balls or Rum Balls, this version uses whisky and vanilla wafers. They’re rich, boozy, and perfect for a Christmas party.
Here’s a clearer, formatted recipe based on your ingredient list.
Christmas Whisky Bubbles (No-Bake Whisky Balls)
Yield: About 24-30 balls
Prep Time: 20 minutes + 1 hour chilling
Ingredients:
-
40-50 vanilla wafers, finely crushed (about 2 ½ – 3 cups of crumbs)
-
3 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
-
1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well)
-
4 teaspoons light corn syrup (or honey/maple syrup as a substitute)
-
3 tablespoons whisky (bourbon, Scotch, or rye—choose your favorite)
-
Powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions:
-
Make the Crumbs: Place the vanilla wafers in a zip-top bag and crush finely with a rolling pin, or pulse in a food processor until you have fine, even crumbs. Pour into a large mixing bowl.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the cocoa powder and chopped nuts to the crumbs. Stir well to combine.
-
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the corn syrup and whisky over the crumb mixture. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until the mixture is uniformly moist and holds together when pinched. It should resemble a thick, slightly sticky dough.
-
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour. This makes it much easier to roll.
-
Form the Balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it firmly between your palms into a 1-inch ball. Place on a tray or plate.
-
Coat in Sugar: Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated. For a “snowy” look, you can roll them twice: once right after forming, and again just before serving after the sugar has been absorbed a bit.
-
Age for Best Flavor: Place the finished balls in an airtight container. For the best flavor, let them mellow for 1-2 days in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the whisky flavor to permeate and mellow.
-
Serve: Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. They are best served at room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
🌟 Pro Tips & Variations:
-
Consistency Check: If the mixture is too dry to hold together, add ½ teaspoon more whisky or corn syrup at a time until it binds. If it’s too wet, add a few more crushed wafers or a tablespoon of powdered sugar.
-
Nut Options: Toast the nuts lightly before chopping for a deeper flavor.
-
Flavor Twists:
-
Add ¼ teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
-
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive spice.
-
Roll in finely crushed nuts, sprinkles, or cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar.
-
-
For a Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute the whisky with apple cider, strong cold coffee, or orange juice and add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Enjoy these festive, spirited treats—a little taste of Christmas cheer in every bite! 🥃🎄