How To Customize Kentucky Bourbon Balls For Any Occasion

If you're not from Kentucky, the first thing you think about when someone brings up the Bluegrass State could very likely be bourbon. After all, Kentucky is the bourbon capital of the US, with 95% of the world's supply of bourbon being produced there. While a bottle of bourbon can help you craft the world's best old fashioned, the flavor profile of this liquor beautifully complements the sweetness of desserts, especially chocolate. Both bourbon and cocoa often have the same undertones of flavors like oak, vanilla, caramel, and even cherries, making these two ingredients a match made in boozy dessert heaven. There are many confectionary inventions that have married bourbon and chocolate, ranging from cakes to ice cream, but bourbon balls are perhaps the most iconic Kentucky dessert out there.

If you're unfamiliar with the treat, bourbon balls are a delicious, bite-sized dessert first invented by Rebecca Ruth Candy Company in Frankfort, Kentucky in 1938. In their purest form, these no-bake desserts are traditionally made with bourbon, chocolate, confectioners' sugar, butter, and chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are common). Some recipes will even have a whole pecan sitting right on top or a coating of cookie crumbs. However, the beauty of bourbon balls is that they are truly customizable for any occasion. By switching up what nuts you use or which coating you select, you can make a perfectly curated truffle. No matter if you are looking to make them for a holiday treat platter, a Kentucky Derby party, or a special occasion like a wedding, there are many ways to customize bourbon balls.

Think about the occasion you are making these for and let that be your guide for which recipe to choose. If you're intending to serve these at a Christmas party, you could try crushing vanilla wafers or graham crackers into a fine dust and rolling it in with the rest of your ingredients for more of a Christmas cookie vibe. Once the balls are formed, roll them in powdered sugar for an extra kick of sweetness that will also make them resemble little snowballs. If these are intended for a birthday party, roll the balls in rainbow sprinkles instead for a fun and colorful birthday treat. Of course, if you're preparing bourbon balls for a more formal occasion, such as a wedding or fancy Kentucky Derby party, you probably don't want your guests to risk dousing themselves in powdered sugar. A classic bourbon ball coated in smooth, tempered chocolate can feel sophisticated enough for either shindig.

As for the interior, consider adding in spices or even pumpkin puree for cozy fall flavors or going carrot cake themed for a more spring take. If you want to take your bourbon balls in a Nutella direction, consider swapping the classic pecans or walnuts for hazelnuts, or go Italian and use pine nuts. Of course, you can omit the nuts if there's an allergy or you're just not a fan. While walnuts or pecans can bring a delightful crunch to bourbon balls, sinking your teeth into a silky-smooth sphere of chocolate and booze is equally as satisfying. Alternatively, you can use crunchy chopped cookies to add an element of nut-free texture. Whether you prefer classic recipes or mixing and matching new ingredients, bourbon balls are an easy-to-make and delicious crowd-pleaser.