Desserts and alcohol can go hand in hand. Sipping champagne with a raspberry tart, Irish coffee with a bowl of chocolate mousse, or bourbon alongside a slice of pecan pie can feel like the utmost of luxury – an intoxicating experience in more ways than one. (These are the best bourbons in the U.S. right now.)
Of course, these two indulgences can also be combined into one. Spirits like rum and brandy, especially when they’re softened by age, can add notes of caramel and vanilla to confections that have nutty or chocolaty flavors. Dark beer or stout can add richness to plum pudding or chocolate cake. Wine can feature in lighter desserts, like frozen sangria or a wine-soaked granité.
In addition to providing flavor, alcohol can also improve the texture of both baked goods and frozen desserts. Alcohol can lower the freezing point of the latter, leading to a smoother final product, and can also add moisture and a tender crumb to cakes. Some recipes will call for alcohol to be baked into desserts, while others may require soaking them in liqueur or an alcohol-infused simple syrup. Just be sure to use a spirit that is good enough to be enjoyed on its own by the glass, as inferior liquors can lead to bitter or off-putting flavors. (Here’s a list of the most valuable liquor brands in the world.)
To assemble a list of desserts spiked with alcohol, 24/7 Tempo reviewed numerous culinary websites, including Delish, Eat This Not That, Taste of Home, and Food & Wine. Like all recipes, those for desserts vary widely, and not all will include exactly the same (abbreviated) list of ingredients we offer.

Baba au rhum
> Main ingredients: Yeast cake, rum syrup, pastry cream

Tiramisù
> Main ingredients: Savoiardi cookies (ladyfingers), eggs, mascarpone, cocoa, coffee, Marsala wine or coffee liqueur

Trifle
> Main ingredients: Sponge cake, sherry, custard, fruit jelly, fruit, whipped cream

Grand Marnier soufflé
> Main ingredients: Egg yolks, egg whites, Grand Marnier
Chocolate rum balls
> Main ingredients: Cookie crumbs, butter, chocolate, condensed milk, rum, cocoa

Chocolate Guinness cake
> Main ingredients: Flour, butter, sugar, sour cream, eggs, cocoa, Guinness stout

Bread pudding with hard sauce
> Main ingredients: Stale bread, milk, eggs, sugar, dried fruit, spices, butter beaten with rum or brandy (hard sauce)

Rum raisin ice cream
> Main ingredients: Egg yolks, milk, heavy cream, rum-soaked raisins

Plum pudding
> Main ingredients: Breadcrumbs, eggs, sugar, butter, dried fruit, spices, brandy and/or stout

Red wine granita
> Main ingredients: Frozen mixed berries, sugar, red wine

Frozen Irish coffee
> Main ingredients: Vanilla ice cream, cream, coffee, Irish whiskey

Eggnog cake
> Main ingredients: Flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla, rum or brandy

Prosecco ice pops
> Main ingredients: Fresh or frozen strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, prosecco

Wine-poached pears
> Main ingredients: Bosc pears, red wine, orange zest, sugar

Kahlúa affogato
> Main ingredients: Vanilla ice cream, espresso, Kahlúa

Sangria sorbet
> Main ingredients: Oranges, strawberries, peaches, sugar, red wine

Crêpes Suzette
> Main ingredients: Crêpes, butter, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, Grand Marnier or triple sec
Sponsored: Want to Retire Early? Here’s a Great First Step
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Tempo Editorial team.