Bourbon Chocolate Popcorn

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Popcorn

I may be a Jersey girl at heart, but I have had family living in Kentucky for many years. And, after a visit one year for Thanksgiving that included a tour at a distillery, I was inspired to add a little bourbon to some recipes.

Like this chocolate-covered popcorn with a little boozy infusion, plus some pecans for a little extra crunch and a nutty flavor that is complemented by the whiskey. I think you are going to enjoy this chocolaty treat. Here’s why…

• Flavor that pops. I did sacrifice a bit of the crunch of the popcorn in order to ensure there was enough bourbon in the chocolate to make the flavor really, ahem, pop. That’s another reason I added the pecans – not only do they taste delicious, but they up the texture factor.
• Easy to make. There are only four ingredients and it comes together in minutes. The hardest part will be waiting for the chocolate to set, but you better or the evidence will be all over your fingers!
• Perfect for any occasion. It makes a fun movie night treat for the adults, and a great gift or addition to packages and platters of sweets during the holidays. But even better would be to serve it at a Derby Day Party!

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to make this chocolate-covered popcorn, plus some addition helpful information about the items. Add them to your grocery list after you scroll down to the recipe card to get the full amounts. That’s also where you’ll find the step-by-step instructions.

• Popped popcorn: Pop your own in the microwave or air popper without any oil or butter, or if you use microwave popcorn, use the plainest kind you can find, usually labeled “Natural”. There’s a section all about popcorn in my Is Corn Gluten Free? resource.
• Chopped pecans: If you like, you can lightly toast these in a skillet or in the oven.
• Chocolate: I recommend dark or semisweet melting chocolate discs or wafers or almond bark.
• Bourbon: You can use your favorite, but there is no need to use an expensive brand. I have been using Henry McKenna lately because it is a great value. It is very good for the affordable price point. If you are gluten free, be sure to read my article Is Bourbon Gluten Free? to help determine if it’s safe for you to enjoy.

What kind of chocolate is best for making chocolate popcorn?

One thing about making chocolate-covered popcorn, especially this boozy popcorn – use melting chocolate like these chocolate wafers, NOT chocolate chips. Chocolate chips are not tempered, and therefore do not melt as smooth. When you add a liquid, like the bourbon, in this case, it will cause the chocolate to seize and not coat the popcorn as evenly.

Proper Storage

Make sure it is cooled completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or plastic storage bag. While any leftover warmth will cause moisture to collect inside the container, making your popcorn lose its crunch factor, it is especially true in this case because you need to add enough bourbon to make the flavor shine through, so there is some extra moisture.

It will last for a few days if cooled and stored properly. It will certainly continue to taste amazing, but it won’t be as crunchy.

Make it a Party

There are so many occasions where this bourbon-infused choclate-covered popcorn will fit right in. Enjoy it as a popcorn upgrade for movie night or add it to your party menu with these ideas…