These Grape-Bourbon Sticky Cocktail Meatballs are a grown-up twist on a classic party favorite. Sweet grape jelly melts into a rich, glossy sauce, while bourbon adds warmth, depth, and that unmistakable cocktail-hour vibe. The result is a batch of tender, juicy meatballs coated in a sticky glaze that’s bold, comforting, and impossible to resist.
What makes this recipe shine is how familiar and unexpected it feels at the same time. Grape jelly brings nostalgic sweetness, but once it simmers with bourbon, vinegar, and savory notes, it transforms into something deeper and more complex. The glaze reduces into a shiny, lacquered sauce that clings perfectly to every meatball.
These meatballs are ideal for entertaining because they’re easy to prepare ahead of time and stay delicious when kept warm. Serve them with toothpicks for parties, or spoon them over rice or mashed potatoes for a playful weeknight dinner that feels a little special.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, game-day party, or cocktail night, these grape-bourbon meatballs deliver big flavor with minimal effort—and they always disappear fast.
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Servings: About 24 meatballs
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork blend)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Grape-Bourbon Glaze:
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions:
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