This festive, fun Red White & Blue Boozy Berries Parfait is perfect for your Memorial day or 4th of July celebration! With fresh berries macerated in brandy, mint whipped mascarpone and graham cracker streusel, these patriotic berries in brandy parfaits are easy to prepare and downright delicious!
*Updated*
This post was originally published in June 2016. I edited the photos and changed some of the written post below to include more information. Plus, I added a RECIPE VIDEO to show you how easy this boozy fruit parfait is to make!
OUR LATEST VIDEOSHi friends! T minus 4 days till the 4th of July! Wahoo!!
Do you guys have any big plans to celebrate our independence? Whatever festivities you guys have devised, I hope it includes lots of fantastic food, delicious drinks and a fascinating fireworks.
While the rest of the nation is busy organizing their shindig for the 4th, I am busy getting ready to celebrate something else next week. Something I use to loooove celebrating when I was younger, but now as I get older, I feel like I’m just adding more notches to my belt… and since I’m not getting any skinnier, that saying seems sadly appropriate.
That’s right. Next week is maaah birrrrthhdaaay! I’ll just come out and tell you, I will be 33.
33! Even as I type that number I find it hard to believe.
I feel like I was just having a conniption over turning 30, and now I will be closer to 35 than 30. I’m trying to refrain myself from having an emotional breakdown by reminding myself age is just a number.
Besides, women are like a fine wine… we get better with age. 😉
So as you all are planning out your 4th of July party, I am working on my birthday wish list. For those of you who are a nosy Nancy like me, so far it’s a toss-up between a new camera body and custom shelving for my office closet.
Anyways, I’m not so busy dreaming up birthday gifts that I forgot about you guys and your need for festively fun 4th of July food!
So, I made you guys one of my favorite treats to devour in the summer – parfaits… with fruit and booze, of course.
Red White & Blue Boozy Berries Parfait
Aka boozy berries or 4th of July in a glass. Because, you just can’t celebrate Independence Day with at least one red, white and blue dish. But, these beauties are more than just three shades of parfait perfect, they are also downright delicious.
I know I just shared a trifle with you guys, but recently I am all about the layers of flavor. I am convinced layered food makes life compl-eat, just saying. Besides, once you try these parfaits, I’m sure you will be joining me in my layers are not just for fall clothing mentality.
Thick and creamy, yet airy and light, decadent, sweet, minty mascarpone.
Boozy, luscious, fruity, fresh berries.
Brown sugary, cinnamon-y, crumbly and crisp graham cracker streusel.
Basically, these parfaits taste like a summer fruit crisp… made individual sized, minus the baking and plus some luxurious mascarpone.
Essentially, these festive, fun 4th of July treats put the fruit crisp to shame. So you should turn off your oven and indulge in these pretty fruit parfaits instead. 😉
What is brandy?
Brandy is an alcoholic spirit produced by distilling wine. Typically it is consumed as an after-dinner digestif, however in this recipe we are using it to infuse the berries. The word ‘brandy’ is derived from the Dutch word “brandewijn” which means “burnt wine”, and it is a simplistic description of boiling wine in the distillation process.
Which brandy to use for cooking, sangrias or parfaits?
While there are tons of very fine brandies available, there is no need to use a highest quality brandy in cooking. The same goes when making a punch such as sangria, or to infuse the fruit in this fourth of July, festive fruit dessert. However, since we won’t be cooking out the alcohol in these Red White & Blue Boozy Berries Parfait and the actual flavor of brandy is a concern for sangria or parfaits, I would purchase at least a medium quality brandy.
What is a parfait?
A parfait is a dessert consisting of layers served in a tall glass.
There are two types of parfaits, the French version and the American version. The parfait, meaning “perfect” in french, originated in France.
In the french version, a parfait is made by boiling cream, egg, sugar and syrup to create a puree which is custard-like in texture. The American version of parfait is a little bit more lax and includes more ingredients, such as granola, nuts or liqueurs in combination with a a topping of fruits and/or whipped cream that are layered and served.
Notes, Tips & Tricks for Red White & Blue Boozy Berries Parfait recipe:
- If you turn these into non-alcoholic 4th of July parfaits, simply skip the brandy when marinating the berries. Instead, increase the amount of sugar to ½ cup and let the berries macerate according to directions in the recipe.
- You can make all components of this Red White & Blue Boozy Berries Parfait in advance. Just keep the whipped mascarpone, berries and streusel separate and assemble before serving.
- The streusel is crazy addictive. I highly recommend you double the recipe and store it in a Ziploc bag. It is delicious as a sweet snack, or you can use it to top ice cream, stir it into yogurt, serve it with fresh fruit, etc.
Add this festively fun Red White & Blue Boozy Berries Parfait to your 4th of July soiree – I guarantee you and your guests will love them!
In light of the holiday and my birthday I will not be posting on Monday. So until next Thursday friends, cheers – to a fabulous (and safe) Independence day!
XOXO
Cheyanne
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How to prepare Red White & Blue Boozy Berries Parfait recipe and video 👇
With berries marinated in brandy, mint whipped mascarpone and graham cracker streusel, these festively fun parfaits are perfect for your 4th of July celebration!
- 1 Pound Strawberries – trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
- 1 Pint Blueberries
- ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Lemon – zest of whole and juice of half
- 1/2 Cup Brandy
- 8 oz Mascarpone Cheese
- ½ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 TBS Honey
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- ¼ Cup Fresh Mint – finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/3 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 7 Graham Crackers
- 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/8 tsp Cinnamon
- 6 TBS Unsalted Butter – melted
- Marinate the berries: In a large bowl combine the granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and brandy. Stir well. Add the berries and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust for sweetness and brandy if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight, stirring occasionally.
- Make the streusel: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a bowl of a food processor, add the flour, graham crackers, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Pulse until finely ground. Transfer to a bowl (or remove the blade from food processor) and add in melted butter. Use a fork to mix until clumps form. Transfer streusel to baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 7 minutes. Remove from oven and stir. Return to oven and continue to bake for 6-8 additional minutes, or until streusel is pale brown, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the pan.
- Whip the mascarpone: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the mascarpone and heavy whipping cream. Beat on high speed until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the honey and vanilla and beat until just combined. Fold in the mint.
- To assemble: Layer a ¼ cup of mascarpone in the bottom of each parfait glass, top with a fourth of the berries and spoonful of the brandy marinade. Top each with a ¼ cup of the streusel. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve and enjoy.
Recipe Video
- If you turn these into non-alcoholic 4th of July parfaits, simply skip the brandy when marinating the berries. Instead, increase the amount of sugar to ½ cup and let the berries macerate according to directions in the recipe.
- You can make all components of this parfait in advance. Just keep the whipped mascarpone, berries and streusel separate and assemble before serving.
- The streusel is crazy addictive. I highly recommend you double the recipe and store it in a Ziploc bag. It is delicious as a sweet snack, or you can use it to top ice cream, stir it into yogurt, serve it with fresh fruit, etc.
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This parfait looks absolutely delicious, and full of flavour! I love the addition of brandy!
This is such a beautiful parfait Cheyanne, the graham cracker streusel sounds absolutely delicious! Mmmm, I wish I could dive into my computer screen and take a spoonful of it right now! Another amazing recipe I can’t wait to try!
Obviously we don’t celebrate 4th July here in the UK, however we will be eating burgers on Monday as a little wave to our American friends. I really want to make this too, without the brandy of course. Those berried look epic.
You know I am all about the layers of flavor – and I so appreciate you adding some booze to these parfaits 😉 Definitely perfect for summer and a lovely way to celebrate the 4th! (And yes to extra streusel for adding to everything!!)
I hope you have a fun 4th and I especially hope you have a wonderful birthday! As someone who is an entire year older and wiser, I’d just like to say that I think 30s are pretty fantastic 😉 XO
Happy birthday, my friend. As someone who is on the other side of 35 (I’ll be 37 next month), I can tell you that age is something I struggle with too. I sort of have this messed up idea that if I just work out and live pretty clean, I’ll be 25 forever! 🙂
This is gorgeous. And using brandy is just class all the way, like you! Have a fantastic celebration and get lots of presents!!
Oh man I HATE getting older, too! I actually always forget my age and say that I’m a year younger! It’s fun telling that to my husband, because then he gets confused haha. And I’m right there with you in the 30s club, but the 30’s are the new 20s, right? At least that’s what I tell myself, because I still feel like I’m 25! 🙂 This parfait looks SO good, Cheyanne! I love the brandy and mascarpone in here. Just perfect for the 4th and your birthday!
Age IS just a number, Cheyanne! And 30s are pretty awesome, girl! So exciting, though, with a b-day coming up! Woo hoo! Birthday celebrations are the best!! I’m sure you will have a fantastic day 🙂 Now this parfait? It looks fantastic! That mascarpone cheese is the bomb! Love all those berries in there too…kinda makes it a healthy dessert 😉 Way to amp it up, girl! An extra serving for me! Canada Day is tomorrow so today is the eve of a long weekend! Love long weekends! We need more of them, like, at least once a month, right?! Have a good one! xoxo
33?? I’ve got you beat Cheyanne! By far, sad to say! I hope you have a fabulous birthday and a fabulous 4th! This parfait is the perfect dessert for the holiday. I love the colors and that minty mascarpone and graham cracker streusel sounds wonderful! As usual, so creative and delicious I’m sure! XO
Cheyanne, we DO get better with age! Don’t sweat your birthday next week!!! Enjoy it! This is the most beautiful and sophisticated parfait I’ve seen in a long time!! WOW!!! the mint whipped mascarpone??!!! Holy crap, this looks amazing! Have a GREAT 4th!!!!
I love individual desserts. No fighting over portion sizes 🙂 Love all the fresh berries in these parfaits. This looks like a great way to enjoy the berry season. Enjoy your 4th!
Oh I hear you!! I’m one year behind you (turning 32 in August) and I still can’t believe that I’m somehow in my thirties already! I’ll leave you with my 94 year old grandma’s words of wisdom “It’s all in how you feel – the number doesn’t matter!” – I tell myself that often! haha Plus I figure she knows what she’s talking about at 94!!
PS these parfaits sound amazingggggg. Happy long holiday weekend friend!!
33! Woot woot!! You’re just gettin’ started sister! With every birthday we’re still as young as we’ll ever be….It’s all in how we look at it! 🙂 And remember – with age comes wisdom….now, that’s a decent gift! Just like this gorgeous parfait!! I’d like this for my birthday…. Have a great weekend, my friend! Cheers! And Happy Birthday!! XOXO
CHEY — 33! That’s such an awesome age. I will NOT be turning 33 next week. Not even 43. I’ll be turning 44 in a couple weeks!!! How can this be? I hope you have a wonderful celebration and an awesome 4th too. I am headed to a cousin’s wedding in Milwaukee and having to catch a 5:35 a.m. flight out of Boston. I don’t relish getting up at 2:30 but I do look forward to seeing lots of my extended family. I love this beautiful parfait with mascarpone. I have a July 4th Stars & Stripes shortbread that uses mascarpone. So creamy and delicious and a cut above cream cheese. Wishing this parfait was sitting in front of me now. I’d grab a silver spoon and call it breakfast! 🙂
Happy almost Birthday my dear, dear friend. Oh my!! And thank goodness we’re about the same age. Phew!!! Oh yeah! Okay, wow, maybe we WERE separated at birth!!
We totally get better with age. And so much friggin wiser. Goodness, I think about all the foolish things I used to do before 30 and even last year (lol), and I feel so grateful and happy for how far I’ve come. So let me just say, as someone who knows and loves me some Chey, you are better than the finest wine there is–and already at the young age of 33. Imagine how much you’re gonna ROCK at 43, 83 and 103! 🙂
In the meantime, thank you for this gorgeous berries in brandy parfait. Come on over so we can celebrate (and bring some of these, pretty please?) <3 Pinning, duh! xoxoxoxo
I wish you Happy Birthday girl! Hope you have a great one! And remember age is just a number, it is all about how you feel 🙂 These parfaits look gorgeous! Love the flavors and textures! Pinning!
Age is just a number and yes we get better with age! Now I am almost same age as you and wow you are right, closer to 35 than 30!! but doesn’t matter, it’s all about how you feel! Wish you a very Happy Birthday, have a good one my friend! and love these parfaits, especially the streusel!
33! You’re still a baby compared to me. At any rate, I wish you the happiest birthday ever! Getting older is hard, trust me, especially when you’re my age. 🙂 Now, celebrating with one of these would make it a lot easier. These are gorgeous and I love those brandied berries! Have a wonderful 4th, Cheyanne!
Omg this is literally genius. I LOVE berries and i LOVE brandy! This looks like the perfect combination of flavors. Happy Birthday and Happy July 4th!
These parfaits are simply gorgeous. I love anything with summer berries and streusel. A perfect summertime dessert, Cheyanne. Happy (almost) Birthday, my dear friend!
Wonderful dessert, mascarpone is always great and those streusel…… Mmmmm! I wish you a nice 4th of July and lots of presents on your birthday! 🙂
Yay! We are almost the same age, as I turned 33 in April. So true its hard to believe that we are 33 already. When did that happen? 🙂 But birthdays are always AWESOME, they make us feel good! And I wish you a very Happy Birthday, have lots of fun! And these parfaits — what a beauty, Cheyanne. Such a wonderful and delicious looking parfait. Loving the addition of graham cracker streusel! And berries with brandy is so dreamy. And your photos are making me so drool, that I want to have right through my screen. And loving the fact that you added mascarpone here. All in all I want that I want this in my life badly. Can’t wait to give it a try! Have a wonderful week! <3
I love desserts like these, Cheyanne – they are always a crowd pleaser and look so pretty. Wishing you a happy b-day – hope you get the new camera body. That’s been on my wish list too! Have a wonderful 4th.
I am a firm believer that we get better with age. And I’ve used the fine wine analogy too 😉 I love parfaits, but true to form, yours goes way above and beyond just any parfait – brandy, mascarpone, and a graham cracker streusel…. you’re killin’ me girl! Death by parfait… sounds good to me 😉 Hope you have a fabulous birthday girl!
Yes, we do get better with age! 🙂 Don’t sweat 33, I promise life just gets better…
These creamy, boozy, berry parfaits are definitely a PERFECT 4th of July dessert! And I’m totally intrigued by graham cracker streusel – sounds so good!
Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
I don’t know which part of these parfaits I like best! That mint mascarpone sounds wonderful!
Chey, I absolutely get it. When I had my 25th birthday (That was many years if not centuries ago), I was kind of excited but scared. When I turned 30, the days around BH were marked with some depressive mood. But then everything has changed (like a new chapter) and I’ve been fine and even enjoying my every BH. Besides, as a person having celebrated my 33th Birthday just recently (Yess, 33!), theres a good news: nothing bad happens:) But don’t forget to make this delicious luscious dessert and send it to me – I will be celebrating your Day too!:)
Love how you brought the colours red, white and blue together – it just looks divine! I wish you a very Happy Birthday – 33 is a great age (sadly I have passed that age quite some time ago 😉 but as you said we are all getting better with age 😉
Oh, to be 33 again – you spring chicken you! I hope you get everything your beautiful heart desires, including a big dish of this parfait! Big birthday hug to you!!!
Happy birthday! I hope 33 is your most fabulous year yet!
This is a beautiful dessert. I’m always on board with brandy and fruit. And that topping!!
33? Goodness! That ship has sailed for me! You can always just distract yourself with these delicious boozy berry brandy parfaits! Cheers! And Happy Birthday! XO
Happy Birthday, Cheyanne!! I hope you have a fabulous time celebrating! I think these parfaits are the perfect way to kick off the celebration. Berries and brandy sound fantastic!!
Happy Birthday! Everything about this sounds absolutely amazing! It would make a great weekend treat! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Wish you a very Happy Birthday, Cheyanne. Hope you have a great one! These parfait are gorgeous, perfect summer treat!!
First off, yes to making birthday lists and go for the new camera body girl!!! Shelves can come out of the household expense money because it’s related to the house. Right? 😉 Secondly, I’m really, really loving these parfait. Love Mascarpone cheese, love the mint, love all the berries, love the buttery sugary topping. Yum, yum, YUM!! On my list to make next week to celebrate your birthday. heeheehee ps. dang, you’re old. LOL!!!
This looks SO heavenly, Cheyanne!! What a perfect summer treat! I am drooling over here just thinking about it…
Love the berries and while I don’t drink alcohol I can easily enjoy this one. Reading about the mint whipped mascarpone and graham cracker streusel got me. This looks most edible and perfect for this weekend. Thanks and cheers! Happy Fourth to you and Boy. 🙂
Happy birthday, Cheyanne! Don’t sweat it girl, it’s totally just a number. Hope you have an awesome time celebrating!! Love these boozy parfaits! So pretty and perfect for this weekend and all summer! 🙂
Happy birthday m’dear!! I always say you get more fabulous with each year that passes, so there’s that! 😉 Also cheers to these pretty parfaits! I love the graham cracker streusel! NOMS.
Happy birthday!! I hope you have an awesome day (whichever day it is!)! These trifles are mind-blowing. Loving all the flavors and textures you’ve got going on here!
Yay! I hope you had a lovely birthday and fourth of July! This parfait looks amazing. Pinned.
Happy birthday, Chey!! Isn’t 30s the new 20s? You are still young my friend—enjoy the decade! Those years are in my rearview mirror.
Whichever you choose for your birthday gift, I’m sure you are going to love it!
The parfait is beautiful!! It has all the things that make me happy…mascarpone, whipped cream, berries, streusel. I can eat this all summer long!
Happy Birthday week, Cheyanne! I hope you enjoyed the long weekend… with these tasty parfaits, I’m sure you did 😉 I’d love one of these right about now!
You old lady you! My goodness, time does fly, right? I hope your birthday week is the best ever and that you spend it doing the things you love! This parfait is sublime and has so much deliciousness going on! It’s been too long since I made a parfait.. I think it’s time! MWAH! And Happy Birthday love! xo
Happy happy happy birthday!!!!! Hope you had the best day ever 🙂 I had a meltdown my last birthday, but am trying to remain cool for the next ones! Which will be easier if I have one of these parfaits on hand 😉 Fantastic as always, Cheyanne!
A dignified and lovely dessert. So summery!
This sounds delicious, I’m definitely going to give this a go! – thanks for sharing
My pleasure, Robbie! I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! Cheers and thank you for stopping by! 🙂
Boozy desserts are always a great idea! My bday is a few days before July 4 so I’m definitely going to eat at least one of these–or as many as it takes to forget that I’m getting older :). Seriously, they sound DELISH! Have a great week, Chey!
These will be perfect for the 4th too Chey! Or any summer weekend really! You know I’m loving those boozy berries!
So glad you republished this one! “…”erries macerated in brandy, mint whipped mascarpone and graham cracker streusel” OH ME OH MY! Boozy and PERFECT for any parties around the 4th or even FIFA game get togethers! Simply delicious!
Another oldie but goodie! I do remember these bad guys particularly well…it might or might not be cause of involved brandy (Well this also explains well why I remember many of yours recipes) 😉
Yum, what a delicious meal plan! And vegetarian! I’m not even a vegetarian and I love it.
This does sound food and I’m adding the ingredients to my shopping list! One question, graham crackers come in sheets of four, is it seven individual crackers or whole sheets? Thanks!
Hi Amanda,
It is seven individual crackers (or 3 1/2 whole sheets). Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you! I’ll make it this weekend, can’t wait.
My pleasure!