Bourbon Ball
Quick Bite
A Kentucky Bourbon Ball is a bite-sized chocolate candy with a bourbon-spiked creamy center, usually topped with a pecan. It is sweet, boozy, polished, and basically Kentucky in one elegant little bite.
History
The Kentucky Bourbon Ball has a clear and delicious origin story. It was created by Ruth Hanly Booe of Rebecca Ruth Candy in Frankfort, Kentucky, in 1938. The company itself began earlier, in 1919, when Ruth Booe and Rebecca Gooch started making candy together.
The magic idea was to bring two Kentucky loves together: bourbon and chocolate. The classic version has a creamy bourbon center, dark chocolate coating, and a pecan half on top. It looks fancy enough for a gift box but still has that local candy-shop charm.
Bourbon Balls became especially tied to Kentucky holidays, Derby parties, bourbon tourism, and gift baskets. They work because the bourbon does not need to overpower the candy; it just gives the sweet center a warm little kick.
Today, Bourbon Balls are made by many Kentucky candy shops, but Rebecca Ruth remains the historic name to know. A box of them feels like something you buy “for someone else” and then immediately consider keeping.
Fun Facts
- The original Kentucky Bourbon Ball was created in Frankfort in 1938.
- The pecan on top is not just decoration, it gives the candy a classic Southern finish.
- Many candy shops make bourbon balls, but Rebecca Ruth is the original name connected to the invention.
Where to Try
The essential stop for the original Kentucky Bourbon Ball, with retail shops and a factory tour in Frankfort.
A long-running Louisville candy shop with classic handmade Kentucky sweets.
Best known for Modjeskas, but also a strong stop for Kentucky candy culture and giftable regional sweets.
About the Game
This recipe is part of Van Life Challenge, a travel-themed board game from Gray Dog Games where players explore the United States, discover regional foods, and collect memorable experiences along the way.
Each featured food celebrates a real place, a local flavor, and the kind of delicious roadside discovery that makes every trip feel like an adventure.
Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the pecans: Place chopped pecans in a bowl and pour the bourbon over them. Cover and let soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight for stronger flavor.
- Make the center: Beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Add pecans: Stir in the bourbon-soaked pecans.
- Shape: Roll the mixture into small balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Chill for at least 1 hour, until firm.
- Melt the chocolate: Melt the chocolate gently in the microwave or over a double boiler.
- Dip: Dip each chilled ball into the chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
- Top: Place back on parchment and top each with a pecan half before the chocolate sets.
- Chill again: Chill until firm.
