There’s something absolutely magical about transforming a classic cocktail into a frozen delight, and this Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie delivers that magic in every sip. I discovered this recipe during a particularly sweltering summer when the thought of a regular rum and coke just wasn’t cutting it. The addition of cherry takes this familiar flavor combination to new heights, creating a slushie that’s simultaneously nostalgic and exciting. The frozen texture adds a refreshing dimension that makes this Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie perfect for poolside sipping, backyard barbecues, or anytime you need a grown-up frozen treat. Keep reading to discover how easily this crowd-pleasing cocktail comes together with just a few simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie
If you’ve ever struggled with creating cocktails that feel special without requiring bartending school skills, this Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie is your new best friend. Unlike complicated mixed drinks that demand precise measurements and techniques, this slushie is wonderfully forgiving and endlessly customizable.
I first served these Cherry Rum and Coke Slushies at my sister’s surprise birthday party last summer. She’s a rum and coke devotee but wanted something more festive for her celebration. The look on her face when she took her first sip was priceless – that perfect blend of recognition (it’s definitely a rum and coke!) and delighted surprise at the frozen cherry twist.
What I love most about this recipe is how easily it scales for crowds. I’ve made individual servings for quiet evenings on the porch and blended up huge batches for summer gatherings. The cherry component can be adjusted to your preference, making it subtle or the star of the show.
And while I’m sharing my preferred method, you’ll find that once you master the basic technique, you can customize this Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie to suit any occasion or taste preference. Now, let’s dive into exactly what you’ll need to create this refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients for Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie
Base Ingredients
- Dark rum (8 oz): The foundation of any good rum and coke, dark rum provides rich caramel notes that complement the cherry perfectly. I recommend using a medium-bodied dark rum like Bacardi Gold or Captain Morgan. For a more premium version, try a aged rum like Appleton Estate.
- Cola (16 oz): The classic mixer that gives this slushie its familiar flavor. Regular Coca-Cola works beautifully, but you can use your preferred cola brand. Diet or zero-sugar versions work well too if you’re watching your sugar intake.
- Cherry syrup (4 oz): This is what elevates our Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie from good to unforgettable. I prefer Luxardo cherry syrup for its authentic flavor, but grenadine or even the syrup from maraschino cherries will work in a pinch.
- Fresh lime juice (2 oz): Don’t skip this! The acidity balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors. Always use fresh-squeezed for the best taste.
Garnish & Texture Elements
- Maraschino cherries: For garnishing and eating as a boozy treat when you reach the bottom of your glass.
- Ice cubes (4 cups): The key to perfect slushie texture. Crushed ice works faster in the blender, but regular cubes work fine too.
- Lime wedges: For garnish and an extra squeeze of freshness.
Optional Enhancements
- Cherry bitters (4-6 dashes): For cocktail enthusiasts who want to deepen the cherry flavor with more complexity.
- Vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon): A secret ingredient that makes the Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie taste like a cherry-vanilla coke. Start with just a touch!
- Amaretto (1 oz): For those who want to enhance the cherry notes with almond undertones.
How to Make Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie
Creating this frozen cocktail is surprisingly simple, but a few key techniques will ensure slushie perfection every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Cola
- Pour the cola into ice cube trays and freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This creates a more concentrated slushie that won’t water down as quickly.
- If you’re short on time, you can use regular ice, but note that your Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie may lose its potency faster as the ice melts.
Step 2: Blend the Base
- In a blender, combine the frozen cola cubes (or regular ice if you didn’t freeze cola), rum, cherry syrup, and lime juice.
- Pulse several times to break down the ice, then blend on high for 20-30 seconds until the mixture reaches a smooth slushie consistency.
- The texture should be thick enough to hold a spoon upright but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of additional cola. If too thin, add more ice.
Step 3: Adjust and Serve
- Taste your Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie and adjust sweetness or rum level as desired.
- If using any optional ingredients like vanilla extract or bitters, add them now and blend for another 5 seconds to incorporate.
- Pour into chilled glasses for the best slushie experience – this prevents premature melting.
- Garnish each Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie with maraschino cherries and lime wedges.
Step 4: Final Touches
- For an extra special presentation, rim glasses with cherry sugar by dipping the rim in lime juice then in sugar mixed with a pinch of cherry powdered drink mix.
- Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon – the perfect tools for enjoying this frozen treat!
Delicious Variations of Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie
Tropical Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie
Transform your Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie into a vacation-worthy treat by adding 4 oz of pineapple juice and using coconut rum instead of dark rum. The tropical flavors complement the cherry beautifully while maintaining the classic rum and coke foundation.
Spiced Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie
For fall gatherings, try using spiced rum and adding a cinnamon stick to the blender. This variation adds warming notes to the Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie that perfectly bridge summer refreshment and cozy autumn flavors.
Cherry-Vanilla Rum and Coke Slushie
Enhance the vanilla notes by using vanilla rum and adding a full teaspoon of quality vanilla extract. This creates a Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie reminiscent of a cherry vanilla coke from an old-fashioned soda fountain.
Adults-Only Cherry Coke Float Slushie
Blend your Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie as directed, then serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream floating on top. As the ice cream melts into the slushie, it creates a creamy, indulgent frozen cocktail experience.
Non-Alcoholic Cherry Coke Slushie
Remove the rum and double the cherry syrup for a family-friendly version that everyone can enjoy. This mocktail version of the Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie is perfect for designated drivers or those who don’t consume alcohol.
Black Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie
Use black cherry soda in place of regular cola for an intensified cherry flavor that creates a deeper, more complex version of the Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie.
Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz dark rum e.g., Bacardi Gold, Captain Morgan
- 16 oz cola regular, diet, or zero-sugar
- 4 oz cherry syrup e.g., Luxardo, grenadine, or maraschino cherry syrup
- 2 oz fresh lime juice
Garnish & Texture Elements
- 4 cups ice cubes or frozen cola cubes
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Lime wedges for garnish
Optional Enhancements
- 4-6 dashes cherry bitters
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 oz amaretto
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cola
- Pour cola into ice cube trays and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Step 2: Blend the Base
- In a blender, combine frozen cola cubes (or regular ice), rum, cherry syrup, and lime juice.
- Pulse until ice is broken down, then blend until smooth.
Step 3: Adjust & Serve
- Taste and adjust sweetness or rum level. Add optional ingredients if desired.
- Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with maraschino cherries and lime wedges.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Rim glasses with cherry sugar for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately with a straw and long spoon.
Notes
- To prevent separation, blend thoroughly or add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 hours before serving; reblend if needed.
- Customize with different rums or flavors for variations.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie
Can I make Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie ahead of time?
Yes, but with some preparation. You can blend the Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie up to 2 hours before serving and store it in the freezer. The alcohol will prevent it from freezing solid, but you may need to reblend or stir vigorously before serving. For best results, store in a well-sealed container to prevent freezer burn or odor absorption.
How do I prevent my Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie from separating?
The key to a non-separating Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie is in the blending technique. Make sure to blend thoroughly, and consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the mixture as a natural stabilizer. This will keep your slushie from separating without affecting the flavor.
What rum works best in a Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie?
For authentic flavor, dark or spiced rum creates the best Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie. Bacardi Gold, Captain Morgan, or Kraken all work wonderfully. White rum can be substituted but will create a lighter flavor profile that may be overpowered by the cherry and cola elements.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry syrup?
Absolutely! For a more natural Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie, blend 1 cup of frozen cherries with 2 tablespoons of sugar or simple syrup in place of commercial cherry syrup. This version has beautiful red flecks and a more authentic cherry flavor, though you may want to strain it if you prefer a smoother texture.
How do I adjust the sweetness of my Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie?
The sweetness of your Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie can be easily adjusted. For a less sweet version, use diet cola and reduce the cherry syrup. For extra sweetness, add simple syrup one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired level. Remember that cold temperatures dull sweetness, so your slushie may taste less sweet than the liquid mixture.
What’s the best way to serve Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie for a party?
For larger gatherings, prepare your Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie in batches and store in a frozen drink machine if available. Alternatively, keep a batch in the freezer and stir occasionally. Provide a toppings bar with extra cherries, lime wedges, and flavored syrups so guests can customize their Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie to their liking.
The Perfect Summer Memory in a Glass
There’s something about a Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie that brings people together in a way few other drinks can. Last Fourth of July, I watched as three generations of my family sat around the patio table, spoons in hand, giggling over brain freeze and comparing cherry-stained lips. The adults appreciated the nostalgic rum and coke flavor with its sophisticated cherry twist, while the kids enjoyed their non-alcoholic versions, marveling at how different a familiar soda could taste in slushie form.
What I love most about sharing this Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie recipe is seeing how people make it their own. My neighbor adds a splash of amaretto, my cousin insists on cherry bitters, and my best friend won’t drink it without a vanilla ice cream float on top. Each variation honors the classic while creating something new and personal.
As the summer stretches before us, I invite you to discover your perfect Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie formula. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply looking for a moment of frozen cocktail bliss on a hot afternoon, this recipe offers that perfect balance of familiar comfort and refreshing innovation. The beautiful ruby color, the nostalgic flavors, and the frosty texture create not just a drink, but a summer memory in a glass.