My summer always means two things—sticky fingers from melting ice cream and the refreshing fizz of an ice-cold Coke straight from the bottle. I still remember sitting on my grandma’s porch, listening to the cicadas hum while sipping on cherry cola floats. That mix of sweet cherry and bold cola was pure happiness in a glass. Years later, I found a way to bring that nostalgia into my adult life—with a boozy, frozen twist.
This Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie is my go-to drink when I want something fun, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s smooth, slightly tart from the cherry liqueur, and perfectly balanced with the caramel notes of rum and Coca-Cola.
Whether I’m kicking back by the pool or hosting a laid-back backyard barbecue, this slushie always steals the show. It’s the kind of drink that instantly cools you down and makes any gathering feel a little more special. Plus, it’s ready in minutes—no fancy bartending skills required!
If you’re craving a nostalgic yet grown-up take on a childhood favorite, this slushie is the perfect blend of icy refreshment and classic flavors.
Short Description
This Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie is a sweet, fizzy, and boozy frozen treat made with rum, cherry liqueur, Coca-Cola, and ice. Blended to icy perfection and topped with whipped cream and cherries, it’s the perfect summer drink for any occasion.
Key Ingredients
- 4 oz rum (white or spiced)
- 2 oz cherry liqueur (such as Luxardo or Cherry Heering)
- 2 cans Coca-Cola (chilled)
- 2 cups ice
- Whipped cream and cherries (for garnish)
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Measuring cups
- Tall glasses
- Straws and spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Slushie
Add the ice, rum, cherry liqueur, and Coca-Cola to a blender. Blend on high for about 30 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and slushy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of Coke; if it’s too thin, add a bit more ice and blend again.
Step 2: Pour and Garnish
Divide the slushie evenly into tall glasses. Top with whipped cream and a few cherries for an extra indulgent touch.
Step 3: Serve Immediately
Serve with a straw and a spoon—this drink is best enjoyed fresh while the slushie texture is still icy and smooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Just blend and serve—no complicated steps!
Refreshing & Boozy: The perfect combination of cold, sweet, and fizzy with a kick.
Great for Parties: A fun and festive drink that guests will love.
Customizable: Adjust the alcohol level, swap flavors, or make a non-alcoholic version.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Blending too long
Over-blending can make the slushie too thin. Pulse until just combined to keep a thick, icy texture.
2. Using warm Coke
Warm soda will cause excess fizz and weaken the slushie texture. Use chilled Coca-Cola for the best results.
3. Adding too much ice
Too much ice can dilute the flavors. Start with 2 cups and adjust if needed.
4. Forgetting the garnish
The whipped cream and cherries add a creamy, sweet contrast—don’t skip them!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Best enjoyed as a summer cocktail at pool parties, barbecues, or casual gatherings.
Pairs well with grilled foods like burgers, BBQ ribs, and chicken wings.
For a dessert-like twist, serve alongside chocolate-covered cherries or vanilla ice cream
Storage and Reheating Tips
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, then blend again to restore texture.
Avoid storing in the fridge, as it will melt into a liquid.
FAQs
1. Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Skip the rum and cherry liqueur, and replace them with extra cherry juice or grenadine for a delicious non-alcoholic slushie.
2. What’s the best rum to use?
White rum gives a clean flavor, while spiced rum adds a warm depth. Choose based on your preference.
3. Can I use diet Coke?
Yes, but the sweetness balance may change. Adjust with a bit of simple syrup or cherry juice if needed.
4. How do I make it extra thick?
Use crushed ice instead of cubes, and blend in short pulses to keep it from over-melting.
5. What if I don’t have a blender?
You can use a food processor or manually crush the ice and stir everything together—though the texture won’t be as smooth.
Tips & Tricks
Chill the glasses beforehand for a longer-lasting slushie.
Use frozen cherries instead of ice for extra cherry flavor.
Double the recipe for batch cocktails at parties.
Experiment with flavors by adding vanilla extract or a splash of lime juice.
Recipe Variations
Vanilla Cherry Rum Slushie: Swap regular Coke for vanilla Coke and add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for a smooth, creamy flavor.
Spiked Cherry Cola Float: Reduce the ice by 1 cup and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream before blending. It creates a rich, float-like texture.
Bourbon Cherry Coke Slushie: Replace rum with bourbon for a deeper, oakier taste.
Frozen Cherry Limeade Slushie: Add 2 tablespoons of lime juice and swap Coke for cherry soda for a tangy twist.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie is a simple yet irresistible drink that’s perfect for warm weather. It’s bold, fizzy, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it at a party, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get bored. Give it a try and enjoy a sip of summer in every glass!
