This ice-cold Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie takes the beloved classic cocktail and gives it a frosty, fun twist that screams summer. Imagine the rich, fizzy sweetness of Coke mingling with the bold kick of rum, all swirled together with a burst of juicy cherry flavor—then blended into a smooth, frosty drink that’s almost too pretty to sip. I first whipped this up on a blistering hot afternoon during a backyard barbecue, and from the very first sip, it was a total crowd-pleaser. Since then, it’s become my ultimate signature party drink—friends don’t just hope I’ll make it, they demand it. Whether you’re lounging poolside, hosting a summer get-together, or simply craving a frozen treat that packs a little punch, this slushie is pure sunshine in a glass.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sip-ready in minutes: From blender to glass in just 5 minutes—perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand, so no extra shopping required.
- Entertaining made easy: Prepare it ahead of time and free yourself to enjoy the party instead of mixing drinks nonstop.
- Your drink, your rules: Easily tweak the sweetness or alcohol level to make it exactly how you like it.
I first created this slushie when looking for a way to elevate the standard rum and coke for a pool party. The frozen texture and cherry addition were such hits that I now keep cherry liqueur stocked just for this purpose.
Ingredients
Rum (4 oz): Go for a smooth, quality dark or spiced rum to give your slushie a deep, rich, and complex flavor.
Cherry Liqueur (2 oz): Luxardo or Heering are excellent choices, but any good cherry liqueur will infuse that irresistible fruity sweetness.
Coca-Cola (2 cans): The classic, original Coke delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and fizz.
Ice (2 cups): Fresh, clean ice cubes blend into the ideal frosty texture—avoid old freezer ice for best taste.
Whipped Cream (for garnish): Freshly whipped cream adds a smooth, luxurious topping.
Maraschino Cherries (for garnish): Splurge on premium cherries for a touch of elegance and a pop of color.
How To Make Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie
Combine Ingredients:Add the rum, cherry liqueur, Coca-Cola, and ice to your blender. The order doesn’t matter much, but I find putting the liquids in first helps the blender process everything more smoothly.
Blend Until Slushy:Process on high speed for about 30-45 seconds. You want a smooth consistency that’s thick enough to hold a spoon upright but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add more cola. If too thin, add more ice.
Taste and Adjust:Sample your creation before serving. This is crucial for getting the perfect balance. Need more sweetness? Add a splash more cola. Want more cherry flavor? A touch more liqueur does the trick. Prefer it stronger? Another splash of rum works wonders.
Serve in Style:Pour the slushie mixture into chilled glasses. Pre-chilling the glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes helps maintain the perfect frozen consistency longer especially on hot summer days.
Garnish Generously:Top each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. The cream melts slightly into the slushie creating beautiful ripples of indulgence throughout the drink.
You Must Know
- Contains alcohol, so keep away from children and those avoiding alcohol.
- Can be made as a virgin version by substituting the alcohol with cherry syrup.
- Serves as both cocktail and dessert in one delightful glass.
- Perfect for batch preparation before guests arrive.
The cherry liqueur is truly the magical ingredient here. When I first made this recipe I used only rum but the addition of cherry liqueur transforms the drink from simply frozen to sublimely sophisticated. It reminds me of the cherry Cokes my grandmother would treat me to at the local diner just all grown up.
Freezer Friendly Tips
This slushie mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the freezer. Simply pour the blended mixture into a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes then break up with a fork before serving. The texture wont be quite as perfect as freshly blended but its a great time saver for parties.
Creative Variations
Feel free to experiment with different rums. White rum creates a cleaner flavor while spiced rum adds wonderful complexity. Dark rum contributes rich molasses notes that complement the cherry beautifully. You can also try different colas like cherry Coke for extra cherry flavor or vanilla Coke for a creamy twist. Some of my guests even enjoy a splash of lime juice added to brighten the flavors.
Make It A Mocktail
This drink easily converts to a delicious nonalcoholic version. Simply replace the rum with 2 ounces of water and the cherry liqueur with 1 ounce of grenadine or maraschino cherry syrup. You’ll get all the flavor without the alcohol making it perfect for designated drivers or those who dont consume alcohol. Ive served this version at family gatherings and even the kids love their special grown up looking drinks.
Presentation Ideas
While this slushie is delicious in any glass elevate the experience by serving in clear hurricane glasses that show off the beautiful dark color. For special occasions rim glasses with cherry flavored sugar before pouring in the slushie. A sprig of mint adds a gorgeous color contrast and subtle aroma that complements the sweet cherry notes. Consider serving with black striped paper straws for a classic soda fountain feel that perfectly matches the nostalgic cola flavor.
Pro Tips
- Let the Coca Cola lose some carbonation before blending to prevent overflow in the blender.
- Use a high-powered blender for the smoothest texture possible.
- Serve immediately after blending for the perfect consistency.
Conclusion
The Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie isn’t just a drink—it’s a burst of summer in every frosty sip. With its perfect balance of sweet cola, bold rum, and luscious cherry flavor, this cocktail is as refreshing as it is indulgent. Whether you’re hosting friends, cooling off by the pool, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this slushie delivers that instant “ahhh” factor. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd favorite—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. So grab your blender, a few simple ingredients, and get ready to serve pure happiness in a glass.
PrintCherry Rum & Coke Slushie
Refresh with a cherry rum and Coke slushie, a blissful summer cocktail blend.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 4 Servings (4 cocktail glasses) 1x
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 oz rum (dark or spiced for richer flavor)
2 oz cherry liqueur (such as Luxardo or Heering)
2 cans Coca-Cola (classic version for best sweetness)
2 cups ice (fresh cubes for best texture)
Whipped cream, for garnish
Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Add rum, cherry liqueur, Coca-Cola, and ice to a blender. Process on high speed until the mixture reaches a smooth, slushy consistency.
- Sample the slushie and modify sweetness or alcohol content as desired.
- Pour the mixture into chilled glasses.
Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
For the smoothest, fluffiest slushie, let the Coca-Cola sit for a few minutes to release excess carbonation before blending. This prevents overflow and keeps the texture perfect.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 Servings (4 cocktail glasses)