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This Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie is the perfect refreshing sip for hot summer days or anytime you’re craving a boozy dessert-like drink. With a sweet cherry flavor paired with fizzy cola and smooth rum, it’s an instant crowd-pleaser for gatherings or solo indulgence.
The first time I made this for a backyard BBQ, it was gone in minutes. Now it’s our go-to summer party drink!
- Rum: Brings warmth and that classic kick
- Cherry liqueur: Adds a fruity depth to round out the flavor
- Coca-Cola: Provides the iconic sweet and fizzy base
- Ice: Essential for creating the slushie texture
- Whipped cream: A creamy, fun garnish to balance the drink’s zing
- Maraschino cherries: A sweet topping that’s both decorative and delicious
How to Make Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie
- Add Everything to a Blender:
- Combine rum, cherry liqueur, Coca-Cola, and ice in your blender. Blend on high speed until the drink becomes slushy and smooth. This takes about 1 minute depending on your blender power.
- Adjust the Flavor:
- Taste the slushie at this stage. Add a splash of cherry liqueur for more fruitiness or an extra dash of Coca-Cola for added sweetness. Blend again quickly to combine.
- Serve in Chilled Glasses:
- Pour the slushie into pre-chilled glasses. This keeps your drink cold longer and enhances its texture.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Top each serving with whipped cream for a creamy touch and place a maraschino cherry on top for a pop of color and sweetness.
Maraschino cherries always remind me of the milkshakes my grandmother used to make when I was little, and I love how they add that extra special charm to this slushie.
Storage Tips
While this is best prepared fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just store the slushie in an airtight container and re-blend with a bit of extra Coke before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have cherry liqueur, a cherry syrup or grenadine can work in a pinch. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum and liqueur with cherry soda or extra Coca-Cola for a kid-friendly treat.
Serving Suggestions
This slushie pairs wonderfully with BBQ fare like ribs, burgers, or sliders. It’s also fabulous as a dessert drink served with chocolate treats like brownies or cake bites.
Elevating the Experience
For an even more indulgent version, serve this drink float-style with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Alternatively, mix and match soda flavors to create your own signature drink while keeping the slushie base the same.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of soda?
Yes, you can substitute Coca-Cola with other sodas like cherry cola, vanilla cola, or even a flavored sparkling water for a lighter option.
- → How can I make this non-alcoholic?
Replace the rum and cherry liqueur with cherry syrup or grenadine and increase the Coca-Cola amount to maintain the slushie texture.
- → What type of rum works best?
White or light rum is ideal for a subtle flavor, but dark rum can add a richer, more intense taste to the drink.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
It's best served fresh to maintain the slushie texture, but you can blend and freeze it briefly, then re-blend before serving if needed.
- → What are some garnish alternatives?
Besides whipped cream and maraschino cherries, try chocolate shavings, fresh mint, or a slice of lime for a creative twist.