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This nostalgic Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie transforms the classic cocktail into a frosty, indulgent treat perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you need a refreshing adult beverage. The familiar cola flavor gets an upgrade with cherry liqueur and a smooth rum base, creating a slushy cocktail that's both sophisticated and playful.
I first created this slushie during a particularly hot summer when friends showed up unexpectedly. The combination was such a hit that it became my signature cocktail for our weekend pool parties, with everyone requesting "that amazing cherry thing" whenever they visited.
Ingredients
- Rum: Choose a good quality white or spiced rum depending on whether you want a cleaner or more complex flavor profile
- Cherry Liqueur: Luxardo or Heering cherry liqueur adds authentic cherry flavor without artificial sweetness
- Coca Cola: Classic Coca Cola works best as diet versions tend to separate when frozen
- Ice: Fresh ice cubes work better than older ice that might have absorbed freezer flavors
- Whipped Cream: Fresh whipped cream creates a luxurious topping that slowly melts into the drink
- Maraschino Cherries: Look for natural maraschino cherries without artificial colors for the best flavor and presentation
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients:
- Measure out all your ingredients before beginning so everything is ready to go. Make sure your Coca Cola is well chilled for the best texture in the final slushie.
- Combine Base Ingredients:
- Add the rum, cherry liqueur, Coca Cola, and ice to your blender. Start with slightly less Coca Cola than the recipe calls for as you can always add more to adjust the consistency.
- Blend To Perfection:
- Pulse your blender a few times to break up the ice before blending on high speed for about 30 seconds. The mixture should be smooth but still thick enough to hold its shape. If it's too thin, add more ice; if too thick, add a splash more Coca Cola.
- Taste And Adjust:
- Sample your creation before serving. This is where you can personalize the drink by adding more rum for strength, more cherry liqueur for sweetness, or more Coca Cola for a milder flavor.
- Serve With Style:
- Pour the slushie mixture into chilled glasses for the best presentation and temperature retention. The cold glass helps maintain the slushie texture longer.
- Add Finishing Touches:
- Top each glass with a generous swirl of whipped cream and place a maraschino cherry right in the center. The cream slowly melts into the drink creating beautiful red and white layers.
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The cherry liqueur is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its magic when experimenting with different additions to rum and Coke, and the moment the cherry component entered the mix, it created this nostalgic flavor that reminded me of childhood cherry sodas but with a sophisticated adult twist.
Make It Your Own
This slushie recipe welcomes creative variations to suit your preferences. For a stronger cherry flavor, increase the cherry liqueur slightly or add a splash of cherry juice. If you prefer a less sweet drink, use Cherry Coke Zero instead of regular cola, though be aware the texture may be slightly different. For special occasions, consider using a premium aged rum which adds caramel notes that complement the cherry beautifully.
Storage Tips
The Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie is best enjoyed immediately after preparation when the texture is perfect. However, you can store any leftovers in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve again, allow it to thaw slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then give it a quick stir or pulse in the blender to restore the slushie consistency. The alcohol content prevents it from freezing solid, making it easy to scoop even straight from the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie into a dessert cocktail by serving it in chocolate-rimmed glasses. Simply dip the rim of each glass in melted chocolate, then chill until set before adding the slushie mixture. For brunch gatherings, create a slushie bar with small pitchers of the base recipe and various toppings like chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, and different flavored whipped creams so guests can customize their drinks.
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Make this delightful slushie your go-to cocktail for summer feasts. It's guaranteed to delight your guests every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this cherry rum and Coke slushie without alcohol?
Yes! For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and cherry liqueur. Replace with cherry juice or grenadine for the cherry flavor, and perhaps a splash of vanilla extract to mimic some of the complexity that rum provides.
- → What type of rum works best in this slushie?
White rum is traditional and provides a clean flavor that lets the cherry and cola shine, but spiced rum can add interesting depth. Dark rum will give a richer, more molasses-forward profile that pairs nicely with the cola.
- → Can I make this slushie in advance?
You can blend the mixture ahead of time and store it in the freezer, but it will solidify. For best results, either re-blend before serving or prepare it fresh. If storing, keep it slightly less frozen than desired and give it a final blend just before serving.
- → What can I substitute for cherry liqueur?
If you don't have cherry liqueur, you can substitute grenadine, cherry syrup, or reduced cherry juice. For an alternative with alcohol, black raspberry liqueur (Chambord) offers a similar fruity sweetness.
- → What glasses are best for serving this slushie?
Hurricane glasses or large tumblers work well to showcase the layers and garnishes. For a more casual approach, mason jars make fun serving vessels. Whichever you choose, chilling the glasses beforehand helps keep the slushie from melting too quickly.
- → Can I use diet cola in this recipe?
Yes, diet cola works fine as a substitute if you're looking to reduce sugar or calories. The texture may be slightly less rich, but the flavor profile remains similar.