Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie – A Fizzy Frozen Treat

Looking for the ultimate summer drink that’s sweet, fizzy, and safe for everyone to enjoy? This Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie (non-alcoholic version) is exactly what your sunny days and party nights have been waiting for.

This frozen mocktail blends the nostalgic taste of Cherry Coke with a smooth splash of rum flavoring, delivering all the vibes of a tropical cocktail, without a drop of alcohol. It’s icy, fizzy, tangy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Even better, it’s incredibly easy to make, customizable, and fun to serve, especially for birthdays, BBQs, or relaxing solo by the pool.

What Is a Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie?

A Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie is a delightfully frozen, non-alcoholic mocktail that takes everything you love about classic soda shop flavors and turns them into a chilled, icy treat. It’s inspired by the traditional Rum and Coke cocktail and beloved Cherry Coke, but made family-friendly with rum extract instead of alcohol, and loaded with crushed ice for that perfect slushie texture.

This drink typically features:

• Cola – Choose classic Coca-Cola, sugar-free, or caffeine-free versions depending on your preferences
• Cherry syrup – Store-bought or homemade, it adds vibrant fruitiness
• Rum flavoring or extract – A splash delivers that warm, caramel-like depth without the booze
• Lots of ice – To create that irresistible snow-like slush texture

It’s a nostalgic drink that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and fizzy, with a grown-up flavor profile thanks to the hint of rum essence, yet remains completely alcohol-free and safe for all ages.

Whether you’re recreating vintage soda fountain vibes or just looking for a fun new mocktail to try, the Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie is a low-effort, high-reward drink that checks all the boxes: cold, colorful, fizzy, and fabulously fun.

💡 Pro tip: Think of it as your childhood soda slushie, but elevated, more flavorful, and refreshing enough for summer sipping or party serving.

Why You’ll Love This Slushie

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this fizzy frozen treat:

• Icy-cold and incredibly refreshing
• Loaded with nostalgic cherry cola flavor
• Safe for kids, perfect for mocktail parties
• Quick to make (5 minutes or less!)
• Customizable to your taste or dietary preferences

Plus, it looks stunning when garnished with a bright red cherry, a sprig of mint, or a citrus wedge.

📝Note: Whether you’re blending it for a summer birthday bash or a quiet evening on the patio, this drink brings major frozen fun.

A Sweet Sip of History: The Roots of Rum & Coke

The original Rum and Coke cocktail dates back to early 20th-century Cuba. It became a simple, popular highball during World War II thanks to its limited ingredients and accessibility.

Over time, the addition of lime (a Cuba Libre) and cherry flavoring became mainstream, especially with the launch of Cherry Coke in the 1980s. Fast forward to today, and the frozen, alcohol-free version adds a modern twist that’s both retro and family-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ready to make it? Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

Core Ingredients:

• 1½ to 2 cups of ice – Crushed or cubes
• 1 cup Coca-Cola – Regular, caffeine-free, or diet
• 2 tablespoons cherry syrup – Store-bought or homemade
• ½ tsp rum flavoring – Optional, but gives depth
• Optional: juice of half a lime (for brightness)

Garnish Options:

• Maraschino cherries
• Lime wedge or twist
• Mint leaves
• Whipped coconut cream (for a float vibe)

💡 Pro tip: To keep it natural, opt for pure cherry juice and naturally flavored soda.

How to Make a Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie (Step-by-Step)

Making this slushie is surprisingly easy, no special machines required! You just need a blender, your ingredients, and 5 minutes to transform your kitchen into a mocktail bar.

1. Add the Liquids First : Pour 1 cup of your favorite cola into the blender. Add the cherry syrup and rum flavoring.

2. Add the Ice : Add 1½ to 2 cups of crushed ice (or ice cubes). The more ice, the thicker the slush.

3. Blend Until Smooth : Blend everything on high until the mixture becomes frosty and uniform. Add more ice or soda to adjust texture.

4. Taste and Adjust : Prefer it sweeter? Add a bit more syrup. Too thick? A splash more cola does the trick.

5. Serve Immediately : Pour into chilled glasses. Garnish with cherries, lime wedges, or mint sprigs.

💡 Pro tip: Chill your glasses beforehand for maximum frosty factor.

Equipment Tips & Slushie Hacks

Don’t have a slushie machine? No worries. Here’s what works well:

• High-speed blender: Essential for that classic frosty consistency.
• No blender? Freeze the cola in ice cube trays, crush them in a zip bag with a rolling pin, and mix manually.
• Slushie machine: Great for events or big batches. Just follow the same ingredient ratios.

Flavor Variations You’ll Love

One of the best things about a Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie is how effortlessly you can switch things up. Whether you’re craving something bold, tropical, or creamy, this drink is incredibly easy to customize. Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, it becomes a blank canvas for flavor experimentation!

Here are a few fun and delicious ideas to match your mood or menu:

1. Cherry Vanilla Slushie

A true soda shop classic!

• Add a splash of pure vanilla extract or swap in Vanilla Coke for a rich, creamy twist.
• Garnish with a cherry and a curl of vanilla bean for a retro vibe.

2. Spicy Cherry Lime

For those who like their sweetness with a kick:

• Squeeze in the juice of half a lime
• Add a pinch of chili salt or tajín to the rim
• Optional: toss in a few slices of fresh jalapeño for a daring slushie experience

📝Note: The spice balances beautifully with the sweet fizz of cherry cola.

3. Cherry Cola Float

Turn your slushie into a dessert!

• Scoop dairy-free vanilla ice cream or frozen coconut whip on top
• The fizzy base melts the ice cream just slightly, creating a dreamy, float-style treat

4. Mixed Berry Slushie

Add a burst of summer fruit:

• Blend in a handful of frozen raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries
• Boost with a splash of berry tea or fruit juice for a deeper flavor

📝Note: Perfect for berry lovers and a great way to use up frozen fruit!

5. Tropical Fusion

Bring the island vibes to your glass:

• Swap half the cola for pineapple juice
• Add a splash of coconut water or coconut milk
• Garnish with a pineapple wedge or toasted coconut

6. Host-Ready Upgrade

Hosting a gathering or mocktail hour?

• Serve your slushies in mason jars or stemless wine glasses
• Add striped paper straws, fruit skewers, or even mini umbrellas
• Label each flavor on chalkboard tags or cocktail cards for an interactive twist

📝Note: These upgrades make any backyard BBQ or birthday bash feel extra special.

What to Serve with a Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie

This slushie is super versatile and pairs well with all kinds of snacks and meals. Here’s what to serve it with:

1. Main Dishes

• Sliders or burgers
• Grilled chicken skewers
• BBQ tofu or jackfruit sandwiches

2. Savory Snacks

• Sweet potato fries
• Popcorn with smoked paprika
• Nachos or tortilla chips with salsa

3. Fresh Sides

• Fruit salad with mint and lime
• Watermelon wedges
• Cucumber and tomato salad

💡 Pro tip: Turn it into a mocktail board by serving slushies with popcorn, fruit skewers, and tiny mocktail shooters.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

While slushies are best fresh, you can prep components ahead:

• Freeze Cherry Cola Slushie Cubes: Blend, pour into trays, and freeze. Re-blend later with fresh cola.
• Keep Syrup Ready: Store homemade cherry syrup in the fridge for 2 weeks.
• Avoid freezing whole drinks: The fizz disappears and texture changes.

💡 Pro tip: Prep a “slushie station” for parties with pre-frozen cubes and fun toppings.

Healthier Swaps

Looking for a lighter or more natural version? These tweaks make it easier on the body, without sacrificing flavor:

• Use natural or sugar-free soda alternatives
• Swap cherry syrup for unsweetened cherry juice + maple syrup
• Add fresh lime or ginger juice for brightness
• Include ice cubes made from hibiscus or berry tea

📝Note: These swaps lower sugar while boosting antioxidants and vitamins, win-win!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make this without any “rum” flavor?

Absolutely! It tastes just as good as a classic cherry cola slushie. The rum flavoring is optional.

Q2: What’s the best ice to use?

Crushed ice blends faster, but cubes work if your blender is strong.

Q3: Can I serve this at parties?

Yes! It’s a total hit at BBQs, baby showers, mocktail bars, and kids’ parties.

Q4: Can kids drink this?

Of course, this recipe is 100% non-alcoholic and safe for all ages.

Q5: Can I turn this into popsicles?

Yes! Pour the blended mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for 4–6 hours.

Q6: Can I add carbonation after blending?

Yes, topping with fizzy soda after blending adds that extra pop!

Final Recap

To wrap it all up, the Cherry Rum and Coke Slushie (Non-Alcoholic) is more than just a frozen drink, it’s a fizzy celebration of flavor, nostalgia, and refreshment, all packed into one glass.

Whether you’re trying to beat the heat, planning a themed mocktail bar, or simply looking for something playful and delicious to share with friends and family, this recipe delivers big flavor with zero fuss.

This slushie is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, bubbly, and chill, and it doesn’t need a drop of alcohol to be the life of the party.

✨ So grab your blender, your favorite cherry syrup, and a bag of ice, because slushie season has officially arrived ✨

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