Frozen Cherry Coke Slushies

This frozen cherry Coke slushie transforms the classic soda into a refreshing, icy treat perfect for hot summer days. The combination of sweet cherries and tangy lime creates a sophisticated twist on your childhood favorite that's sure to impress at backyard gatherings or as a special treat for yourself.

I first made these slushies during a particularly brutal heatwave last summer. My neighbors stopped by unexpectedly, and these frosty drinks saved the day. Now they regularly text to ask if I'm making my "famous cherry bombs" whenever temperatures rise.

Ingredients

• Coca Cola: Gives this slushie its signature flavor and provides the perfect carbonated base. Use regular Coke for the authentic taste rather than diet versions.
• Lime juice: Adds brightness that balances the sweetness of the Coke and cherries. Fresh limes are essential here for the best flavor.
• Bourbon, dark rum, or Campari: Offer an optional adult twist. Each spirit brings different notes — bourbon adds caramel warmth, rum brings molasses depth, and Campari creates a sophisticated bitter edge.
• Frozen cherries: Provide the fruity backbone and help thicken the slushie without watering it down. Look for dark sweet cherries without added sugar.
• Lime wheels: Give visual appeal and an extra hint of citrus aroma with each sip.
• Maraschino cherries: Optional but add that classic cherry Coke garnish that makes these drinks Instagram worthy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Freeze the Coke:

Pour 12 ounces of chilled Coca Cola into ice cube trays, filling each compartment about three quarters full to allow for expansion. Place trays carefully in the freezer, making sure they're level to prevent spilling. Allow to freeze completely solid, which typically takes 3 to 4 hours depending on your freezer temperature.

Prepare the Blender:

Assemble your blender and ensure it's completely dry. Add ingredients in the specific order listed — liquid ingredients first, then frozen components. This sequence prevents air pockets from forming around the blades and ensures smooth blending. Start with the lime juice, followed by your alcohol of choice if using, then pour in the remaining cold Coca Cola.

Blend to Perfection:

Add the frozen Coke cubes and cherries last. Secure the blender lid tightly and begin blending on low speed before gradually increasing to medium high. The mixture should transform into a slushy consistency within 1 to 2 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed. The perfect texture should be smooth but thick enough to hold a spoon upright.

Serve with Style:

Pour the slushies immediately into chilled glasses to maintain the frosty texture. Garnish each glass with a lime wheel placed on the rim and add a maraschino cherry on top if desired. Serve with both a straw and a spoon to enjoy every last drop.

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The frozen cherries are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their magic by accident when I ran out of ice one summer evening and needed to improvise. Not only do they add natural sweetness and gorgeous color, but they also maintain the slushie texture much longer than regular ice would.

Make Ahead Options

These slushies work beautifully as part of a planned gathering. You can freeze the Coke ice cubes up to 3 days in advance — just keep them in the trays or transfer to a freezer bag once solid. For a party, prep all your ingredients ahead of time and blend in batches as needed. If you want to serve immediately after guests arrive, you can blend the entire mixture up to 20 minutes before serving and keep it in the freezer, giving it a quick pulse in the blender just before pouring.

Non-Alcoholic Variations

This recipe shines just as brightly without alcohol, making it perfect for all ages. For extra flavor dimensions in the non-alcoholic version, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a few drops of almond extract to enhance the cherry notes. Another delicious variation is substituting black cherry soda for half of the regular Coke. For those avoiding caffeine, caffeine free Coca Cola works perfectly with no difference in taste or texture.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your slushie comes out too thin, add a few more frozen cherries or a handful of regular ice cubes and blend again. Conversely, if it's too thick to pour, add a splash more room temperature Coke and pulse briefly. Be careful not to over blend, as this can melt the mixture too quickly. If this happens, simply pour the mixture into glasses and return them to the freezer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the desired consistency returns.

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These frosty slushies will be a hit with all ages and occasions. They are the perfect refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot summer day or at any festive gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these slushies non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bourbon, rum, or Campari, and adjust the Coke quantity for a perfectly refreshing non-alcoholic drink.

→ What if I don’t have frozen cherries?

You can substitute with fresh cherries and add a handful of ice cubes for the icy texture or use other frozen fruits like berries.

→ Can I use diet or zero-sugar Coke?

Yes, diet or zero-sugar Coke works just as well and can make these slushies lighter without compromising on flavor.

→ How long does it take to freeze Coke ice cubes?

It typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to freeze Coca-Cola into solid ice cubes, so plan ahead.

→ What other garnishes can I use?

Lime zest, fresh mint leaves, or even sugared rims are great garnishes to enhance the drink’s presentation and flavor.