Cherry Coke Slushee

There’s something about sipping on an icy, fizzy cherry Coke slushee that instantly transports you to carefree summer days. That sweet cherry essence swirling with cola and crushed ice hits just right when the heat is on or you just need a nostalgic pick-me-up. Whether you’re making it for a party, a weekend treat, or a movie night indulgence, this refreshing frozen drink is like a childhood memory in a cup.

Behind the Recipe

This Cherry Coke Slushee recipe was born from a spontaneous craving on a sweltering afternoon. I remembered those roadside gas stations with their humming slushie machines and how a cherry Coke combo always felt like winning the flavor lottery. So, I recreated that joy at home, using simple ingredients and a blender. It became an instant favorite, especially when shared with friends under the sun.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cherry Coke as a concept dates back to soda fountains in the 1950s where bartenders would splash cherry syrup into regular Coke. It became such a hit that Coca-Cola eventually bottled the combo in the 1980s. Slushees, meanwhile, were invented in the late 1950s thanks to a broken soda machine that inspired the creation of a frozen drink. Put them together and you’ve got a deliciously retro treat with a long, fun history.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Coke Slushee

Sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy. This Cherry Coke Slushee is fizzy, icy, and packed with that signature cherry-cola flavor.

Versatile: Perfect for poolside lounging, after-school snacks, or even spiked for the adults (if that’s your thing).
Budget-Friendly: Uses just a handful of low-cost ingredients you probably already have.
Quick and Easy: Takes less than 5 minutes to blend up a batch.
Customizable: Adjust the cherry flavor, sweetness, or even add fresh fruit.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike love the nostalgic taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the syrup and freeze ice cubes in advance.
Great for Leftovers: Just re-blend any leftover slush for another round later.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few little tricks can elevate your slushee from good to “Can I have another?”

• Use frozen Coke instead of ice for a more intense flavor.
• Add a splash of lime juice to brighten the sweetness.
• Freeze your glass ahead of time to keep the slushee colder longer.
• Use real maraschino cherry juice for a more authentic flavor.
• Don’t overblend or it’ll turn to liquid fast — pulse in short bursts.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

All you need is a few basic tools to whip this up:

Blender: A high-speed blender helps achieve that perfect crushed-ice texture.
Ice Cube Tray: For freezing Coke or water into cubes.
Measuring Cups: For precise sweetness control.
Spoon or Straw: To stir or sip the final frosty goodness.
Tall Glass: Because slushees deserve to be shown off.

Ingredients in Cherry Coke Slushee

To get that frosty cherry-cola magic just right, you’ll need a short list of powerhouse ingredients.

1. Coca-Cola: 2 cups, frozen into cubes + 1/2 cup chilled liquid. Adds that signature cola base flavor.
2. Maraschino Cherry Juice: 1/4 cup. Brings that nostalgic cherry twist.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional). Boosts sweetness, depending on taste.
4. Fresh Lime Juice: 1 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness with a pop of citrus.
5. Ice Cubes: 1 cup. Gives structure and slushiness to the drink.
6. Maraschino Cherries: For garnish. Adds a pop of color and flavor on top.
7. Lime Slices: Optional garnish to enhance the look and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Out of something? No worries, here’s how to work around it.

Coca-Cola: Any cola brand or even cherry cola.
Maraschino Cherry Juice: Cherry syrup or grenadine.
Granulated Sugar: Honey or agave syrup.
Lime Juice: Lemon juice works in a pinch.
Ice Cubes: Crushed ice or frozen cola cubes for extra flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Maraschino Cherry Juice: This is the red liquid from that jar of cherries. It’s sweet, vibrant, and full of that classic candy-like cherry flavor.

Frozen Coca-Cola: Freezing Coke into cubes adds more intense flavor and prevents your slushee from watering down as it melts.

Instructions for Making Cherry Coke Slushee

Making this slushee is as fun as it is easy. Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   No need here — but make sure your blender is clean and ready.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In your blender, toss in frozen Coke cubes, chilled Coke, maraschino cherry juice, lime juice, sugar (if using), and ice.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Have a tall glass or jar chilled and ready. This keeps your slushee icy longer.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Blend in short pulses until you get a thick, icy consistency. Scrape down sides if needed.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Blend just enough to crush the ice, not liquify it. The texture should be fluffy and spoonable.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Pour into your chilled glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of lime.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve immediately with a straw or spoon. Sip, slurp, and smile.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic of this slushee lies in the contrast of icy crunch with smooth cherry sweetness. The frozen Coke cubes add deep cola flavor while the maraschino juice gives it a pop of fruity candy-like punch. Lime brings in that zesty brightness, and the sugar (if added) enhances the overall sweetness just right.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Let’s make your slushee even better:

• Use half ice and half frozen Coke for best consistency.
• Add more cherry juice if you like a deeper red and stronger flavor.
• Freeze Coke in silicone trays for easier removal.
• Don’t overfill the blender or it’ll struggle to blend evenly.

What to Avoid

Slushees are fun, but there are a few things to steer clear of:

• Don’t use room temp ingredients — they’ll melt the ice too fast.
• Avoid overblending, or it’ll turn into flat soda water.
• Don’t skip the lime juice — it balances everything.
• Don’t pour hot syrup over the ice — it will instantly melt.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 120

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can totally plan ahead with this one. Freeze Coke in cubes and store them in a zip-top bag. The cherry syrup can be made and refrigerated for up to a week. Once blended, it’s best served immediately, but leftovers can be frozen and re-blended later.

How to Serve Cherry Coke Slushee

Serve in a frosty glass with a colorful straw, a cherry on top, and a lime wheel on the rim. It pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, or movie night popcorn. You can even serve it in mini cups for party-sized fun.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got extras? Don’t toss them out — transform them!

• Pour into popsicle molds and freeze.
• Re-blend with extra ice for another round.
• Add crushed frozen fruit for a twist.

Additional Tips

A few extra ideas for the best results:

• Use chilled ingredients to keep the slushee thick.
• Add a splash of club soda for extra fizz.
• Want it creamier? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream before blending.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters! Use tall vintage soda glasses and striped straws for retro charm. Rim the glass with sugar and drop in a whole cherry for flair. For parties, serve in a big punch bowl with a ladle.

Variations to Try

Let’s mix it up with some tasty twists:

• Cherry Vanilla: Add 1/4 tsp vanilla extract.
• Coke Float Slushee: Blend with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Cherry Limeade: Use lemon-lime soda instead of Coke.
• Spicy Cherry: Add a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
• Fruity Twist: Add frozen strawberries or cherries into the mix.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this without a blender?

A1: Yes, you can use a food processor or even crush ice manually and stir with chilled ingredients.

Q2: Is it okay to use diet Coke?

A2: Absolutely, though the texture might vary slightly due to different sweeteners.

Q3: Can I use frozen cherries?

A3: Yes, frozen cherries add body and extra fruitiness.

Q4: How do I make it less sweet?

A4: Skip the added sugar and use fresh lime juice to balance the flavors.

Q5: Can I prep this ahead for a party?

A5: You can freeze the Coke and prep the syrup, then just blend right before serving.

Q6: What if I don’t have maraschino juice?

A6: Try grenadine or cherry-flavored syrup instead.

Q7: Will this work with other sodas?

A7: Yes, root beer, lemon-lime soda, or even orange soda can work.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

A8: Totally! Just make sure your blender can handle the volume.

Q9: How do I keep it slushy longer?

A9: Chill your glass and avoid warm surroundings when serving.

Q10: Is it kid-friendly?

A10: Yes, and it’s a favorite among little ones!

Conclusion

This Cherry Coke Slushee isn’t just a drink, it’s a throwback to good times and simple joys. It’s fun, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, you’re going to love this frosty treat — every icy, fizzy, cherry-kissed sip of it.

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