Cherry Coke Popsicles Recipe

If you’re craving a perfectly retro treat with a fun, modern twist, Cherry Coke Popsicles are bound to become your new summer obsession! Imagine the classic flavor combo of fizzy cola and juicy cherries, frozen together for a nostalgic yet refreshing treat you’ll reach for again and again.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cherry Coke Popsicles is that every single ingredient truly shines – no fillers, no fuss, just pure, vibrant flavors. Let’s break down each component and why you absolutely need them to get that perfect sweet-tart, fizzy popsicle bite.

• Cola (16-20 oz): This is the backbone of your popsicle—choose your favorite classic or craft cola for the best flavor punch.
• Jar of Maraschino Cherries: Both the cherries and their ruby-red juice infuse the popsicles with bold cherry taste and irresistible color.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these Cherry Coke Popsicles! They’re super flexible, so you can swap ingredients or tweak flavors to suit your taste, dietary requirements, or what’s available in your kitchen right now.

• Diet Soda Swap: Use your preferred diet cola for a lighter, lower-calorie option that still brings the same nostalgia.
• Boozy Popsicles: Add a splash of cherry liqueur or rum for a grown-up popsicle perfect for adult gatherings (just remember, too much alcohol will keep them from freezing solid).
• Cherry-Vanilla Upgrade: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an ice-cream-parlor twist on the cherry cola flavor.
• Fresh Cherries: When they’re in season, sub in pitted fresh cherries for a less sweet, more “real fruit” flavor and a gorgeous rustic look.

How to Make Cherry Coke Popsicles

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Start by separating the maraschino cherries from their juice, making sure to save both – you’ll need each for bold cherry flavor and color. Cut the cherries in half (you’ll want 18-24 pieces total), which makes every bite pop with fruit and ensures they nestle perfectly in your popsicle molds.

Step 2: Fill with Cherries & Cherry Juice

Drop 3-6 cherry halves into each popsicle mold, then pour the reserved cherry juice over the cherries until each mold is about one-third full. The cherry juice not only sets the base layer with sweetness and color, but it also helps keep your fruit suspended and picture-perfect.

Step 3: Freeze the Cherry Layer

Cover and freeze the cherry-filled molds for at least 4 hours, or until fully solid. This crucial step ensures beautiful, distinct layers and keeps your cola from bleeding into the cherry juice for that classic “red and brown” presentation.

Step 4: Add Cola and Popsicle Sticks

Once the cherry juice layer is frozen, pour cola into each mold—leave about a 1/4-inch gap at the top to let your popsicles expand as they freeze. Insert the sticks, pushing them gently but firmly into the frozen cherry section so they anchor perfectly in place.

Step 5: Freeze Overnight

Pop the molds back in the freezer and let them sit overnight. This patience pays off with perfectly set, easy-release Cherry Coke Popsicles you can enjoy the very next day!

Step 6: Unmold & Enjoy

To release the popsicles, briefly dip the molds in lukewarm water for a few seconds – just until the pops loosen. Don’t immerse or overdo it, or your sweet treasures might melt! Serve immediately and savor the burst of cherry cola goodness with every lick and bite.

How to Serve Cherry Coke Popsicles

Garnishes

Pile on extra pizzazz by drizzling your Cherry Coke Popsicles with a bit more cherry juice, or sprinkle with colorful nonpareils right before serving for a festive pop. If you want a truly eye-catching treat, serve each pop with an extra maraschino cherry on top!

Side Dishes

Cherry Coke Popsicles are a natural match for a backyard barbecue, picnic, or game night. Try pairing them with other summer treats like watermelon slices, popcorn, or salty potato chips to balance out the sweetness with some crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful party, serve these pops in a retro soda glass with striped paper straws, or line them up in a chilled platter filled with ice and fresh cherries. If you’re making a batch for a crowd, display them upright in a block of ice or even mini Mason jars for grab-and-go fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully frozen, Cherry Coke Popsicles can stay in their molds, or you can pop them out and store them in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container with parchment between each pop to prevent sticking—so you always have a cold treat ready to grab!

Freezing

For the best flavor and texture, keep your popsicles in the coldest part of your freezer (usually the back). They’ll stay fresh and bold for up to two weeks, although let’s be honest… they rarely last that long once you’ve had a taste.

Reheating

No reheating needed (or wanted!)—just a quick dip of the molds in lukewarm water will release the pops perfectly. Resist the urge to microwave or run under hot water, as you’ll lose those beautiful layers and cheerful cherry bites.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If Cherry Coke Popsicles drew you in with their childhood charm and grown-up flavor, you’re in for such a treat. These frozen delights are everything summer should taste like—sweet, fizzy, and full of happy, juicy cherries! Gather your ingredients and make a batch soon; I have a feeling they’ll become your new warm-weather favorite.

Print