Rum Rum Rudolph is the cheeriest cocktail you’ll mix this season. A playful spin on the classic rum and Coke, this holiday-ready drink gets its ruby-red color and tart balance from cherry juice, with a rosemary-and-cherry garnish that transforms your glass into a charming reindeer. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or cozying up with a Hallmark movie, Rum Rum Rudolph is the holiday drink that brings both flavor and fun.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Drink
- 5-minute prep with simple ingredients
- Visually adorable with Rudolph-style garnish
- Sweet + tart combo keeps it refreshing
- Customizable with dark or white rum
- Perfect for holiday parties or casual sipping
Ingredients
- 1 rosemary sprig
- 1 maraschino cherry
- Ice
- 4 oz Coca-Cola (or any cola)
- 2 oz white or dark rum
- 1 1/2 oz tart cherry juice
Instructions
- Create the “antlers”: Cut rosemary into two 2-inch pieces. Strip lower leaves.
- Make Rudolph: Poke two holes in the cherry and insert rosemary sprigs. Skewer cherry with a toothpick for a cute garnish.
- Build the drink: Fill a Collins glass with ice. Pour in Coca-Cola, rum, and cherry juice.
- Stir and garnish: Gently stir. Add your cherry “Rudolph” on top and serve.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Difficulty: Easy
Flavor Profile
- Sweet & bubbly from the cola
- Tart & juicy from cherry juice
- Herbal freshness from rosemary
- Optional depth if using dark rum
Tips & Variations
- Make it a mocktail: Swap rum for more cherry juice or zero-proof rum.
- Use clear soda: Try lemon-lime for a brighter look.
- Chill your glass for an extra frosty feel.
- Garnish options: Add sugared cranberries or a cinnamon stick stirrer.
FAQs
Can I batch this drink for a party?
Yes! Multiply all ingredients by 6–8 and mix in a pitcher (garnish individually).
Is white or dark rum better?
White rum keeps it light and clean; dark rum adds depth and spice. Both work!
What can I use instead of cherry juice?
Pomegranate or cranberry juice are great festive subs.
Rum Rum Rudolph
Equipment
- – Collins glass
- – Measuring jigger
- – Toothpick
- – Bar spoon
Ingredients
- – 1 rosemary sprig
- – 1 maraschino cherry
- – Ice
- – 4 oz Coca-Cola
- – 2 oz white or dark rum
- – 1 1/2 oz tart cherry juice
Instructions
- Cut rosemary into two 2-inch pieces. Remove lower leaves.
- Use a toothpick to poke holes into the cherry and insert rosemary for “antlers.”
- Fill a Collins glass with ice.
- Add Coca-Cola, rum, and cherry juice. Stir gently.
- Garnish with the rosemary-cherry “Rudolph” and serve.
Notes
– Mocktail version: Skip the rum and add sparkling water.
– Use crushed ice for a slushier texture.
Conclusion
Rum Rum Rudolph is more than just a cocktail—it’s a conversation starter, a photo-worthy garnish, and a holiday favorite in the making. Easy to craft and impossible to forget, this drink will quickly become your go-to December sip.