Rum Rum Rudolph is the ultimate holiday cocktail for rum lovers who want more than just a basic rum and Coke. This festive twist blends tart cherry juice, cola, and your favorite rum into a drink that’s as vibrant as Rudolph’s nose. Finished with a playful cherry-rosemary garnish that looks like antlers, it’s equal parts fun and flavorful—perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights, or your next themed gathering.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- Easy and fast — Just 5 minutes and a handful of ingredients
- Visually stunning — Garnish resembles Rudolph’s red nose and antlers
- Balanced flavor — Tart cherry juice adds depth and offsets sweetness
- Versatile — Works with white or dark rum
- Party-perfect — A guaranteed hit on your holiday cocktail menu
Ingredients
- 1 rosemary sprig
- 1 maraschino cherry
- Ice (for serving)
- 4 oz Coca-Cola
- 2 oz white or dark rum
- 1½ oz tart cherry juice
- 1 toothpick (for garnish prep)
Instructions
- Make the Rudolph Garnish
Cut rosemary sprig into two 2-inch pieces. Strip the bottom half of the leaves. Use a toothpick to poke two holes into the top of the maraschino cherry and insert rosemary pieces to mimic antlers. Insert the toothpick horizontally through the cherry (slightly off-center to avoid the pit). - Build the Cocktail
Fill a Collins glass with ice. Pour in Coca-Cola, rum, and tart cherry juice. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with your prepared cherry-and-rosemary Rudolph nose.
Recipe Details

- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Glassware: Collins or highball
Tips & Variations
- Make it boozier: Add a splash of cherry liqueur or spiced rum.
- Mocktail version: Skip the rum and add extra cherry juice and a splash of lime.
- Use craft cola: For a deeper, less sweet flavor.
- Batch it: Multiply ingredients by 6–8 for a party pitcher.
FAQs
Can I use dark rum instead of white?
Absolutely! Dark rum adds richer, molasses-like depth and works beautifully here.
What cherry juice should I use?
Look for unsweetened tart cherry juice for balance. Avoid syrupy cocktail cherries.
How far in advance can I prep the garnish?
Make the cherry-rosemary “Rudolph” up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate to keep it fresh.

Rum Rum Rudolph
Equipment
- – Toothpick
- Mixing spoon
- – Collins or highball glass
Ingredients
- – 1 rosemary sprig
- – 1 maraschino cherry
- – Ice
- – 4 oz Coca-Cola
- – 2 oz white or dark rum
- – 1½ oz tart cherry juice
- – 1 toothpick
Instructions
- Cut rosemary into two 2-inch sprigs. Strip bottom leaves.
- Poke two holes in the cherry and insert rosemary “antlers.”
- Slide toothpick through cherry to resemble Rudolph’s nose.
- Fill a Collins glass with ice.
- Add cola, rum, and cherry juice. Stir gently.
- Garnish with the cherry-rosemary Rudolph topper.
Notes
– Mocktail version: skip rum and add more cherry juice
– Great for batching into party pitchers
Conclusion
Rum Rum Rudolph is more than a drink—it’s a merry, mixologist-approved moment in a glass. With its eye-catching garnish and bold cherry-cola flavor, it’s guaranteed to stand out on any holiday menu. Easy to whip up and even easier to love, this cocktail is sure to become your December go-to.