two glasses filled with ice, rum, cherry juice, and cola, garnished with a maraschino cherry decorated with two sprigs of rosemary

By itself, a rum and Coke is an objectively perfect cocktail. Those smooth, rich notes of the sugarcane-based spirit pair especially well with the nuanced flavor profile of cola, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most beloved mixed drinks of all time. Rum and Cokes are simple, tasty, and accessible—but admittedly, it can sometimes get a little boring. When you’re celebrating the holidays and want a festive twist on a classic cocktail, you should try the Rum Rum Rudolph instead.

This Christmas version of a rum and Coke is inspired by Rudolph the reindeer’s bright red nose. To get the vibrant hue, we use tart cherry juice. The juice, aside from being a beloved ingredient in a sleepy girl mocktail, also imparts a mild tartness that balances the sweetness of the soda. To really bring the holiday spirit home, we use a cherry and rosemary sprigs to make our own adorable version of Rudolph.

Did you try this recipe? Let us know what you think in the comments below.