Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill – Summer's Sweetest Frozen Cocktail Revolution

Updated → September 2025

Combining nostalgic summer flavors with a boozy twist, the Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill delivers a sweet-tart cherry Italian ice experience in a ready-to-drink cocktail. At 7.5% ABV and made with real cherry juice and premium vodka, it’s a refreshingly unique adult treat that evokes childhood summer memories while catering to modern cocktail lovers.

1. Nostalgic Frozen Cocktails Make a Comeback
2. East Coast Collaboration Behind Right Coast
3. The Italian Ice Lineup: Cherry, Lemon & Blue Raspberry
4. Cherry Flavor Profile: Sweet, Tart, and Real
5. From Brewery to Can: Crafting the Cherry Vodka Chill
6. Health & Dietary Facts
7. Serving It Right: Best Ways to Enjoy
8. Standing Out in the RTD Crowd
9. Year-Round Appeal Beyond Summer
10. Mixology Magic: Cocktail Creations
11. Convenient Packaging for Any Occasion
12. Perfect Pairings with Food
13. Storing and Handling Tips
14. Buzz & Reviews: What Drinkers Say
15. Availability and Where to Find It

Nostalgic Frozen Cocktails Make a Comeback

The surge of nostalgia in the drink world has inspired a new wave of cocktails reminiscent of childhood treats. From boozy lemonades to spiked slushies, adults are embracing flavors that take them back in time. The Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill rides this trend by channeling the classic cherry Italian ice – a summer staple – into a refreshing alcoholic beverage. This convergence of nostalgia and mixology satisfies a growing consumer appetite for familiar flavors with a spirited twist.

Italian ice, known for its sweet, tangy fruit taste and icy texture, is a treat many remember from boardwalks, fairs, and hot summer afternoons. By infusing this memory into a vodka-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail, Right Coast taps into a powerful sense of nostalgia. The result is a drink that’s not only delicious but also evokes a sense of fun and carefree summer days, appealing to both millennials who crave throwback flavors and older generations who appreciate a modern take on a classic treat.

East Coast Collaboration Behind Right Coast

Behind the Right Coast brand is a unique collaboration of East Coast brewing powerhouses. Right Coast Spirits was born when three renowned breweries joined forces: Maryland’s inventive Flying Dog Brewery, upstate New York’s historic F.X. Matt Brewing (Saranac), and Massachusetts’ craft pioneer Harpoon Brewery. This trifecta realized that by working together, they could create and distribute innovative canned cocktails more effectively across a wider territory than any one of them alone.

Their combined expertise in brewing and flavor development set the stage for Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill and its sister products. Flying Dog’s experimental approach, Saranac’s generations of brewing knowledge, and Harpoon’s distribution network created a perfect storm for something truly different in the RTD market. By leveraging each brewery’s strengths, Right Coast Spirits is able to deliver consistent quality and cover the “Right Coast” (East Coast) with its distribution – hence the name. This collaboration story adds a layer of craft credibility to the product, assuring consumers that even though it’s a fun cocktail in a can, it’s backed by serious beverage know-how.

The Italian Ice Lineup: Cherry, Lemon & Blue Raspberry

Right Coast’s Italian Ice series doesn’t stop at cherry. The creators have captured multiple iconic Italian ice flavors in alcoholic form. Alongside the Cherry Vodka Chill, the lineup includes a zesty Lemon Vodka Freeze and a vibrant Blue Raspberry Vodka Frost. Each flavor offers its own nostalgic kick: Lemon Freeze delivers a puckering citrus burst reminiscent of a classic lemon ice, and Blue Raspberry Frost brings that electric-blue carnival flavor that many recall from childhood snow cones.

All three flavors share the same 7.5% ABV vodka base and real fruit flavor approach, yet each has a distinct personality. Cherry is arguably the most universally beloved Italian ice flavor – sweet, bright red, and instantly recognizable – making the Cherry Vodka Chill a top pick for those chasing pure nostalgia. Lemon appeals to those who love a tart, refreshing profile, while Blue Raspberry is a fun, slightly tangy-sweet option for the adventurous. By offering a trio of flavors, Right Coast Spirits lets you choose your favorite slice of summer or even mix-and-match for variety. Fans often debate which flavor reigns supreme, but there’s no doubt that cherry holds a special place as a timeless Italian ice classic.

Cherry Flavor Profile: Sweet, Tart, and Real

The hallmark of Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill is its authentic cherry taste. This isn’t a subtle “essence of cherry” you might get in a seltzer – it’s a bold burst of real cherry flavor that’s both sweet and tangy. In crafting the Cherry Vodka Chill, the makers use real cherry juice and natural flavors to recreate that classic Italian ice profile. The first sip greets you with the juicy sweetness of ripe cherries (imagine the syrup at the bottom of a cherry ice cup), followed by a slight tartness that keeps it from being cloying. It’s akin to biting into a frozen cherry treat, but with an adult twist.

The color is a cheerful ruby-red, reinforcing the sense that you’re indulging in a melted cherry ice. Aromatically, you’ll notice candy-like cherry notes with a hint of citrus brightness in the background. Importantly, the drink is formulated to taste like the real deal – thanks to the inclusion of real fruit juice, there’s an almost homemade quality to the flavor. The balance of sugar and tartness is carefully tuned to mirror that of Italian ice, which is traditionally sweet but with enough zing to be refreshing. By using high-quality 6x-distilled vodka as the base, the alcohol stays in the background, letting the cherry shine. The vodka adds a smooth warmth to the finish without any harsh burn, so what you get is a smooth, sweet-tart cherry rush from start to finish.

From Brewery to Can: Crafting the Cherry Vodka Chill

The production of Right Coast’s Italian Ice cocktails is a blend of brewing artistry and modern distilling techniques. It starts with that ultra-premium six-times distilled vodka, chosen for its clean, neutral character. This high-quality vodka forms the canvas on which the vibrant cherry flavors are painted. Unlike some malt-based coolers or hard seltzers, the Cherry Vodka Chill uses real vodka, ensuring a smoother taste and a more authentic cocktail vibe.

To create the Italian ice experience, the team carefully integrates the vodka with a cherry blend that includes real fruit juice. The process likely involves blending cherry juice (from tart cherries for brightness and maybe sweet cherry varieties for depth) with natural flavors and a touch of sweetness. Achieving the right consistency and flavor concentration is key – too little juice and the flavor would fall flat; too much and it could be overly thick or sweet. The mixture is then cold-conditioned and canned or bottled under precise conditions to lock in freshness. Given the involvement of breweries, quality control is high: each batch is tested for flavor balance, carbonation level (if any fizz is added for lift), and alcohol content to ensure that familiar 7.5% ABV in every can. The result of this careful process is a cocktail that tastes as if a scoop of cherry Italian ice was melted down and mixed with a perfect pour of vodka.

Health & Dietary Facts

One pleasant surprise about the Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill is that it fits a variety of dietary needs. The drink is gluten-free, since it’s made with distilled vodka (any gluten from grains is removed in distillation) and contains no wheat-based additives. It’s also dairy-free – despite the creamy-smooth finish reminiscent of something like an Italian ice or sherbet, there are no dairy ingredients. In fact, all of Right Coast’s canned cocktails are marketed as gluten-free, dairy-free, and even certified kosher, widening their appeal to those with specific dietary restrictions.

Calorie-wise, because the Cherry Vodka Chill uses real fruit juice and has 7.5% alcohol, it will have more calories than a simple vodka-soda or a hard seltzer. While an exact calorie count isn’t stated on the can here, drinks of this style typically range somewhere in the 150–200 calorie per can territory. That’s a reasonable trade-off for the punch of flavor you get. There are also sugars present (as expected from something emulating Italian ice), but the sweet-tart balance means it isn’t overly sugary in taste. It contains no artificial dyes – the red hue comes from cherry juice and natural coloring, aligning with the brand’s real-fruit philosophy. As always, those with allergies should check the can for an ingredients list, but the simplicity of this cocktail (vodka, cherry juice, natural flavor, sugar) means there are few common allergens to worry about. It’s a treat, to be sure, but one you can enjoy knowing it’s free of gluten and dairy, and made with real ingredients.

Serving It Right: Best Ways to Enjoy

The Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill is delicious straight from a chilled can or bottle, but there are a few serving tricks to take the experience to the next level. To truly capture that Italian ice vibe, try serving it over crushed ice in a cup or glass. Pouring the Cherry Vodka Chill over a heap of finely crushed ice creates a slushy-like texture – almost as if you’re eating an actual cherry Italian ice with a spoon. As the crushed ice dilutes it slightly, the drink stays ultra-cold and the flavor evolves: you get an icy, granular treat at first, then a more sippable drink as it melts.

If you have time and means, you can also partially freeze the cocktail. Since it’s 7.5% ABV, it won’t freeze solid in a standard freezer, but after a couple of hours it can take on a delightful semi-frozen consistency (just be sure to pour it into a freezer-safe container rather than freezing the unopened can). Scrape it with a spoon and you’ve got an adult cherry ice sorbet! For those who prefer simplicity, just make sure to serve it well-chilled. Pop the can in the fridge or cooler until it’s nice and cold – the bright cherry flavor is most refreshing at icy temperatures.

Garnishes aren’t required (it’s pretty and flavorful on its own), but if you’re feeling fancy, drop a maraschino cherry or a fresh bing cherry into your glass for a pop of color and an extra treat at the end. Some fans also like to rim the glass with a bit of sugar or salt. A sugar rim can amp up the dessert-like experience, while a tiny pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness by contrast (think of how a salted watermelon tastes sweeter – the same idea works here). And for a nostalgic pairing, serve your Cherry Vodka Chill with a pretzel rod on the side – a tip of the hat to the classic Philly Italian ice combo of sweet ice and a salty pretzel.

Standing Out in the RTD Crowd

In today’s crowded RTD (ready-to-drink) cocktail market, there’s no shortage of spiked seltzers, canned cocktails, and flavored malt beverages vying for attention. What makes Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill stand out is its unique concept and flavor-forward approach. Many competitors focus on recreating classic cocktails (like canned vodka sodas or margaritas) or infusing a hint of fruit into seltzer. Right Coast, however, leans fully into a **dessert-inspired** flavor. By doing so, it offers something different from a lime vodka soda or a black cherry seltzer – it’s a full-on cherry dessert drink in a convenient package.

Compared to hard seltzers, the Cherry Vodka Chill is sweeter and more robust in flavor (thanks to real juice), whereas seltzers tend to be lightly flavored and dry. It’s also a bit stronger; at 7.5% ABV, it packs more of a punch than the typical 5% seltzer, giving a satisfying cocktail-like warmth. Versus other canned cocktails, say a cherry vodka lemonade, Right Coast’s version is far more nostalgic and playful. It doesn’t take itself too seriously as a “craft cocktail,” yet the quality of ingredients means it isn’t a low-brow sugar bomb either. It occupies a great middle ground: whimsical in concept, but solid in execution.

This positioning has resonated with drinkers looking for novelty. It taps into the same vein as, for example, those throwback cereal-flavored beers or candy-flavored liqueurs that get people talking – but in a more refined way. The nostalgia factor gives it a marketing edge, helping it go viral on social media as a “must-try summer drink.” In essence, Right Coast Cherry Vodka Chill carved out its own niche: the childhood-favorite-turned-cocktail niche, which until recently was largely unexplored. Its success has even prompted other brands to consider similar nostalgic flavors, but as one of the first to do Italian ice in a can, Right Coast enjoys pioneer status in this mini-genre.

Year-Round Appeal Beyond Summer

With its bright red color and refreshing flavor, Cherry Vodka Chill screams summer – but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it year-round. While it’s certainly a star at summer barbecues, pool parties, and beach outings, many fans have found creative ways to incorporate it into other seasons. In the fall, for instance, the cherry flavor can be a fun contrast to all the pumpkin spice and Oktoberfest brews. It pairs surprisingly well with autumn bonfires and tailgating fare; imagine sipping a cold cherry chill while enjoying a crisp evening – the sweet fruitiness is a nice reminder of warmer days.

During the winter holidays, you can use Right Coast Cherry Vodka Chill as a quick base for festive punches. Its red hue and candy-like cherry taste lend themselves to holiday cocktails – add a splash of it to some champagne for a cherry fizz New Year’s toast, or mix it with a bit of cola and a cinnamon stick for a simple “cherry cola” holiday highball (a fun alternative to heavier eggnog and mulled wine). Because it’s a ready-to-drink cocktail, it’s also a convenient option for entertaining: no need to stock numerous mixers or ingredients. Just chill a few cans and you’ve got an instant party pleaser that’s different from the usual offerings. Even in spring, the Cherry Vodka Chill can be a hit at picnics or as a refreshing treat after doing yardwork, bridging that gap between the cooler months and summer. In short, while it is the quintessential summer thirst-quencher, its appeal doesn’t melt away with the last ice of August. True Italian ice lovers know that the craving for those flavors can strike any time – and this cocktail is ready whenever it does.

Mixology Magic: Cocktail Creations

Though the Cherry Vodka Chill is fantastic on its own, it also plays well with others in the cocktail sandbox. Bartenders and home mixologists alike have discovered that this drink can be used as a versatile mixer or component in creative concoctions. One popular trick is to use it as a cocktail topper or floater. For example, pour a glass of prosecco or any dry sparkling wine and float a few ounces of Cherry Vodka Chill on top – you’ve just created a quick Cherry Bellini of sorts, with a lovely ombré effect and a burst of cherry on the finish.

Another idea is to make a simple punch: combine Cherry Vodka Chill with a bit of pineapple juice and a squeeze of lime in a punch bowl, add ice and some fresh cherry or citrus garnishes, and you have a tropical-cherry punch that’s a hit at parties. For those who enjoy a good boozy dessert, try a Cherry Vodka Chill ice cream float. Scoop vanilla ice cream into a tall glass and slowly pour the Cherry Vodka Chill over it. The creamy vanilla and sweet-tart cherry create a grown-up version of an ice cream soda that’s pure bliss (plus a little buzz!). If you want something even more decadent, a splash of whipped cream vodka or amaretto liqueur in that float takes it to dessert cocktail heaven.

Cocktail enthusiasts have also experimented with using Cherry Vodka Chill as a base in sangria. Mix it with some rosé wine, fresh berry fruits, and a bit of club soda for fizz, and you’ve got a light, fun sangria with a cherry twist. Given its strong cherry profile, the drink pairs nicely with flavors like lemon, lime, berry, and even cola. You can mimic a cherry limeade by mixing it with a squeeze of fresh lime and topping with a little lemon-lime soda. Or do a quick version of a cherry mojito: muddle mint and lime in a glass, add Cherry Vodka Chill instead of soda water, and enjoy the mint-cherry-lime fusion. The possibilities are nearly endless – think of Cherry Vodka Chill not just as a ready drink, but as a cherry-flavored vodka cocktail ingredient waiting to elevate your next mixed drink.

Convenient Packaging for Any Occasion

Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill is packaged with on-the-go convenience in mind. It’s commonly found in 4-packs of 12 oz cans, which are perfect for tossing into a cooler for your next outing. Cans are lightweight, chill quickly, and are welcome in places where glass isn’t (like pools, parks, or beaches). The standard 12 oz serving is just right – enough to savor the flavor, but at 7.5% ABV, still a responsible portion for a single drink. The branding on the can is bright and fun, usually featuring cherry imagery and bold colors that stand out on the shelf (or in your hand at a party, signaling to others that you’ve got something interesting!).

In some areas, you might also find the Cherry Vodka Chill in individual 375 mL bottles (around 12.7 oz, a similar volume to the cans). These can be glass or aluminum bottle-cans and often come in a convenient 4-pack carrier as well. The choice of format can depend on the retailer or regional distribution – but either way, Right Coast ensures that the packaging keeps the product fresh and portable. The cans and bottles are designed to preserve the carbonation and flavor; they’re durable enough to handle a bit of jostling on your way to the party, but always best when kept cold.

The packaging also often includes a nod to the collaborative nature of the brand (you might spot logos or mentions of the partner breweries in fine print). And importantly for consumers, each package clearly lists the ABV and other key details, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Whether you pick up a single to try or a whole pack to share, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to bring Right Coast Cherry Vodka Chill along for any occasion – be it a day at the lake, a backyard barbecue, or just a relaxed evening on the porch. No bartender or blender required.

Perfect Pairings with Food

Pairing a sweet, fruit-forward cocktail with food can be a lot of fun. The key is to find foods that either complement the cherry sweetness or provide a nice contrast. One classic pairing for cherry Italian ice (and thus the Cherry Vodka Chill) is something salty. Think soft pretzels or salted popcorn – the saltiness makes your taste buds ping, and then the sweet cherry rushes in to refresh them. It’s the same concept behind mixing sweet and salty snacks; each makes the other more enjoyable. So, serving a bowl of pretzels alongside this cocktail will bring out the best in both.

For a more substantial food pairing, consider BBQ and grilled fare. The tangy sweetness of barbecue sauce has parallels to the Cherry Vodka Chill’s flavor profile. Grilled chicken or pork with a spicy-sweet BBQ glaze can pair wonderfully, as the drink’s fruity chill cools the palate between bites of smoky, savory meat. Similarly, spicy foods find a friend in this cocktail. Spicy buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers, for example, get a cooling counterbalance from each sip of cherry chill – almost like how a fruity sorbet can cool off your mouth after something hot.

On the flip side, you can go all-in on sweetness and treat the Cherry Vodka Chill as a dessert accompaniment. Because it tastes like a treat itself, it pairs nicely with simple desserts that won’t overwhelm it. Try sugar cookies, shortbread, or vanilla cupcakes to play up a fairground vibe. For a more decadent match, a small piece of dark chocolate can be interesting – the bitterness of dark chocolate makes the cherry flavor pop in a cherry cordial sort of way. And if you’re really leaning into nostalgia, enjoy your Cherry Vodka Chill with a cherry pie or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It’s a one-way ticket to feeling like a kid again – with very grown-up perks.

Storing and Handling Tips

To ensure your Right Coast Cherry Vodka Chill tastes as good as it possibly can, a little care in storage goes a long way. Since the product contains real juice, you’ll want to store it in a cool, dark place before opening – just like you would with beer or craft soda. Extended exposure to heat or direct sunlight can degrade the flavors (and nobody wants a cooked cherry cocktail). If you’re stockpiling a pack for later use, a pantry or a cellar is fine, but make sure to chill the cans or bottles thoroughly before serving. Cold is where this drink shines; plan on at least a few hours in the fridge, or faster yet, 20-30 minutes in an ice bucket if you’re in a hurry.

Because it’s vodka-based and 7.5% ABV, the Cherry Vodka Chill has a decent shelf life. Unopened, it should stay good for many months (check for any “best by” date on the packaging for guidance). The alcohol and acidity from the fruit juice act as preservatives to some extent. However, once you do open a can or bottle, treat it like any other perishable beverage. If you somehow don’t finish it (the cans are single-serve, so that’s rare), you’d need to cap it and refrigerate it, and even then try to consume it within a day for best flavor and fizz.

Avoid freezing sealed cans solid, as tempting as the slushy idea is – the expansion could cause the can to burst. If you want it semi-frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe container first (as mentioned in serving tips). And while it might go without saying, store these out of reach of children. The packaging may look like a fun fruit drink, but it’s for adults only. Treat it with the same responsibility you would beer or wine in your home. With just a bit of mindful storage, you’ll ensure every Cherry Vodka Chill you crack open is as tasty and refreshing as the producers intended.

Buzz & Reviews: What Drinkers Say

Since its release, the Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill has been generating plenty of buzz among those lucky enough to try it. Social media platforms lit up with people posting their bright red drinks, often with captions about childhood memories unlocked or “adult icee” vibes. Many comment on how spot-on the flavor is – it really does taste like a melted cherry Italian ice, and that authenticity pleasantly surprised a lot of skeptics. It’s common to hear praise like “I can’t believe how much this tastes like the real thing!” or “Dangerously delicious – I could drink these all day.” The combination of novelty and genuine tastiness has earned Cherry Vodka Chill a devoted following in a short time.

Reviewers also love the balance in the drink. Some expected it to be overly sugary, but instead found that the tartness levels it out. Others, who might not usually enjoy canned cocktails, have been won over by the fun factor and quality. Of course, not every review is glowing – a few people note that if you’re not into sweet drinks at all, this might not convert you, since it is definitely on the sweet side compared to, say, a hard seltzer. But even those folks often concede that “it’s still a fun one to break out at a party.” In the Northeast (where the Italian ice concept hits close to home for a lot of natives), the product has become a seasonal favorite. It’s not unusual to see local liquor stores sell out of their allotment as soon as warm weather hits. Right Coast’s cherry and lemon Italian ice cocktails have even developed a bit of a cult status on forums and Reddit, where people swap recipes (like the floats and mixes we mentioned) and ask where they can find more.

The success of the Italian Ice line has been encouraging enough that Right Coast Spirits expanded their offerings (including the newer Vodka Whips and Margarita Whips lines). But for many, the Cherry Vodka Chill remains the star because of that immediate nostalgic connection. It has that word-of-mouth magic: someone brings it to a gathering, everyone tries a sip, and the next day half of those people are hunting it down to buy their own. When a drink can evoke “Oh my gosh, remember those days…” and also stand on its own as legitimately tasty, you’ve got a winner on your hands, and that’s exactly the reputation this cherry chill has earned.

Availability and Where to Find It

Originally launched in select East Coast markets, Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill has been steadily expanding its footprint. You’ll commonly find it in New York (not surprising, given one of its creators is based in Utica, NY), and it’s spread through neighboring states and beyond. Large retailers like Total Wine & More have picked it up in certain regions, often placing it in the ready-to-drink cocktail section alongside spiked lemonades and seltzers. Because of the multi-brewery collaboration, distribution channels are strong – if you’re on the East Coast or Mid-Atlantic, chances are a local liquor store either stocks it or can get it. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and check, since these tend to fly off the shelves in prime summer months.

For our local readers in central New York, you’re in luck: Right Coast Italian Ice Cherry Vodka Chill is available right here at our store. We take pride in stocking popular local innovations like this one. If you’re in the New Hartford area (or passing through), be sure to swing by Seneca Wine & Liquor and pick up a pack of Cherry Vodka Chill. Not only can you buy it in-store, but our staff is always ready with a few serving tips or recipe ideas if you ask – after all, we’ve been sipping these too and brainstorming all the fun ways to enjoy them! The growing popularity of Right Coast’s cocktails means availability is increasing, so even if you travel outside our area, keep an eye out at liquor stores and even some grocery chains that carry RTDs. But for the guaranteed find and a friendly chat about it, we’ve got you covered locally.