Irresistible Smoked Cherry Coke Wings Recipe

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If you’re looking for a wing recipe that turns heads at the cookout, these Smoked Cherry Coke Chicken Wings might be your new go-to. Cherry Coke might sound a little wild, but once it cooks down into a thick, sticky glaze, it gives the wings a sweet cherry kick with just enough tang to keep things interesting. Pair that with a good smoke bath and you’ve got something special.

Let’s get into it. 👇

⭐ Why These Wings Work So Damn Well

Cherry Coke has a mix of sweetness, vanilla, and cherry flavor that really shines after it reduces. In the smoker, the light fruitwood smoke hugs every piece, and once you hit the wings with a blast of heat at the end, you get that crispy-sticky finish everybody loves.

Here’s what makes this recipe a keeper:

  • 🍒 Cherry Coke naturally caramelizes into a killer glaze

  • 🔥 The smoke complements the sweet glaze instead of overpowering it

  • 😋 Crispy skin finish thanks to the hot-temp final step

  • 👍 Simple, no-nonsense prep

  • 🏆 Big flavor with minimal ingredients

Ingredients

🍗 Wings

  • Chicken wings

  • Olive oil

  • Your favorite dry rub

🍒 Cherry Coke Glaze

  • Cherry Coke

  • Brown sugar

  • BBQ sauce

  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions (Same Recipe, Easier Flow)

1. Prep the Wings 🧂

  1. Add the wings to a big bowl.

  2. Drizzle in some olive oil.

  3. Hit them with your dry rub and toss until everything’s coated.

  4. Set the wings on a rack and chill them in the fridge for 1 hour to help the skin dry out.

2. Fire Up the Smoker 🔥

  • Heat your smoker to 225°F.

  • Cherry wood is perfect, but apple or any fruitwood works great too.

3. Smoke the Wings 🍗

  • Place wings directly on the grates.

  • Smoke for about 2 hours, or until they hit 165°F internal temp.

4. Make the Cherry Coke Glaze 🍒

  1. Pour the Cherry Coke into a saucepan on medium heat.

  2. Add brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and red pepper flakes.

  3. Simmer until it reduces into a thick, glossy glaze — usually 20–25 minutes.

5. Glaze & Crisp 🔥

  • Crank the heat up to 350°F (or move the wings to the hot zone of your grill).

  • Brush the glaze all over the wings.

  • Let them cook until the glaze caramelizes and the skin crisps up.

  • Pull at 175–185°F for the best tenderness.

6. Serve ’Em Up 🙌

Brush on a little extra glaze and watch them disappear.

🔥 Tips for Better Wings Every Time

Here’s what helps these wings hit that perfect balance:

  • Pat the wings dry and chill them — dry skin = crispier skin.

  • Let the Cherry Coke really reduce. Thin glaze won’t stick.

  • If you want extra shine, glaze twice.

  • Don’t skip the final high-heat blast. It’s the secret to crispiness.

  • Cherry Coke Zero works fine if you want things a little lighter.

🍒 Fun Variations

Make ’Em Spicy 🌶

Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze.

No Smoker? Oven Works Too

  • Bake at 250°F for 1 hour

  • Crank to 400°F to crisp

  • Add glaze for the last 10 minutes

Air Fryer Finish

Smoke for 1 hour → air fry 5–7 minutes until crisp.

🍽 Serving Ideas

These wings go great with:

  • Cornbread or cornbread muffins

  • Smoked mac & cheese

  • Grilled corn or corn ribs

  • Roasted potatoes

  • A cold beer or cherry-bourbon cocktail 🍻

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use regular Cherry Coke instead of Cherry Coke Zero?
A: Absolutely. Regular Cherry Coke will add a little more sweetness — adjust the sauce or rub to balance.

Q: Can I make these without a smoker?
A: Yep! Use your oven at the same temps. Add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to keep that BBQ essence.

Q: How do I get crispier skin?
A: Finish the wings under high heat (350°F+), or give them a short broil at the end.

Q: Can I swap out the BBQ sauce?
A: Definitely. Try your favorite sweet or spicy BBQ blend — just keep that Cherry Coke base for depth.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store wings in an airtight container up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat at 325°F until warmed through and brush with extra glaze.

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