Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and add the cupcake liners to the pan.
Add the cake mix to a mixing bowl and add in the oil, egg whites, and soda. Mix on medium speed until mixed well. Mix in about 1/2 of the jello.
Add the batter into the cupcake liners until 2/3 full. Put in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool.
Frosting:
Cream the butter with a mixer until fluffy.
Add in the salt and vanilla. Mix in the rest of the jello.
Mix the cherry soda and half and half together in a separate bowl. (This is important)
Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. Add a little bit of the liquid mixture from above in between each cup. Mix for 1-2 minutes until creamy. Stiff peaks should form. Add in the red food coloring.
Add the frosting to the piping bag and frost the cupcakes. Add the sanding sugar on top.