There’s something timeless about a good drink that doesn’t need alcohol to shine. When I was a kid, I remember sitting at a family wedding watching my cousins sip on bubbly, bright-red mocktails. That’s when I had my first Roy Rogers drink. It felt like a grown-up treat fizzy, sweet, and served in a real glass with a cherry on top.
The Roy Rogers drink is a classic mocktail that only needs two ingredients but delivers a lot of flavor. With just cola and grenadine, you get a sweet, deep cherry taste with rich caramel notes from the soda. It’s a drink anyone can enjoy, whether you’re skipping alcohol or just craving something simple and nostalgic.
This guide gives you everything: the original Roy Rogers recipe, a video walkthrough, ingredient tips, fun twists, and answers to popular questions.
Table of Contents
What is a Roy Rogers Drink?
The Roy Rogers drink is a simple mocktail made with cola and grenadine, served over ice and topped with a maraschino cherry. It’s a non-alcoholic beverage that’s both easy to make and enjoyable for all ages. Often served at parties, family events, or restaurants, it offers a nostalgic flavor that’s sweet, fizzy, and slightly fruity.
At its core, the Roy Rogers combines the deep caramel notes of cola with the rich, fruity sweetness of grenadine. This makes it a refreshing option for people who want the feel of a cocktail without the alcohol. It’s also commonly seen as the counterpart to the Shirley Temple, making it a go-to mocktail for those who prefer a darker soda base.
Whether you’re introducing kids to their first fancy drink or looking for a classic non-alcoholic option for yourself, the Roy Rogers drink is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why It Still Matters Today
The Roy Rogers drink isn’t just about ingredients. It represents a moment. For many, it’s the first “grown-up” drink served at a wedding or celebration. It brings back memories of sitting at the kids’ table with something special in hand. The drink continues to show up at family events, not just for its flavor, but for how it makes people feel included. Unlike many trendy mocktails that come and go, the Roy Rogers drink has stayed relevant because it speaks to tradition, comfort, and the joy of sharing something simple.
The Key Difference: Roy Rogers vs. Shirley Temple
Though they share the same spirit of fun and are both non-alcoholic, the Roy Rogers and the Shirley Temple are not the same. Their main difference lies in the soda base. A Roy Rogers drink uses cola, while a Shirley Temple is built with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda.
Here’s a simple comparison to help:
| Feature | Roy Rogers | Shirley Temple |
|---|---|---|
| Base Soda | Cola (like Coca-Cola) | Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime Soda |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, Caramel, Cherry | Sweet, Spicy, Ginger, Cherry |
| Common Garnish | Maraschino Cherry | Maraschino Cherry and Orange or Lime |
These two mocktails are often described as cousins. Where the Shirley Temple brings a bright, zesty taste, the Roy Rogers drink leans toward a deeper, cola-forward flavor.
The Story Behind the Name: A Nod to a Cowboy Star
The Roy Rogers drink is named after Roy Rogers, the American singer and actor known as the “King of the Cowboys.” He was a Hollywood icon in the mid-1900s, famous for his roles in Western films and TV shows.
Roy Rogers didn’t drink alcohol. At events and restaurants, he would often order a mixture of cola and grenadine as his signature beverage. Over time, bartenders began calling this mix the Roy Rogers drink in his honor. It was a respectful nod to a celebrity who stood out in the crowd.
The Secret to the Perfect Roy Rogers: Choosing Your Ingredients
Even though the Roy Rogers drink is simple, the ingredients you choose can make a big difference. From the type of cola to the quality of grenadine and even the garnish, every detail adds something to the final taste.
It’s All About the Cola: Which Brand is Best?
Choosing the right cola can change the flavor of your Roy Rogers drink more than you might expect. Each brand brings a slightly different profile.
Classic Coca-Cola: Sweet and smooth with a caramel base. It’s the traditional choice for a Roy Rogers drink.
Mexican Coke: Made with real cane sugar, it has a cleaner finish and a hint of natural sweetness.
Pepsi: A bit sharper and sweeter than Coke. Some prefer this for a brighter flavor.
Diet or Zero Sugar Cola: Great for those watching calories. It keeps the fizz and taste without all the sugar.
Craft Colas: If you’re feeling fancy, try brands like Fever-Tree or Boylan. These often include natural flavors and less sugar, giving the Roy Rogers a more refined edge.
The Grenadine Debate: Store-Bought vs. Homemade
Grenadine is the second star of the Roy Rogers. Despite what many think, it’s not cherry-flavored. Real grenadine is made from pomegranate juice and sugar.
Store-Bought Grenadine: Brands like Rose’s are easy to find but often contain artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup.
High-Quality Grenadine: Look for bottles made from real pomegranate. They cost a bit more but give the Roy Rogers drink a richer and more natural flavor.
Homemade Grenadine: You can make your own with pomegranate juice, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. It’s fresh, simple, and you control the sweetness. (Add a link to your homemade grenadine recipe if available.)
The Garnish: More Than Just a Cherry on Top
The final touch on a proper Roy Rogers drink is the cherry. The maraschino cherry not only adds color but a burst of sweetness at the end.
Standard Maraschino: The bright red kind found in most stores. Classic and nostalgic.
Luxardo Cherries: Dark, rich, and soaked in syrup. If you want to upgrade your Roy Rogers, this is one small change that makes a big impact.
Roy Rogers Drink Recipe
The Perfect Roy Rogers
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalThe Roy Rogers drink is a classic non-alcoholic mocktail made with cola and grenadine, finished with a maraschino cherry. It’s fizzy, sweet, and perfect for any age or occasion.
Ingredients
6 oz 6 cola (chilled)
1 oz 1 grenadine
Ice cubes
1 1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Directions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in grenadine.
- Slowly top with chilled cola.
- Stir gently to blend.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use Mexican Coke made with cane sugar. You can also adjust grenadine to taste if you prefer a sweeter or lighter drink.
3 Fun Roy Rogers Variations to Try
While the original Roy Rogers is simple and satisfying, sometimes it’s fun to change things up. These creative variations add a twist to the classic mocktail, giving you new flavors to explore without straying far from the original.
The “Dirty” Roy Rogers
This is the adult version of the classic. By adding vodka or a light rum, you turn the Roy Rogers into a light cocktail with just enough kick. It’s often called a “Spiked Shirley” or simply a “Dirty Rogers.”
Recipe Tip: Add 1.5 ounces of vodka or light rum to your regular Roy Rogers drink. Stir gently and garnish with a cherry.
The Roy Rogers with a Twist
Too sweet for your taste? Try squeezing in a bit of fresh lime juice. It cuts through the syrupy flavor and adds brightness to every sip.
Quick Fix: One teaspoon of lime juice is enough to make your Roy Rogers drink pop with citrus.
The Vanilla or Cherry Rogers
For those who want something slightly different without adding alcohol, change the cola. Use Vanilla Coke or Cherry Coke to give the Roy Rogers drink a smooth, flavored twist.
These swaps are subtle but noticeable, making the drink feel new without losing its charm.
How to Make a Roy Rogers Pitcher for a Party
Hosting a crowd? The Roy Rogers drink is a fantastic option for parties, especially when served in a big pitcher. It’s festive, non-alcoholic, and loved by guests of all ages.
Batch Recipe: Mix 1 cup of grenadine with one 2-liter bottle of cold cola in a large pitcher. Pour just before serving to keep the fizz. Stir gently.
Serving Idea: Set up a garnish station with maraschino cherries, lime wedges, and even orange slices. Guests can dress up their Roy Rogers drink however they like.
This simple setup works well for birthdays, baby showers, and family gatherings. Everyone gets to enjoy a delicious drink that looks as good as it tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still curious about the Roy Rogers drink? Here are answers to the most common questions people have about this classic mocktail.
What kind of glass should I use for a Roy Rogers?
A highball or Collins glass is the traditional choice. These tall glasses give the Roy Rogers room for ice, bubbles, and a proper garnish.
Is a Roy Rogers drink gluten-free?
Yes. The standard ingredients in a Roy Rogers drink—cola, grenadine, and a cherry—do not contain gluten. Always check labels if you’re using specialty brands.
How many calories are in a Roy Rogers drink?
A typical Roy Rogers made with regular cola and commercial grenadine has around 150 to 180 calories. Using diet cola or homemade grenadine can lower the count.
Can I make a Roy Rogers drink with other sodas?
You can experiment. While cola is the traditional base, some people enjoy trying Dr. Pepper, Root Beer, or even cherry soda. Each version gives a new spin on the original Roy Rogers recipe.
Why the Roy Rogers Drink Remains a Classic
The Roy Rogers drink is more than a mix of cola and grenadine. It’s a symbol of fun, family, and celebration without the need for alcohol. Whether you’re making it for a party, trying one at home for the first time, or introducing it to your kids, it delivers on taste and nostalgia every time.
Give the recipe a try. Share it with your friends. And don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating below. Let us know how your Roy Rogers turned out.
Try Also The Sleepy Girl Mocktail: The Viral TikTok Recipe That Actually Works.
Leave a Reply