This Roy Rogers drink is a traditional mocktail that's simple to create and great to consume, garnished with a maraschino cherry. It's a cool beverage with sweet grenadine syrup that tastes like cherry cola.
My husband remembers being a child at an airport bar with his uncle and parents. His uncle was coming or going through the airport and the adults were having "adult" drinks, so they ordered him a Roy Rogers. They probably don't want kids in airport bars now. Those were the days.
Origin: "The King of the Cowboys," Roy Rogers, was a popular movie star in the 1950s. The story behind this drink is unclear. It may have been invented in the 1940s and so named because he did not drink alcohol. It was a popular companion drink for Shirley Temple in the 1950s and 1960s. Make the drink as a "mocktail" without the alcohol or include the alcohol for a more adult version.
Try some of our other favorites, such as Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada, Dirty Shirley.
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Ingredients for Non-Alcoholic Roy Rogers
- grenadine syrup
- Ice
- cola (Coca-Cola or Pepsi)
- maraschino cherries for garnish
FAQs
A Roy Rogers drink is a non-alcoholic mocktail named after the famous cowboy actor Roy Rogers. It's a simple and refreshing drink made with cola and grenadine, garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Yes, you can use any type of cola, including regular, diet, or caffeine-free varieties. The choice of cola can slightly alter the taste, but the drink will still be delicious.
There are many brands of grenadine available, and most will work well in this drink. Popular choices include Rose's Grenadine and Monin Grenadine. Look for a grenadine made with real pomegranate juice for a more authentic flavor.
To serve a large batch, mix cola and grenadine in a large pitcher. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve, then pour over ice and garnish with cherries in individual glasses.
Top Tips
- You can add alcohol if preferred, to make an alcoholic Roy Rogers.
- Grenadine is a pomegranate flavored syrup. Many believe it to be cherry, but it is not.
- Use crushed or cubed ice for the drink, both are equally delicious.
- Make the drink lighter using a diet soda, instead of regular.
How to make Roy Rogers Drink
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour grenadine over the top of the ice.
- Pour Coca-Cola or Pepsi (Diet if you want to lighten it up) to fill the glass.
- Stir gently, then top with maraschino cherries. Add a straw and enjoy this cool, refreshing drink!
Roy Rogers Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- crushed or cubed ice
- 1 oz grenadine syrup
- 6 oz Coca-Cola
- maraschino cherries for ganish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with crushed or cubed ice.
- Pour grenadine over the top of the ice.
- Pour Coca-Cola or Pepsi (Diet if you want to lighten it up) to fill the glass.
- Stir gently, then top with maraschino cherries. Add a straw and enjoy this cool, refreshing drink!
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