Roy Rogers Drink

5 from 1 vote

Oct 03, 2024, Updated Nov 20, 2024

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This classic Roy Rogers drink t’s so light and refreshing with a sweet and fizzy combination that creates a great flavor. When you need an easy alcohol free mocktail, this drink will hit the spot!

Clear glass of soda mixed with grenadine and ice, with cherries on top.

What Is a Roy Rogers Drink?

A Roy Rogers is an easy recipe that is named after a famous actor from western films. It’s a simple soft drink mocktail, (non-alcoholic drink) made with soda and grenadine, served in a highball glass over ice, and topped with cherries as a garnish.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s simple to make, with just 3 ingredients: You only need a few ingredients to make this drink, without a complicated process.
Great for Parties: Whether you’re hosting a BBQ and need a refreshing summer drink, a birthday party, or just a casual get-together, the Roy Rogers is a perfect addition to your drink station.
Perfect for All Ages: Since it’s non-alcoholic, both kids and adults can enjoy drink.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less grenadine, or use cherry coke, with a splash of Sprite or lime juice for a tangy twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cola, grenadine syrup, cherries, and ice on a marble table.

Cola: Your favorite brand will work perfectly. I use Coca-Cola or Pepsi.
Grenadine: This pomegranate syrup adds sweetness and adds a nice touch of color to the drink. You can find it in the cocktail aisle at most stores.
Maraschino Cherries: These vibrant cherries are the perfect garnish. They add a pop with their bright red color!

How to Make a Roy Rogers Drink

STEP 1. Start by adding ice cubes to a tall glass, filling it about three-quarters full.

STEP 2. Add your cola of choice over the ice.

Cola being poured over ice in a highball glass.

STEP 3. Pour the grenadine over the cola, letting the syrup settle at the bottom.

Grenadine syrup being poured over cola and ice in a high ball glass.

STEP 4. Use a long spoon or straw to gently stir the drink, blending the grenadine with the cola.

Stirring a drink in a glass filled with ice on a marble table.

STEP 5. Top your drink with a maraschino cherry or two.

Tips

Make It a Drink Station- If you’re hosting a party or gathering, set up a DIY Roy Rogers drink station. Simply provide different types of cola, grenadine, ice, maraschino cherries, and fun glasses.
Make it a Roy Rogers Cocktail- Add in a shot of liquor, with rum, whiskey, or bourbon, to make it a simple cocktail.

Variations

Make it a Float: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a Roy Rogers float.
Zesty Twist: Squeeze a wedge of lime into the drink for a refreshing citrus twist.
Keep the Pomegranate Flavor: If you don’t have Grenadine syrup, use pomegranate juice to keep the flavor of the drink.
Make a Shirley Temple: Swap out cola for ginger ale and you have another easy mocktail! For exact measurements and directions, check out this Shirley Temple recipe.

Cola and grenadine mixed a highball glass, topped with cherries and black straws added.

FAQ’S

What is grenadine?

Grenadine is a sweet syrup made from pomegranate juice. It’s a common addition to cocktails and mocktails to add color and sweetness. You can find it at most grocery stores with the mixers.

Can I make Roy Rogers drinks ahead of time?

Because the drink uses cola, it’s best to make it right before serving or the drink may lose it’s fizziness. It’s pretty fast to make, so it shouldn’t take too much time to prepare. If you are making a large amount to serve, you can mix the cola and grenadine in a serving pitcher, and then pour into glasses filled with ice cubes.

Can I substitute grenadine with something else?

If you don’t have grenadine, you can try other fruit juices or flavored syrups. The cherry syrup from the cherry jar works perfectly and keeps the traditional red color.

How sweet is the Roy Rogers drink?

The Roy Rogers is fairly sweet. Cola and grenadine are both sweet drinks, so combine them, and you have a sweet drink. If you want a less sweet drink, use less grenadine.

how do I make a sugar free roy rogers drink?

Substitute diet cola and use a sugar-free grenadine or fruit juice to control the sugar flavor and content of the drink.