This Roy Rogers Drink is a classic mocktail made with coca cola, a splash of grenadine, and garnished with maraschino cherries! If you're looking for a great mocktail, the sweet flavor of this 3 ingredient non-alcoholic drink is perfect!
For more drink recipes, try this Bahama Mama and French Gimlet!
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Growing up, my parents ordered me the Roy Rogers Mocktail whenever we would go out to dinner! It was one of my favorite drinks, a drink that I still make to this day!
Despite its kid-friendly name, this fun cocktail is also perfect for adults!
A Roy Rogers cocktail consists of only three ingredients - cola, sweet grenadine syrup, and a maraschino cherry.(You've got to have the cherries on top - it's a must!)
It's very similar to a Shirley Temple drink, which uses lemon-lime soda instead of cola.
Serve it with ice cubes for a cool and refreshing drink!
What is a Roy Rogers Drink?
A classic Roy Rogers drink is a famous mocktail named after, you guessed it - Roy Rogers! He was a 1950’s movie star and singer known for his roles in western films and tv shows. King of Cowboys was his nickname!
Also, if you're wondering if this is the same Roy Rodgers who has the famous fast food chain? You're also right on that too! The famous actor was quite the entrepreneur!
It's speculated that this easy mocktail is named after him because he didn't drink alcohol, often calling it the "boy version" (whatever that means!) of a Shirley Temple.
This drink has stood the test of time and has since become a well known drink all over the world!
What You'll Need
- Real grenadine: this is what gives the drink a deep red color and sweet taste. It tastes like cherry, but it's pomegranate syrup!
- Cola: you can use whatever kind of cola you'd like - this includes cherry cola, diet cola, and even organic cola.
- Optional: the roy rogers drink is typically served in a tall glass such as a collins glass or highball glass - however, you can serve them in any glass you'd like!
How to Make a Roy Rogers Drink
Add cola and grenadine to a tall glass. Stir together and add ice cubes. That's it!
If you want to make it fancy, you can add a little lemon juice to cut a little bit of the sweetness. This is a very sweet drink, so if you prefer something a bit more subtle, you can either use less grenadine syrup or cut the sweetness by adding a little lemon juice or club soda (or both).
Tips and Substitutions
- For an adult version, add a shot of vodka or rum!
- I highly recommend using as natural a grenadine as possible.
- If you love a sweet drink, swap out cola for cherry coke. You can also add a splash of cherry juice from the maraschino cherries jar if you like super sweet fancy drinks!
- Don't have grenadine? Use pomegranate juice for a fruity take on the non-alcoholic mixed drink! It'll be less sweet but still delicious.
- If it's a special occasion, serve these with a little ginger ale or club soda and garnish with lime. It looks so pretty!
FAQs
No, although very similar. Roy Rogers is comprised of cola and grenadine syrup while the Shirley Temple drink is made of grenadine and lemon lime soda.
The famous cowboy actor, also know as , "King of Cowboys", is known for his role in over 100 western films, the Roy Rogers show, and of course, the fast food chain - Roy Rogers.
More Classic Cocktails!
Roy Rogers Drink
Equipment
- Tall Glass
Ingredients
- 6 oz Coca-Cola
- ½ oz Grenadine Syrup
- Maraschino Cherries
- 1 oz Lemon Juice (optional)
Directions
- Add coca-cola and grenadine to a tall glass with ice. Gently stir and garnish with maraschino cherries.
Notes
- For an adult version, add a shot of vodka or rum!
- I highly recommend using as natural a grenadine as possible.
- If you love a sweet drink, swap out cola for cherry coke. You can also add a splash of cherry juice from the maraschino cherries jar if you like super sweet fancy drinks!
- Don't have grenadine, use pomegranate juice for a fruity take on the non-alcoholic mixed drink! It'll be less sweet but still delicious.
- If it's a special occasion, serve these with a little ginger ale or club soda and garnish with lime. It looks so pretty!
I absolutely love this recipe, takes me back to my childhood. I added a little bit of rum in mine and it was so good. It wasn't too sweet either.
Thank you!