Skip to content
MixologyRecipe
Non-AlcoholicEasyAI Generated Recipe

Roy Rogers

A classic non-alcoholic cocktail combining cola and grenadine, garnished with maraschino cherries. Named after the famous cowboy actor, this sweet and refreshing drink has been a favorite mocktail since the 1940s.

Step into the golden age of Hollywood with the Roy Rogers, a timeless mocktail that captures the spirit of America's beloved singing cowboy. This delightfully simple combination of cola and grenadine creates a drink that's both nostalgic and refreshing, perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a classic cocktail experience without the alcohol. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, designated driving, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, the Roy Rogers delivers that perfect balance of fizzy refreshment and cherry sweetness that has made it a soda fountain staple for generations.

2 min
🥃highball
Share:
Roy Rogers cocktail served in a highball
✨

AI-Crafted Recipe

This recipe was created by our AI mixologist. It may not be a traditional recipe but should be a delicious interpretation.

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: 2-3 maraschino cherries with stems

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes

  2. Pour the cola over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top

  3. Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a bar spoon or drizzle it down the side of the glass to create a layered effect

  4. Garnish with 2-3 maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick or simply dropped into the drink

  5. Serve immediately with a straw and stir gently before drinking to combine flavors

Flavor Profile

SweetfizzyFruitynostalgic

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

View on Amazon →
Mixing Glass

Mixing Glass

View on Amazon →
Bar Spoon

Bar Spoon

View on Amazon →
OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

View on Amazon →
Cocktail Pick Set

Cocktail Pick Set

View on Amazon →
Highball Glass Set

Highball Glass Set

View on Amazon →

💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use high-quality grenadine made with real pomegranate juice rather than corn syrup-based versions for better flavor

  • 2

    Chill your cola beforehand to prevent excessive dilution when served over ice

  • 3

    Add the grenadine slowly and watch it sink to create beautiful layered color gradients

  • 4

    Use multiple maraschino cherries for a more festive presentation - the classic garnish is typically 2-3 cherries

  • 5

    For a more adult version, try using craft cola or Mexican Coca-Cola made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup

📜 History & Origin

The Roy Rogers was created in the 1940s and named after Roy Rogers, the "King of the Cowboys" who was one of Hollywood's most popular western film stars. The drink emerged during the golden age of soda fountains when bartenders and soda jerks began creating signature non-alcoholic cocktails for famous patrons. Roy Rogers himself was known to be a teetotaler, making this alcohol-free tribute particularly fitting. The cocktail gained popularity alongside its counterpart, the Shirley Temple, which was created around the same time for the child actress. While the Shirley Temple uses ginger ale, the Roy Rogers opts for cola, giving it a distinctly American flavor profile that matched the cowboy persona of its namesake. The drink became a staple at diners, drive-ins, and family restaurants across America, representing the wholesome entertainment values of the era. Today, it remains a popular choice for children's menus and anyone seeking a nostalgic, alcohol-free beverage that doesn't compromise on flavor or presentation.

🍸 Related Recipes

Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple

Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer

Rocket Pop Cocktail

Rocket Pop Cocktail

Roy Rogers Mocktail

Roy Rogers Mocktail

Bomb Pop

Bomb Pop

Virgin Sex on the Beach

Virgin Sex on the Beach

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Roy Rogers taste like?

The Roy Rogers has a sweet, fizzy, fruity, nostalgic flavor profile. A classic non-alcoholic cocktail combining cola and grenadine, garnished with maraschino cherries. Named after the famous cowboy actor, this sweet and refreshing drink has been a favorite mocktail since the 1940s.

What ingredients do I need for a Roy Rogers?

A Roy Rogers requires 4 ingredients: Cola, Grenadine, Ice, Maraschino cherries.

How long does it take to make a Roy Rogers?

A Roy Rogers takes about 2 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Roy Rogers?

A Roy Rogers is traditionally served in a highball, garnished with 2-3 maraschino cherries with stems.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Roy Rogers?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Roy Rogers by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Roy Rogers?

The Roy Rogers was created in the 1940s and named after Roy Rogers, the "King of the Cowboys" who was one of Hollywood's most popular western film stars. The drink emerged during the golden age of soda fountains when bartenders and soda jerks began creating signature non-alcoholic cocktails for famous patrons. Roy Rogers himself was known to be a teetotaler, making this alcohol-free tribute particularly fitting. The cocktail gained popularity alongside its counterpart, the Shirley Temple, which was created around the same time for the child actress. While the Shirley Temple uses ginger ale, the Roy Rogers opts for cola, giving it a distinctly American flavor profile that matched the cowboy persona of its namesake. The drink became a staple at diners, drive-ins, and family restaurants across America, representing the wholesome entertainment values of the era. Today, it remains a popular choice for children's menus and anyone seeking a nostalgic, alcohol-free beverage that doesn't compromise on flavor or presentation.