I didn’t grow up with a soda machine in the house. In fact, cola was one of those “special day” treats, reserved for pizza nights, birthday parties, and the occasional family road trip where Dad would “splurge” and get us all something from the gas station cooler.
That’s probably why the Roy Rogers drink felt like such a revelation the first time I ordered it. I was maybe ten years old, sitting at the counter of a small-town diner with my cousin. She ordered a Shirley Temple like it was the most natural thing in the world. I wanted one too… until the waitress, with a smirk like she knew a secret, said: “Roy Rogers“
I didn’t know who Roy Rogers was. A singer? A cowboy? Both? But when that tall glass arrived, dark cola swirling with a blush of red, a cherry bobbing on the ice, I knew it was exactly my kind of drink.
The Roy Rogers Personality
The Roy Rogers is the understated guest who shows up in a crisp jacket, says little, but somehow commands the room. No flashy umbrella. No glittery straw. Just the deep, dark fizz of cola with a blush of red that hints at something special. It’s built on just three simple ingredients: cola, grenadine, and a cherry, yet it carries itself with quiet confidence. This is the kind of drink that doesn’t beg for attention; it earns it, sip by sip, with a balance of sweetness, nostalgia, and a touch of old-fashioned charm.
Roy Rogers Drink Ingredients
My Way of Making It
I like mine with a bit more grenadine than most, enough to give the drink a noticeable cherry warmth without turning it into candy. And I’m fussy about ice. Big cubes melt more slowly, which keeps the drink from going watery halfway through.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | My Amount | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cola | 8 oz | The backbone — use your favorite brand |
| Grenadine | 1 oz | Look for real pomegranate base for depth |
| Maraschino cherries | 2 | One for the drink, one for the end |
| Ice | Large cubes | Slow melting keeps fizz longer |
Steps
- Fill your tallest glass with ice — no skimping.
- Pour in the cola first so you get that satisfying fizz.
- Slowly drizzle in the grenadine so it sinks and swirls.
- Give it the gentlest stir, just enough to marry the flavors.
- Add the cherry and smile. You’ve just made an icon.
A Few Tips from My Kitchen
Better grenadine changes everything. Skip the neon-red corn syrup stuff. Real grenadine (like Small Hand Foods or Jack Rudy) tastes deeper and less cloying.
Chill your glass first. A cold glass keeps the fizz alive longer.
Don’t mix too hard. A gentle swirl keeps that layered look without knocking out the bubbles.
Where to Find the Good Stuff in the USA
Cherries: Luxardo cherries are pricey but worth it for their deep, syrupy bite. If you want the classic diner vibe, grab the bright red maraschinos.
Cola: Most grocery stores carry the classics, Coke, Pepsi, or regional favorites like RC Cola.
Grenadine: Big chains stock Rose’s, but for better flavor, order online from specialty food shops.
Let’s try this Banana Oatmeal Smoothie to kickstart your morning with energy, fiber, and flavor.
FAQs About Roy Rogers Drink
What is a Roy Rogers drink made of?
Roy Rogers Drink is made with cola, grenadine syrup, and is traditionally garnished with a maraschino cherry. The combination results in a sweet, fizzy beverage that’s simple but full of flavor. It’s a perfect non-alcoholic option for kids and adults alike.
Why is it called a Roy Rogers?
Roy Rogers Drink is named after the famous American cowboy actor and singer Roy Rogers. Known for his clean lifestyle and family-friendly image, he didn’t drink alcohol. Bartenders created this cola-based mocktail as a classy, non-alcoholic drink in his honor.
Is a Roy Rogers alcoholic?
Roy Rogers Drink is a non-alcoholic beverage. It contains no alcohol, which makes it a great choice for children, teetotalers, or anyone avoiding alcohol. That said, some variations like the “Dirty Roy Rogers” do include alcohol, but the original version is completely booze-free.
What’s the difference between a Roy Rogers and a Shirley Temple?
Roy Rogers Drink uses cola as its base, while the Shirley Temple typically uses lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. Both include grenadine and a cherry garnish, but the Roy Rogers has a deeper, more caramel-like flavor, whereas the Shirley Temple is lighter and more citrusy.
Can you make a Roy Rogers drink without grenadine?
Roy Rogers Drink traditionally requires grenadine, but if you’re out, you can substitute it with cherry syrup, pomegranate juice, or even a fruit-based simple syrup. While the flavor might change slightly, you can still enjoy a similar sweet-and-fizzy experience.
Is the Roy Rogers drink suitable for kids?
Roy Rogers Drink is absolutely suitable for kids. It’s often served at family restaurants and parties as a “kid’s cocktail” due to its festive appearance and sweet flavor. Since it contains no alcohol, it’s a safe and fun drink option for children of all ages.
Why I Keep Coming Back to It
For me, the Roy Rogers isn’t just about taste, it’s about the feeling. It’s standing at a counter stool that spins. It’s being ten years old and ordering something that feels a little daring. It’s sipping slowly, letting the ice clink against the glass, and fishing out that last cherry at the bottom like it’s a prize.
And here’s my favorite part: even now, decades later, when I pour cola over ice and see that swirl of red drop in, I still feel a tiny spark of that first sip. That’s why it’s a keeper.
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Table of Contents
Roy Rogers Drink
Ingredients
- 6 oz cola
- 1 oz grenadine syrup
- 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Fill glass with ice
- Add cola
- Pour grenadine
- Stir gently
- Garnish and serve
