Roy Rogers Drink

Learn how to make a Roy Rogers drink! This classic mocktail recipe is made with just 2-3 ingredients and makes a fun addition to parties and celebrations.

Grab a glass and some ice because we’ve got an easy mocktail recipe today! We’re talking all about the classic Roy Rogers drink.

Originating at soda fountains across the country, the Roy Rogers was the cousin of the classic Shirley Temple drink. This sweet soda mocktail is popular with kids, but with a few little tricks, you can elevate it for the grown-ups in your group, too.

Here’s what you need to make a Roy Rogers mocktail…

What’s In A Roy Rogers Drink?

So, what exactly are the ingredients in a Roy Rogers? Well, this non-alcoholic drink (or “mocktail”) is usually made with cola and grenadine. It’s VERY sweet, but we use a few tricks to make it more grown-up friendly. Here’s what we put in our Roy Rogers mocktail recipe:

• Cola. Most Roy Rogers drinks are made with Coke/Coca Cola, but other brands of cola soda can work, too! Feel free to use diet Coke, Mexican Coke (made with cane sugar), or even caffeine-free Coke. (We’ve even made them with probiotic cola!) You can also go with RC Cola or Pepsi. Choose one you’d be happy to drink plain, since the flavor will be the star of the show.
• Grenadine. While most people think of grenadine syrup as cherry syrup (thanks to its bright red color), it’s actually made from pomegranate! This pomegranate syrup is a classic in mocktails like a Roy Rogers, Sweet Sunrise, or Shirley Temple. Most store-bought grenadine doesn’t contain any actual pomegranate juice and has an overly artificial sweet taste, so we love to use 3-ingredient homemade grenadine that’s inexpensive, easy and only takes a few minutes to put together.
• Pretty Extras. Then, you’ll typically finish the drink with maraschino cherries. It adds a nice touch of color! If you like, you can also add a small squeeze of lemon or lime juice (which I love), to break up the sweetness.
• Plenty Of Ice. If it’s not an ice cold mocktail, I don’t want it!
• Club Soda (If You Want). While a classic Roy Rogers is just straight cola and grenadine, I love to add some extra fizz and cut the sweetness with a splash of club soda or soda water.

How To Make A Roy Rogers Mocktail, Step By Step

For A Classic Roy Rogers

1. Fill A Glass With Ice.
2. Pour Grenadine Over Ice.
3. Add Cola & Stir.
4. Garnish the drink with maraschino cherries, lemon or lime wedge, or fresh mint.

For A Lower Sugar Roy Rogers

1. Fill A Glass With Ice.
2. Pour Grenadine Over Ice.
3. Add Cola.
4. Squeeze In Lemon Juice.
5. Top Off The Drink With Club Soda & Gently Stir.
6. Garnish the drink with maraschino cherries, lemon or lime wedge, or fresh mint.

MAKE SURE TO STIR! Don’t skip the quick stir or all the grenadine will sink to the bottom and make for a super sweet first sip and an unbalanced drink later. It only takes a second, but it makes a big difference!

FAQ + Tips And Tricks For The BEst Roy Rogers Drink

Why Is It Called Roy Rogers? The Roy Rogers drink was named after famous American actor and singer Roy Rogers, known as “the king of cowboys” and famous for acting in Westerns and singing songs like “Happy Trails.” While there isn’t as much lore around his drink as there is for the Shirley Temple mocktail, rumor has it that this drink was named for Rogers because he didn’t drink alcohol.

Try Mexican Coke! We’re big fans of Mexicoke or Mexican Coke, which is sweetened with real cane sugar instead of corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup. It has great flavor! I live in the southwest, so it might be easier for me to find, but I can find it at several local stores (including Walmart and Kroger)!

Variations To Try. Other than our lower sugar version in the recipe card, the easiest variations on a Roy Rogers are to mix up the kind of cola you use! Feel free to make it with cherry Coke/cherry cola, vanilla Coke, etc.

Cut The Sugar With Probiotic Cola. Lately, we’ve been loving probiotic soda alternatives, like Olipop. Their vintage cola flavored drink makes a yummy, less sweet Roy Rogers!

Can I Add Alcohol? I don’t drink, but some folks like to add a splash of bourbon, whiskey, or vodka for a boozy Roy Rogers or “dirty Roy Rogers.”

🌟 Leave a star review below when you try our Roy Rogers drink recipe! We can’t wait to hear what you think!

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