Roy Rogers

The Roy Rogers is a classic American non-alcoholic mixed drink, created as a counterpart to the Shirley Temple. It combines the familiar taste of cola with a sweet splash of grenadine, creating a deep red-brown beverage. Typically served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry, it's a popular and refreshing choice for all ages.
Roy Rogers

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Roy Rogers is classified as a classic mocktail or non-alcoholic drink. It falls into the highball category due to its preparation method of being built in a tall glass over ice. It is considered a timeless and simple mixed drink suitable for all ages.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a tall Highball glass, this is a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink with a volume of about 8-10 oz.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The drink is named after the famous American singer and actor Roy Rogers (1911–1998). Legend has it that Rogers, a teetotaler, would often be served this concoction at bars when he requested a non-alcoholic drink, and it eventually took on his name. It became the go-to "boy's drink," a counterpart to the ginger ale-based Shirley Temple, which was often considered a "girl's drink."
Origin
United States, circa 1940s-1950s.

Roy Rogers

The drink is famously named after the American singer and actor, Roy Rogers. It is sometimes simply referred to by its ingredients, "Coke and Grenadine," as it's the non-alcoholic counterpart to drinks like a Whiskey and Coke.
Original name
Roy Rogers
Alternative name
Coke and Grenadine

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a familiar sweet cola flavor enhanced by fruity notes of cherry and pomegranate from the grenadine. It's a bubbly, refreshing beverage with a distinct reddish-brown hue.
Flavor
Sweet, cola, cherry, pomegranate
Aroma
Sweet, cola, fruity
Taste balance
Sweet
Aftertaste
Sweet, clean
Fizziness
Bubbly, carbonated
Color appearance
Deep reddish-brown, clear
Texture
Thin, bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by sweetness from both the cola and grenadine, with a high level of carbonation and a touch of fruitiness. It has no alcohol, bitterness, or saltiness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need two main ingredients for a Roy Rogers: cola and grenadine syrup. A maraschino cherry is the traditional and highly recommended garnish.
  • Cola180 ml / 6 oz
    Use your favorite brand, such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi.
  • Grenadine15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A pomegranate-flavored syrup that adds sweetness and color.
  • Maraschino Cherry1 or 2(optional)
    The classic garnish for the drink.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed, just a bar spoon or any long spoon to gently mix the ingredients directly in the serving glass.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

This is a "built" drink, meaning you simply build the ingredients in an ice-filled highball glass by pouring in grenadine, topping with cola, stirring gently, and adding a cherry garnish.
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the grenadine over the ice.
3. Slowly top with cola to preserve carbonation.
4. Stir very gently with a bar spoon to combine the layers.
5. Garnish by dropping one or two maraschino cherries into the drink.

Garnishing

The classic garnish is one or two bright red maraschino cherries dropped directly into the glass, which adds visual appeal and a final fruity bite.
  • Maraschino Cherry: Drop one or two cherries into the finished drink.

Dietary Information

This is a non-alcoholic, vegan, and generally allergen-free drink, but it does contain caffeine from the cola. For a caffeine-free version, simply use a caffeine-free cola.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A Roy Rogers is relatively low in calories but high in sugar and carbohydrates, with almost all of its caloric content coming from these sources.
Calories
Approximately 90-110 kcal / 377-460 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 25-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 25-30 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect for any social occasion where a non-alcoholic option is desired, from casual get-togethers to family parties. It's a classic choice for kids and adults alike who prefer not to drink alcohol.
  • Casual Gathering
  • Family Party
  • Kid's Party
  • Bar Alternative

Pairing suggestions

This sweet mocktail pairs well with classic American comfort and diner food. Its sweetness and carbonation cut through the richness of greasy foods and complement salty snacks like burgers, fries, pizza, and popcorn.
  • Burgers and fries
  • Pizza
  • Salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn
  • Classic diner food

The Roy Rogers: A Classic Cola Mocktail

The Roy Rogers is a timeless non-alcoholic highball named after the famed American actor. It's a simple yet satisfying mix of cola and grenadine, served over ice with a maraschino cherry. As the classic counterpart to the Shirley Temple, it offers a sweet, bubbly, and refreshing experience perfect for all ages and occasions where an easy, crowd-pleasing mocktail is needed.

Similar Mocktails

Shirley Temple

Uses ginger ale instead of cola, and often includes a squeeze of lime or lemon juice.

Alcoholic Variations

Dirty Shirley

An alcoholic version of a Shirley Temple, typically made by adding vodka or cherry vodka.

Similar Cocktails

Cuba Libre

An alcoholic "cousin" made with rum, cola, and a generous squeeze of lime juice.

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