A classic Roy Rogers made with cola, grenadine, and a cherry. This vintage soda fountain drink is sweet, fizzy, and easy to make at home.
Classic cola drinks are always a good order when it's your first time at a bar no matter the setting. Roy Rogers are one of my favorite drinks when I was younger, and of course, as easy as it is to make, I have to make a non-alcoholic version.
The Roy Rogers is basically the kid-friendly version of the Rob Roy, which is a whiskey-based cocktail named after a Scottish folk hero and popularized in the early 1900s. The Roy Rogers swaps the whiskey for cola and keeps the cherry garnish, making it accessible while still feeling like you're ordering something real at a bar.
When I first made this at home as an adult, I took a sip and was immediately brought back to sitting at restaurant counters as a teenager, feeling grown-up because I was ordering something that looked fancy even though it was just soda. My husband tried it once and said it tasted exactly like what he used to get at baseball games when he was a kid, which made me realize how universal this drink is.
I love making this when I want something sweet and fizzy with little to no effort, and I love that I can make my own grenadine to control exactly how sweet it is instead of relying on store-bought versions that are sometimes way too sugary. It takes about 2 minutes to pour and assemble, and there's something satisfying about watching the grenadine settle at the bottom before the cola goes in.
Ingredients
Cola is the base of a Roy Rogers drink, and the type you use makes a noticeable difference. Classic cola gives it that familiar depth, while a craft or less-sweet cola keeps it from getting too sugary once the grenadine goes in.
Grenadine makes this an upgraded version compared to plain cola. A small amount adds sweetness and that signature red color without overpowering the soda. Grenadine varies a lot by brand, so start light. Some are super sugary, while others taste more like actual fruit, so adjust based on what you have to keep it from getting too sweet. This is also the reason why I made my own grenadine syrup, to control the taste and sweetness.
The maraschino cherry is the traditional finish and adds that nostalgic touch. Dropping it into the glass lets a little of the syrup mix in as you sip, which subtly changes the flavor from start to finish without needing to stir.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
How to Make Roy Rogers Drink?
This Roy Rogers drink is a classic soda fountain favorite that feels right at home at casual parties, family dinners, or movie nights.
Fill the glass with ice
Start by filling a serving glass with ice cubes. Using plenty of ice keeps the cola cold and prevents the drink from going flat too quickly.
Add the grenadine
Pour the grenadine directly over the ice. This lets it settle toward the bottom of the glass and creates the classic color gradient without needing to stir.
Top with cola
Slowly pour the cola over the ice and grenadine. Pouring gently helps preserve the bubbles and keeps the layers from mixing too aggressively.
Garnish and serve
Drop a maraschino cherry into the glass or place it on top as a garnish. Serve immediately while the drink is cold and fizzy.
From Mocktail to Cocktail
To turn a Roy Rogers into a cocktail, I follow the same steps but add alcohol before topping it with cola. Dark rum is the most common choice and pairs naturally with the cola and grenadine, giving the drink a richer edge without changing its familiar feel.
I usually add about 1½ ounces of rum over the ice, then pour in the grenadine and cola as usual. Finish with the maraschino cherry and serve right away while it’s cold and fizzy.
The Forest is Full of Mocktails
If you like the easy, soda-based feel of a Roy Rogers drink, there are a few other mocktails that fit well on the same table. The quick and easy Arnold Palmer mocktail keeps things familiar and refreshing, while the classic virgin mojito mocktail recipe adds mint and lime for something a little brighter without being complicated. Both work well for casual gatherings where people want something recognizable.
For options that feel more celebratory, the mocktail mimosa brings bubbles without alcohol, and the pornstar martini mocktail adds fruit-forward flair for special occasions. If you want a playful option that still feels familiar, the delicious non-alcoholic Long Island iced tea fits right in alongside a Roy Rogers, especially when serving a mixed-age crowd.
Top Tips for Roy Rogers Drink
Use plenty of ice: A full glass keeps the cola cold and helps the sweetness stay balanced instead of flat.
Add grenadine first: Pouring it over the ice before the cola creates the classic color without needing to stir.
Go light on the grenadine: A small amount adds flavor and color without turning the drink overly sweet.
Roy Rogers Drink
Ingredients
- 6 oz cola
- 1 oz grenadine
- 1 maraschino cherry
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill serving glass with ice.
- Pour grenadine over ice, then slowly pour cola.
- Garnish with maraschino cherry and serve.
Leave a Reply