Can I make a Roy Rogers with diet cola?

Absolutely! Using diet cola is a great way to cut down on sugar and calories, and it still tastes delicious with grenadine.

What is grenadine, and can I make it at home?

Grenadine is a sweet, red syrup made from pomegranate juice and sugar. You can find it at most grocery stores, but homemade grenadine (using pomegranate juice, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice) will give your Roy Rogers an even more authentic flavor.

Can I add other flavors to the Roy Rogers?

Definitely! Try squeezing in a wedge of lime for a citrusy twist, or add a dash of bitters for complexity—just keep in mind bitters often contain a small amount of alcohol.

Is the Roy Rogers suitable for kids?

Yes! The Roy Rogers contains no alcohol, making it a favorite for kids and adults alike who want a festive, flavorful drink without the booze.

Roy Rogers

Name: Roy Rogers
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 6 oz Cola; 0.5 oz Grenadine; 1 cup Ice; 1 Maraschino cherry

The Roy Rogers is a timeless non-alcoholic highball that combines the bold flavors of cola with the sweet and tangy kick of grenadine. Crowned with a maraschino cherry, this classic mocktail delivers a nostalgic soda fountain experience that's both refreshing and fun. Whether you're abstaining from alcohol or just want something sweet and fizzy, the Roy Rogers brings the party to your glass—no spirits required!

3 minutesEasy1 serving

Featured

Ingredients

1 serving

Cola
180 ml (6 oz)
Use your favorite cola—classic or craft
Grenadine
15 ml (0.5 oz)
Adds sweetness and color
Ice
1 cup
Fill the glass to the top
Maraschino cherry
1
For garnish

Tools Needed

Highball glass
Bar spoon
Jigger
Ice scoop

Instructions

Fill a highball glass with ice to the top.
Pour 6 oz of cola over the ice.
Slowly add 0.5 oz of grenadine, letting it sink and swirl.
Stir gently with a bar spoon to mix the flavors without losing too much fizz.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry on top.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Perfect for all ages—completely alcohol-free.
Delivers a nostalgic, soda-fountain vibe.
Balanced flavors: sweet, tangy, and fizzy.
Easy to make with just two main ingredients.
Customizable—adjust the sweetness or add a twist with fresh citrus.

History & Origin

The Roy Rogers cocktail was created in the mid-20th century, named after the beloved American cowboy actor and singer, Roy Rogers. During the heyday of soda fountains and family-friendly diners, bartenders and soda jerks wanted to offer an alcohol-free alternative to the classic Shirley Temple (which uses ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and grenadine). The Roy Rogers became the masculine counterpart, featuring cola instead of the lighter sodas. Over the decades, it's become a staple at parties, restaurants, and any gathering where a tasty, booze-free option is appreciated.

Garnish

A single maraschino cherry perched on top adds a pop of color and a sweet finish, making the drink feel festive and fun.

Nutrition Info

Approx. 120 calories per serving (based on regular cola), 30g carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein. Contains sugar from both cola and grenadine.

Frequently Asked Questions

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