Just like its soda shop counterpart, the Shirley Temple, the Roy Rogers is a blast from the past. Even as soda fountains closed their doors, these timeless drinks remained ingrained in American culture. Long before “mocktails” became a buzzword, you could order these delightful non–alcoholic mixed drinks at nearly any bar or restaurant. Cheers to a sip of nostalgia!
Roy Rogers Drink
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Pour the grenadine into a Collins glass with ice
02
2.
Top with the cola, and gently stir to combine
03
3.
Garnish with a single maraschino cherry, and serve
Who is the Roy Rogers drink named after?
The Roy Rogers drink is named after the famous cowboy actor and singer, Roy Rogers, known as the “King of the Cowboys.” During his reign in Western films and television shows throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Roy Rogers was known for his clean-cut image and for abstaining from alcohol. This makes the non-alcoholic, sweet, refreshing Roy Rogers drink a fitting namesake!
Read next: 18 Grenadine Cocktails to Try in 2024
Roy Rogers vs. Shirley Temple
A Shirley Temple is lighter and brighter, made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and sweetened with grenadine for a cherry twist. The Roy Rogers packs a punchier fizz with cola as its base and relies solely on its sweetness. So next time you’re choosing a fun, festive drink, decide whether you prefer a lighter ginger kick or a bolder cola flavor to find your winner.
Also see: The Best Cocktail Cherries to Garnish Your Favorite Cocktail
How to make your own grenadine at home
Feeling crafty? Ditch the store-bought grenadine and whip up your own! Simply combine equal parts of pomegranate juice, sugar, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat it gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Don’t let it boil. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly, then let it cool completely. Store your homemade grenadine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month, ready to add a touch of sweet and tart pomegranate punch to your cocktails.
Other mocktails to try at home
If you love a Roy Rogers, you should also try:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
While both Roy Rogers and Shirley Temples are perfect for those who don't drink alcohol, they have distinct flavor profiles. A Shirley Temple features a lighter base of ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, often sweetened with grenadine for a touch of cherry. The Roy Rogers, on the other hand, gets its fizz from cola, resulting in a bolder and sweeter drink.
Traditionally, a Roy Rogers isn't inherently cherry flavored. The sweetness and cherry notes come from the addition of grenadine syrup, not the cola itself. However, some might perceive a slight cherry influence due to the combination of grenadine and cola flavors. To enhance the cherry taste, you can adjust the grenadine amount or even add a maraschino cherry for a visual and flavor boost.
