Roy Rogers Drink (mocktail)

A Roy Rogers Drink is a delightful cherry flavored soda drink. A mix of cola and grenadine, poured over ice and topped with a maraschino cherry, akin to a Cherry Coke. It is a popular drink that kids order in restaurants or have at parties when they want a “mocktail”. You can make it at home with just 2 ingredients; cola and grenadine syrup.

Another kiddie mocktail that is similar to the Roy Rogers is a Shirley Temple Drink, which is made with lemon-lime soda and grenadine syrup. And another that is non-carbonated is the Arnold Palmer, iced tea and lemonade mixed together.

RELATED: For Halloween time check out this Bloody Shirley Temple!

Roy Rogers

While its counterpart, the Shirley Temple (a mix of ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry), was named after the iconic child actress, the Roy Rogers drink was named after the eponymous singing cowboy of the 1940s and 1950s.

Roy Rogers, known as the “King of the Cowboys”, was a prolific figure in the American cultural landscape, starring in over 100 films and numerous radio and television episodes.

The naming of the drink after Roy Rogers is thought to be a nod to his clean-living image, reflecting the non-alcoholic nature of the beverage. Just as Shirley Temple promoted a wholesome image for young girls, Roy Rogers did the same for young boys.

Ingredients

There are only two REQUIRED ingredients to make a Roy Rogers Mocktail, but it is SO much better when you add a couple maraschino cherries to the glass. It is like a little treat!

Cola: For the soda portion you want to use a “cola”. Coke or Pepsi are great options for the cola, however there are many options when it comes to cola. You can buy everything from a generic store brand cola, up to an organic cane sugar cola.

Grenadine Syrup: Is a cherry flavored sweet liquid that is added to the cola, giving your Roy Rogers a nice cherry flavor.

The most common brand you will find at the grocery store is Rose’s Grenadine Syrup. It is made by Mott’s and consists of high fructose corn syrup and all sorts of terribly delicious ingredients LOL!

Maraschino Cherries: While there are only two REQUIRED ingredients, you would be remiss to not add maraschino cherries to your Roy Rogers Drink! They are candied cherries in syrup that make the most delicious treat before or after you drink your drink.

However, note it is not necessary to buy the really expensive maraschino cherries, like Luxardo cherries. Those are reserved for adult drinks, like the Manhattan! Just the cheap florescent red maraschino cherries will work here.

Step by Step How To

1. Fill Glass with Ice

Grab a tall, approx. 8 oz glass. Fill with ice.

2. Cola and Grenadine

Pour the grenadine and the cola over the ice. Give everything a good stir to mix the two.





3. Garnish

Garnish the Roy Rogers Drink with a couple maraschino cherries. Enjoy!

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