If you’re on the lookout for a delightfully simple, nostalgic mocktail, then this Roy Rogers Drink Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s sweet, fizzy, and has that playful cherry touch that takes you straight back to soda fountains and summer afternoons. Grab a glass, and I promise you this fan-freaking-tastic recipe will become your go-to refreshment whether you’re relaxing solo or having friends around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You only need grenadine, Coke, cherries, and ice — all easy to find and pantry-friendly.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, it takes about 5 minutes — perfect for when cravings hit or guests arrive unexpectedly.
- Classic Taste: The combination of fizzy cola and cherry sweetness is timeless and universally loved.
- Mocktail Magic: A great alcohol-free option that’s perfect for all ages, celebrations, or just everyday indulgence.

Ingredients & Why They Work
When it comes to the Roy Rogers Drink Recipe, the beauty lies in the simplicity and balance of flavors. Each ingredient brings a little something special that, when combined, creates that perfect fizzy cherry explosion you want.

- Grenadine: This rich, sweet pomegranate syrup is the hero of the drink, delivering that beautiful cherry-red color and fruity sweetness.
- Coca Cola: The classic cola provides carbonation and a slight caramel undertone that plays well with the grenadine.
- Maraschino cherries: Aside from being an iconic garnish, they add a pop of extra cherry flavor and a fun finishing touch.
- Ice: Essential for keeping your drink cold and refreshing without diluting it too quickly.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about the Roy Rogers Drink Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. Whether you want it more cherry-forward or less sweet, this drink is very forgiving.
- Add Fresh Cherries: I sometimes swap maraschino cherries for fresh or frozen ones when in season—adds a brighter, more natural cherry note I adore.
- Use Diet Cola: If you prefer less sugar, diet or zero-calorie cola substitutes work great without sacrificing fizz.
- Try Different Syrups: Experimenting with homemade grenadine or cherry syrup can elevate the drink if you want to skip store-bought versions.
- Make It Frozen: Blend the whole thing with ice for a fun frozen Roy Rogers that’s perfect on hot days.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Roy Rogers Drink Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Glass and Ice
Start by filling a tall glass about halfway with ice cubes. I like to use big cubes since they melt slower and keep my drink chilled longer without watering it down too fast. If you don’t have cubed ice, crushed ice works, but be ready for quicker dilution.
Step 2: Add Our Star Ingredient—Grenadine
Pour 2 tablespoons of grenadine over the ice. This syrup is thick and sweet, so it’s best added before the cola to infuse the drink with its vibrant flavor and color. Don’t skim on quality here—homemade or high-quality grenadine really makes a difference.
Step 3: Pour the Cola
Carefully pour in one 12-ounce can of Coca Cola. Pouring slowly helps preserve the bubbles—trust me, you want that fizzy sparkle in your Roy Rogers Drink Recipe. Once poured, give it a gentle stir to combine the flavors, but don’t go overboard or you’ll lose the fizz.
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy
Top your drink with a few maraschino cherries. I always add at least two for that classic look and the occasional juicy bite. Now, find a comfy spot, grab a straw or a festive glass stirrer, and enjoy that lovely retro vibe!
Pro Tips for Making Roy Rogers Drink Recipe
- Use Fresh Ice: Old or water-logged ice can dilute your drink; fresh ice keeps it crisp and refreshing.
- Pour Cola Gently: To keep that iconic fizz alive, pour slowly over the back of a spoon if you want to get fancy.
- Opt for Quality Grenadine: I’ve found that higher quality grenadine (or homemade) elevates the drink hugely compared to cheap alternatives.
- Don’t Over Stir: Stir just enough to blend the grenadine and cola – too much will flatten the carbonation.
How to Serve Roy Rogers Drink Recipe

Garnishes
I’m pretty traditional when it comes to garnishes for the Roy Rogers Drink Recipe—a handful of maraschino cherries is classic and cheerful. Sometimes I add a small wedge of lemon or lime on the rim to give a little citrus brightness that cuts the sweetness just right. It’s all about balance!
Side Dishes
This drink pairs wonderfully with classic diner fare. Think crispy fries, sliders, or even a tangy coleslaw. Personally, I love serving it with a simple cheese platter or spicy popcorn for casual gatherings—it’s the perfect thirst quencher.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I like to serve the Roy Rogers Drink Recipe in vintage-style glasses with colorful paper straws. You could also rim the glass with cherry sugar for a festive twist. Another idea is layering grenadine to create a gradient effect before slowly pouring the cola — it’s a little showy but super fun for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This drink is best enjoyed fresh to get that zesty fizz and vibrant flavor, but if you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind, carbonation will fade over time, so it won’t quite have that same bubbly magic.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this particular mocktail because the carbonation will disappear, and the texture can get a little off. If you want a frozen version, it’s better to blend fresh ingredients with ice just before serving.
Reheating
As this is a cold, fizzy drink, reheating is not advised. It’s designed to be refreshing and bubbly—warming it up removes the very qualities that make the Roy Rogers Drink Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
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What is a Roy Rogers drink?
A Roy Rogers is a classic non-alcoholic cocktail made with cola, grenadine syrup, and garnished with maraschino cherries. It’s sweet, fizzy, and perfect for anyone who wants a fun mocktail.
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Can I make a Roy Rogers drink without grenadine?
The grenadine is essential for the signature cherry flavor and color in a Roy Rogers. However, you can substitute with cherry syrup or homemade pomegranate syrup if you don’t have grenadine on hand.
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Is the Roy Rogers drink alcoholic?
Nope! The Roy Rogers is a mocktail, meaning it’s alcohol-free—great for all ages or anyone avoiding alcohol.
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What’s the best way to keep the drink fizzy?
Use fresh ice and pour the cola gently to avoid excessive fizz loss. Stir carefully and consume the drink soon after making it to enjoy the bubbles at their best.
Final Thoughts
This Roy Rogers Drink Recipe has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of carefree childhood summer days and those cozy moments when you just need a sweet pick-me-up. It’s easy to make, endlessly refreshing, and perfect for sharing (or not—I totally get enjoying it all yourself). So go ahead—grab those simple ingredients, whip up this charming mocktail, and toast to making everyday moments a little brighter and tastier!
Print
Roy Rogers Drink Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Roy Rogers is a classic non-alcoholic cocktail featuring sweet grenadine and fizzy Coca Cola, garnished with maraschino cherries. It’s a refreshing and simple drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup
- 12 ounces Coca Cola
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare glass and ice: Fill a tall glass halfway with ice cubes to chill the drink and keep it cold.
- Add grenadine: Pour 2 tablespoons of grenadine syrup over the ice to create the base sweetness and flavor.
- Pour Coca Cola: Open and pour 12 ounces of Coca Cola into the glass over the grenadine and ice, then stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Top the drink with maraschino cherries as a colorful and flavorful garnish, then serve immediately and enjoy your Roy Rogers drink.
Notes
- Use a tall glass to accommodate the ice and drink volume comfortably.
- Adjust the amount of grenadine to your preferred sweetness level.
- For a slightly different flavor, try using a cola with natural ingredients or a diet version.
- Chilling the glass beforehand can keep the drink colder longer.
- Maraschino cherries add a classic touch, but you can substitute with fresh cherries if desired.

