Roy Rogers Drink

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Hit those happy trails without the hangover with the bubbly, sweet and alcohol-free Roy Rogers drink.

In our modern and technologically advanced age, when you see or hear the name “Roy Rogers”, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I’ve posed this question before, as tonight’s recipe isn’t the first beverage to share a handle with someone or something else.

Having spent a nice chunk of my childhood around New York City and the tri-state area, I have fond and formative memories of spending a day here and there at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. On the way back to Queens from those trips, we’d often stop at a Roy Rogers and grab some burgers. The first time I went to one of these fast food places, I was thinking about the Hollywood cowboy actor and singer from decades before, of the same name, thanks to an episode of The Muppet Show. If you’re a student of cinema history, you’ll know Rogers of “Happy Trails” fame. If not, you might be reminded of the impressive amount of pickles you can take at the condiment bar.

Or you might be reminded of tonight’s recipe, an alcohol-free mixture of grenadine and dark cola poured over ice. A cousin of the similarly boozeless Shirley Temple—which uses lemon-lime soda instead—the Roy Rogers was invented sometime in the 1940s and christened to honor the singing star of the Silver Screen, as he himself famously was a teetotaler.

What is the best alcohol to use in a Roy Rogers?

No liquor is needed to make yourself a bubbly and refreshing Roy Rogers. Just some grenadine, fresh ice cubes and your favorite cola are all that is required to craft this classic mocktail. I myself like to use a Distillers Cola from Fever-Tree when mixing with spirits, but for this concoction, a simple and classic Coca-Cola is an excellent choice.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Fill a tall glass, like a highball or collins glass, with ice and gently stir your mixture together within. Garnish with a bright red and juicy maraschino cherry on top.

What is a teetotaler?

A teetotaler refers to someone who abstains from drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind, be they cocktails, wine, beer or champagne. Some well-known teetotalers include Daniel Radcliffe, Mahatma Gandhi and Gene Simmons of KISS.

Similar drinks to the Roy Rogers

After enjoying a few Roy Rogers and reveling in the sweetened, fizzy and spiced caramel notes from the refreshing sipper, you may be wondering about some of the other mixed and booze-free potions that the cocktail world can offer. While we mostly delve into elixirs built with a strong spirit base, these recipes below also show a glimpse at some lighter options.

• Arnold Palmer – Named for the iconic golfer, this combo mixes iced tea and lemonade.
• Brazilian Lemonade – A smooth and sweet treat the whole family can enjoy.
• Cucumber Lemonade – This crisp and fresh thirst-quencher is another citrusy favorite.
• Disneyland Mint Julep – Recreate a favorite from the Happiest Place on Earth.