Pour the grenadine in first, then the cola over ice on top. Added first, the heavy syrup sinks and gives you that red-to-dark gradient before it slowly blends — poured on top it just foams and disappears.
Ad-free · ingredients first · no 2,000-word story.
Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep3 min
Cooknone
Makes1 glass
CuisineAmerican
Greedometer●●●●●Barely a splurgeLevel Easy
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
Cook it with
No-cook
Suits
VeganGluten-free
Straight Answers
Can you make Roy Rogers ahead of time? — Partly
You can batch the mix and keep it cold, but add the ice, soda, and garnish and shake or stir to order — a made-up drink goes flat and watery if it sits.
Is Roy Rogers gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Roy Rogers vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Part One
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1glass
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Cola
The base. A cane-sugar cola tastes cleaner than corn-syrup soda. To fill.
1 canrecommended
Local / market
Grenadine
The pomegranate syrup that sweetens and colors it. Recommended to start, to taste.
1–2 tspto taste
Local / market
Maraschino cherry
The garnish that makes it a Roy Rogers. One or two.
1–2recommended
Local / market
One list, with a link to where to buy each one.
Part Two
The Method
BuildFill a glass with ice and add the grenadine.
PourPour the cola slowly over the top so it layers before it blends.
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