Alcoholic (Dirty) Roy Rogers - The Freckled Cook

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Dirty Roy Rogers is a playful twist on the classic soda—sweet cola mixed with grenadine, and a cheeky kick of alcohol for a smooth, fizzy, dessert-like cocktail that’s equal parts nostalgic and grown-up.

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dirty roy rogers alcoholic served in highball glasses, with cherries on top.

My husband remembers being a child at an airport bar with his uncle and parents. His uncle was coming or going through the airport and the adults were having "adult" drinks, so they ordered him a Roy Rogers. They probably don't want kids in airport bars now. Those were the days. Origin: "The King of the Cowboys," Roy Rogers, was a popular movie star in the 1950s. The story behind Roy Rogers' drinks is unclear. It may have been invented in the 1940s and so named because Roy Rogers himself did not drink alcohol. It was a popular companion drink for Shirley Temple in the 1950s and 1960s. Make the drink as a "mocktail" without the alcohol or include the alcohol for a more adult version.

Try some of our other favorites, such as Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada, or Dirty Roy Rogers.

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Ingredients for Dirty Roy drink at home
FAQs
Top Tips
How to make Alcoholic Dirty Roy
Dirty Roy Rogers Recipe

Ingredients for Dirty Roy drink at home

grenadine syrup
Ice
cola (Coca-Cola or Pepsi)
liquor (whiskey, bourbon or vodka)
maraschino cherries for garnish

FAQs

What is a Dirty Roy Rogers?

A Dirty Roy Rogers is an alcoholic twist on the classic non-alcoholic Roy Rogers drink. It typically includes cola, grenadine, and a shot of whiskey or rum, garnished with maraschino cherries.

What can I use instead of grenadine?

If you don't have grenadine, you can use pomegranate juice mixed with a bit of simple syrup or any red fruit syrup as a substitute.

How should I garnish a Dirty Roy Rogers?

The classic garnish is maraschino cherries. You can also add a slice of lime or lemon for an extra touch of flavor and color.

What type of glass is best for a Dirty Roy Rogers?

A tall glass like a highball or Collins glass works best, but you can also use a regular tumbler.

Top Tips

You can leave out the alcohol if preferred, to make a regular Roy Rogers.
Grenadine is a pomegranate flavored syrup. Many believe it to be cherry, but it is not.
Use crushed or cubed ice for the drink, both are equally delicious.
We like to use Jameson whiskey with the soda, but you can use whiskey, bourbon, dark rum, or even vodka. There are no specific rules on the alcohol with this drink.

How to make Alcoholic Dirty Roy

Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour grenadine over the top of the ice.
Add shot of liquor, such as bourbon, whiskey or vodka.
Pour Coke to fill the glass, stir gently.
Top with maraschino cherries. Enjoy and drink responsibly!

dirty roy rogers drink served in highball glasses, with cherries and straws.

Dirty Roy Rogers Recipe

Jill Lockridge-The Freckled Cook Dirty Roy Rogers is a playful twist on the classic soda—sweet cola mixed with grenadine, and a cheeky kick of alcohol for a smooth, fizzy, dessert-like cocktail that’s equal parts nostalgic and grown-up. 5 from 3 votes Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 0 minutes Total Time 5 minutes Course DrinksCuisine American Servings 1

Ingredients 1x2x3x

1 ounce grenadine syrup
Ice for glass
6 ounces cola (Coca-Cola or Pepsi)
1-1 ½ ounces liquor (whiskey, bourbon or vodka)
maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions

Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour grenadine over the top of the ice.
Add shot of liquor, such as bourbon, whiskey or vodka.
Pour Coke to fill the glass, stir gently, then top with maraschino cherries. Enjoy and drink responsibly!

Keyword dirty roy, dirty roy rogers, roy rogers Did you try this recipe?Let us know how it was!