Similar to the Shirley Temple it’s simply a lot more fun to order a drink named after a famous actor than a basic cola with grenadine. Roy Rogers, known as King of the Cowboys, called this one of his favorite drinks. The Roy Rogers mocktail is a non-alcoholic mixed drink that tastes like a cherry coke.
Related: Shirley Temple Drink, Butterbeer, Virgin Mojito, Arnold Palmer, Wendy’s Frosty, Cherry Limeade, Homemade Fruit Punch, Agua Fresca and Easy Homemade Grenadine.
Table of Contents
Roy Rogers Drink – A Brief History
The Roy Rogers drink has always been an alcohol-free drink, and it’s a drink you could have ordered at an old-fashioned soda shop.
The famous mocktail was named after Roy Rogers, who acted in western films and musical cowboy movies in the 1940s and 1950s. Roy Rogers didn’t drink alcohol, so it makes sense that he had a soda drink named after him.
The drink originally became famous in 1950s soda shops and in time has become an iconic mocktail to order when you want a fun drink that doesn’t contain alcohol.
Like the Shirley Temple, it’s a fun sounding drink to order to feel fancy (something my 5- and 8-year-old daughters love to do in restaurants!). Let yourself feel fancy, we say!
What is in a Roy Rogers Drink?
- Cola – I used Coca-Cola since it’s classic and so delicious. You can also choose a sugar free or organic cola if you like.
- Grenadine Syrup – You can buy grenadine syrup at many stores, and we also have an easy recipe to make your own grenadine (it’s a syrup made with pomegranate juice that is a bright red color).
- Maraschino Cherry – A must! Use one or a few.
- Ice Cubes Pebble or crushed ice is perfect if you have it.
The best glassware option to serve a Roy Rogers in is a collins glass or a highball glass. I also love to use glass straws for my homemade drinks.
How to Mix a Roy Rogers
Fill a cup with ice and add half an ounce of grenadine to one ounce if you want it very sweet.
Pour cola to top it off. Give it a gentle stir with a straw to mix.
Garnish with a nice bright red maraschino cherry and your work here is done. Enjoy!
Tips for Making
- Add lime To make a more balanced version add just half an ounce of grenadine and the juice of half a lime. This will balance some of the sweetness with acidity and you will taste a bit more tartness.
- Fresh mint Add fresh mint as a garnish to enhance the sensory experience of this soda drink.
- Roy Rogers cocktail If you are dead set on turning this into a cocktail, keep the lime and add two ounces of dark rum, whiskey or vodka. You can use a shot of liquor of your choosing. If you add a shot of vodka Roy Rogers himself may not approve, but we won’t judge.
- Organic Cola If you want to make a healthier version with less sugar, try substituting cola for a prebiotic drink such as Olipop or Poppi.
More Recipes to Try:
- Pizza– Deep Dish Pizza Recipe, Chocolate Chip Pizza, Pizza Dough, Pizza Sauce
- Appetizers– Pinwheel Sandwiches, 30+ Finger Foods for a Party
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks– We love an easy mocktail! Orange Julius, Pumpkin Juice, Italian Soda, Bubble Tea, Root Beer Float, More Mocktail Recipes.
- Desserts– Kool-Aid Pie, Chocolate Cake Pops, Chocolate Covered Strawberries
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Roy Rogers drink contain alcohol?
Nope! Roy Rogers didn’t drink alcohol and his namesake drink is a classic soda shop drink that over time has become a classic mocktail as well.
What’s in a Roy Rogers drink?
Cola, grenadine syrup, maraschino cherry, and ice.
What is grenadine made of?
Grenadine is made of pomegranate juice, sugar and orange flower water. See our homemade grenadine recipe for more.
Roy Rogers Drink
Instructions
- Fill a cup with ice and add half an ounce of grenadine to one ounce if you want it very sweet.
- Top it off with cola. Stir well.
- Garnish with a nice bright red maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
Notes
- To make a more balanced “adult version,” add just half an ounce of grenadine and the juice of half a lime. This will balance some of the sweetness with acidity and is delicious.
- Add fresh mint as a garnish to enhance the sensory experience of this soda drink.
- If you are dead set on turning this into a cocktail, keep the lime and add two ounces of dark rum or whiskey. I don’t think Roy Rogers would approve, but if you must, you must. We won’t judge!
Nutrition
Even though this recipe is simple, there are tons of variations and finding the ratio you like best is key. We’ll explore a lot of variations to make the perfect Arnold Palmer drink.
More nonalcoholic drinks: Roy Rogers Drink, Shirley Temple, Agua Fresca, Virgin Mojito, Pink Drink, Butterbeer, Fruit Punch, More Mocktail Recipes.
Ingredients in an Arnold Palmer
- Lemonade – You can use homemade or store-bought lemonade.
- Iced Tea – Traditionally unsweetened black tea is used, but you can use any brewed tea. The classic recipe calls for unsweetened tea, but again, choose your own adventure.
- Ice Choose your favorite ice cubes
- Garnish You can optionally garnish this drink with an orange slice or lemon slice or a cluster of fresh mint leaves.
The best glass to serve an Arnold Palmer in is a highball glass. I also used paper straws in my photos (although these glass straws are my absolute favorite).
How To Make
Begin by filling a glass with ice cubes.
Pour lemonade and then iced tea over ice cubes, giving it a gentle stir at the end.
Garnish with a lemon slice, orange wedge or fresh mint (optional).
You can store this drink in your fridge for up to 3-5 days (for best flavor, drink it within five days).
History
The Arnold Palmer drink is named after golf legend Arnold Palmer. Arnold “The King” Palmer is famous for winning 62 PGA Tour titles between 1955 and 1973. Arnold’s go-to drink was a lemonade and unsweet iced tea. He was often seen toting around a thermos with his namesake drink.
Arnold Palmer and his wife, Winnie, are credited for creating this nonalcoholic drink. Winnie had been making Arnold the tea and lemonade combination for years. One day in a Palm Springs restaurant Arnold ordered iced tea and lemonade while at lunch. A woman sitting near their table overheard them and asked the waitress for “an Arnold Palmer drink.” This recipe has been popular ever since. Its refreshing taste and simple ingredients have stood the test of time.
Best Arnold Palmer Ratio
- 1:1 – Fill the glass with ice, then fill it with half lemonade and half iced tea. This variation is often called the Half & Half.
- 1:2 – Fill the glass with ice, then fill the glass one third of the way up with lemonade, then top the remaining two thirds with tea. This was Arnold Palmer’s favored version.
- 1:3 – Fill the glass ¼ full with lemonade, then top with iced tea.
Determining the “best” ratio is a matter of opinion. If you are using unsweetened tea, I recommend beginning with 1:1 and if that is too sweet for you, try 1:2 the next round. If you are using sweetened tea, the overall drink will always be sweeter, so it’s more a matter of how much tea vs. lemonade you want to taste.
Tips for Making
- When making such a simple recipe it’s best to use the highest quality ingredients. We recommend homemade lemonade and tea.
- Add fresh mint and lemon for even more flavor.
- Try flavored teas for a fun variation. You can use any type of tea, so get creative!
Variations
- Winnie Palmer – Named after Arnold Palmer’s wife, this recipe uses sweetened iced tea instead of unsweet.
- Sunjoy – The restaurant chain Chick-fil-A serves a version of the Arnold Palmer they call “Sunjoy.” Their beverage is made with lemonade and sweetened tea (optionally customers can substitute for unsweet tea of diet lemonade if they choose).
- Iced Tea Lemonade – Starbucks serves their own version using lemonade and black tea that is then sweetened with simple syrup.
- John Daly (Arnie Palmer Cocktail) – If you want a spiked Arnold Palmer, add a shot of vodka and it’s called the John Daly (named for another pro golfer) during the 1990s. Though vodka is the most popular liquor to add to this recipe, I would personally add bourbon, but rum or limoncello could also make an interesting choice. Add a shot of any alcohol you like to create a spiked Arnie Palmer.
- Flavored Tea – The easiest way to customize this recipe is by using a flavored tea. I always use herbal teas (because my kids love these drinks) and I love vanilla tea, orange or cherry with this recipe. Mint tea is also a refreshing choice.
- Flavored Syrup – If you want to add more flavor and sweetness, try a flavored syrup such as our mint simple syrup or grenadine.
- Arnold Palmer Pitcher – It’s so easy to make a pitcher version of this recipe. Simply fill a pitcher with your ideal ratio of tea to lemonade and garnish with fresh mint or lemons if you’re feeling fancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a classic Arnold Palmer Drink made of?
An Arnold Palmer is made by combining lemonade and iced tea. Through there is some debate on what ratio is best, a 1:1 ratio is most well known (half tea, half lemonade).
What is Arnold Palmer spiked with?
The Arnold Palmer is a nonalcoholic drink made of lemonade and iced tea. Many people also enjoy it spiked as an Arnold Palmer cocktail. The most common choice is a shot of vodka. We recommend a shot of bourbon, gin, dark rum or limoncello.
What does an Arnold Palmer drink taste like?
An Arnold Palmer is a refreshing, semi-sweet combination of lemonade and unsweet iced tea.
More Recipes to Try:
- Cocktails – Tom Collins, Cosmopolitan, Old Fashioned
- Drink Recipes – Cherry Limeade, Orange Julius, Dragon Fruit Smoothie
- Appetizers – 30+ Easy Finger Foods
Arnold Palmer Drink
Equipment
- 1 highball glass
Ingredients
- 4 ounces prepared lemonade
- 4 ounce prepared iced tea
- ice
Instructions
- Begin by filling a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour lemonade and then iced tea over ice cubes, giving it a gentle stir at the end.
- Garnish with a lemon slice, orange wedge or fresh mint (optional).
Notes
- When making such a simple recipe, it’s best to use the highest quality ingredients. We recommend homemade lemonade and tea.
- Add fresh mint and lemon for even more flavor.
- Try flavored teas for a fun variation.
- You can store this drink in your fridge for up to 3-5 days (for best flavor, drink it within five days).
Nutrition
More recipes for kids: Shirley Temple, Roy Rogers Drink, Orange Julius, Wendy’s Frosty, Pink Lemonade.
Ingredients in Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice Recipe
- Apple Cider – Anything you can find in the juice aisle at your local grocery store will work. You can even use apple juice if you can’t locate apple cider.
- Pumpkin Puree – Yes, the same thing you use to make pumpkin pie filling. You may even have a can hiding in your pantry already.
- Sugar – To add a hint of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract – For some added depth and flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – A blend of spices that includes cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.
This is a pitcher recipe. I also used these glasses that resemble pumpkins and some orange striped paper straws.
Instructions
In a pitcher, combine apple cider, pumpkin puree, vanilla, pumpkin spice and sugar.
Stir with a whisk or wooden spoon until ingredients are fully combined.
Serve over ice or warmed on the stovetop.
What does Pumpkin Juice taste like?
This drink has a strong pumpkin flavor mixed with apple cider. If I tasted it without knowing what it was, I would probably have guessed it to be a pumpkin spiced apple cider.
Tips for Making
- If you’ve hosting a Harry Potter party, we recommend also serving Butterbeer, chocolate frogs, every flavor beans and pumpkin pasties. This recipe is perfect for birthdays, Halloween parties or the kids table at Thanksgiving!
- We love this recipe served on ice. If you want to try a warmed version, heat it on the stovetop to a simmer on medium heat (not to a boil) and enjoy it in a mug.
- If you don’t want to stir for several minutes, you can take a shortcut and use a blender to combine your ingredients.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can substitute with half cinnamon and half allspice.
- Can you make this recipe ahead? Yes, this can be made ahead and stored in the fridge up to 48 hours before serving.
Harry Potter Books
If you’re interested in experiencing Harry Potter with your kids, we are loving these Harry Potter books which have pop ups as well as the illustrated version.
More fun recipes for kids
We’re off to catch the Hogwarts Express—see you next time!
Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice – NEEDS RECIPE CARD
Equipment
- 1 pitcher
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In a pitcher, combine apple cider, pumpkin puree, vanilla, pumpkin spice and sugar.
- Stir with a whisk or wooden spoon until ingredients are fully combined.
- Serve over ice or warmed on the stovetop.
Notes
- If you’ve hosting a Harry Potter party, we recommend also serving Butterbeer, chocolate frogs, every flavor beans and pumpkin pasties. This recipe is perfect for birthdays, Halloween parties or the kids table at Thanksgiving!
- We love this recipe served on ice. If you want to try a warmed version, heat it on the stovetop to a simmer on medium heat (not to a boil) and enjoy it in a mug.
- If you don’t want to stir for several minutes, you can take a shortcut and use a blender to combine your ingredients.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can substitute with half cinnamon and half allspice.
- Can you make this recipe ahead? Yes, this can be made ahead and stored in the fridge up to 48 hours before serving.
Nutrition
These are our best mocktail recipes including virgin versions of favorites like the Virgin Mojito, Virgin Piña Colada and the Virgin Margarita. We also have nonalcoholic drinks for the whole family such as Butterbeer, Arnold Palmer and Agua Fresca.
More Drink Recipes:
- Booze-free Hot Drinks – Starbucks Medicine Ball, Turmeric Latte, Tea Bombs
- Love Coffee? We’ve got 35+ Coffee Recipes
Virgin Margarita
Learn to make a virgin margarita (margarita mocktail) using lime, lemon and orange juice, agave syrup and sparkling water. Instructions are included to make this a pitcher cocktail. No tequila needed—you won’t miss it!
Virgin Piña Colada
Learn to make the perfect virgin piña colada in your blender using just two ingredients: pineapple juice and cream of coconut (plus ice).
Virgin Mojito
Learn how to make the perfect Mint Mojito mocktail—no rum needed! Use mint leaves, simple syrup, lime juice and club soda to mix this tasty mocktail.
Shirley Temple Recipe
Make the classic Shirley Temple drink with just a few ingredients, including grenadine, lemon-lime soda and garnishes like cherries and limes.
Arnold Palmer Drink
Learn to make an Arnold Palmer drink with iced tea and lemonade. There are many variations for this refreshing summer drink recipe. You’ll love the taste of iced tea with lemonade.
Italian Soda
Make creamy Italian soda in any flavor with this fresh and easy recipe.
Sherbet Punch
A sweet and creamy rainbow sherbet punch that only needs four ingredients! Made with lemon-lime soda, frozen orange juice, pineapple juice and rainbow sherbet, this is an easy party recipe for all ages.
Agua Fresca
Learn to make refreshing Agua Fresca at home. Make Agua Fresca with fresh fruits. I used watermelon, cucumber, pineapple and cantaloupe. You’ll love this easy blender recipe. This recipe makes a great brunch mocktail.
Roy Rogers Drink
Learn to make a Roy Rogers—a classic mocktail drink using Coca-Cola, grenadine syrup and maraschino cherries. You’ll love this singing cowboy-inspired drink.
Strawberry Boba
A creamy bubble tea drink made with strawberry milk and bursting strawberry boba pearls.
Fruit Punch
Homemade fruit punch. This recipe combines cranberry, pineapple and orange juice with lime juice, ginger ale and fresh fruits.
Butterbeer Recipe
Learn to make Harry Potter Butterbeer. This fizzy, creamy beverage is made using cream soda, caramel sauce, butter extract and frothed half and half. Perfect for a Harry Potter party or movie night.
Root Beer Float
Learn to make a classic root beer float using creamy vanilla ice cream and root beer soda. It's a classic for a reason!
Sleepy Girl Mocktail
Learn to make the viral TikTok Sleepy Girl Mocktail using tart cherry juice, magnesium powder and prebiotic soda.
Bubble Tea Recipe
Learn to make homemade Bubble Tea including prepping the boba pearls.
Thai Tea Frappe
Learn to make a Thai Tea Frappe using Thai tea mix, vanilla ice cream, sugar, half and half and whipped cream.
Dole Whip
A Disney copycat recipe made with pineapple, pineapple juice, ice cream and lemon juice.
TeaPop
TeaPop is a combination of tea and soda. This drink can be serves sweetened or unsweetened—just like tea.
Let’s Make Mocktails!
Learn the basics of crafting a good mocktail with recipes for three easy drinks to try.
Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice
Learn to make Pumpkin Juice from Harry Potter at home. This cold pumpkin punch is a pitcher recipe. It tastes like pumpkin apple cider. I highly recommend it for a Harry Potter party or the kids table at Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Orange Julius Recipe
A copycat recipe that tastes just like the iconic Orange Julius. This recipe has so much childhood nostalgia for me.
Wendy’s Frosty Recipe
A copycat recipe for the Wendy’s Frosty. It’s so good. Serve it in a little paper cup with a cherry!
Cherry Limeade Recipe
This is a copycat recipe for Sonic’s Cherry Limeade. It’s really tasty and easy to make!
Pink Lemonade
Naturally colored pink lemonade. The color comes from watermelon, blended in the blender. You’ll love this tasty, refreshing drink.
Mango Dragon Fruit Refresher
Learn to make the Starbucks Dragon Fruit Mango Refresher at home with a homemade base syrup you can make in batches.
Strawberry Acai Refresher
Learn to make the Strawberry Acai Refresher from Starbucks at home with a homemade base syrup you can make in batches.
Pink Drink
Learn to make the Starbucks Pink Drink at home using coconut milk and a homemade base syrup you can make in batches.
Paradise Drink
Learn to make the Paradise Drink from Starbucks at home with a homemade base syrup you can make in batches.
Grapefruit Citrus Sparkling Mocktail
A grapefruit cocktail infused with rosemary simple syrup, grapefruit juice, fresh citrus and a sparkling soda.
Horchata Recipe
A classic Mexican sweet drink made with rice, milk, cinnamon and sugar.
Tropical Smoothie
Learn to make a delicious tropical smoothie using mango, bananas and more!
Brown Sugar Boba
An iced bubble tea drink made with boba pearls, milk tea and brown sugar syrup.
Coke Float
Learn to make a perfect Coke Float using creamy vanilla ice cream and ice cold Coca-Cola. This classic summer drink is easy to make!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you replace alcohol with in mocktails?
Many NA spirits are now available so you can replace nearly any spirit with an alcohol-free version. The majority of our mocktail recipes do not need any special spirits (as they can be tricky to track down and pricey). You don’t need any unusual ingredients to begin making mocktails at home.
What is the most popular mocktail?
The Arnold Palmer, Shirley Temple and Virgin Mojito are all extremely popular.
What are the easiest mocktails to order?
Here are some drinks that any bartender should recognize: Arnold Palmer, Shirley Temple, Virgin Mule and Roy Rogers. I also love to order a ginger beer with lime.
What is the secret to a good mocktail?
The secret to a good mocktail is using your favorite flavors. Mixing sweet and sour flavors (such as fruit juice and citrus juice) with something sparkling (such as seltzer water or ginger beer is a good way to get started.
More Recipes
- Fruity Mocktails – Virgin Pina Colada, Tropical Smoothie, Agua Fresca
- Spring and Summer Mocktails – Virgin Margarita, Virgin Mojito, Arnold Palmer
- Fall and Christmas Mocktails – Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, Horchata
- Homemade Syrups – Simple Syrup, Honey Simple Syrup, Margarita Mix
More nonalcohol drinks (my kids love these): Virgin Mojito, Shirley Temple, Arnold Palmer, Roy Rogers, Agua Fresca, Cherry Limeade.
Ingredients in a Virgin Piña Colada
- Pineapple Juice – Fresh or bottled will work just fine for this recipe.
- Cream of Coconut (not coconut cream or coconut milk) – Cream of Coconut is rich and sweet. You can find this at most liquor or grocery stores. It adds the right amount of coconut flavor and sweetness.
- Ice – To blend a frothy drink.
- Garnish Ideas – Pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry
The best glassware choice for a virgin piña colada is a tall glass. So any type of short glass, a hurricane glass or even a tiki mug will make a great choice for serving this drink.
Instructions
In a blender, combine pineapple juice, cream of coconut and ice. Blend until you reach a smooth texture.
Pour into a cup and garnish with a maraschino cherry and a wedge of pineapple (optional).
There you have it. The perfect alcohol-free summer treat!
Tips for Making
- Optional Additions – Add a squeeze of lime juice for a bit of balance. Add a dash of vanilla extract for a creamy combination. For extra pineapple flavor, replace the ice with a handful of frozen pineapple.
- More garnish ideas – Use a cocktail umbrella for the ultimate poolside presentation.
- NA Spirits – Many nonalcoholic spirits are available now. You can certainly use alcohol-free rum to make this mocktail, but having tested it I don’t think the addition makes a big impact. A special spirit is not needed for this recipe.
More Frozen Drinks
- Tropical Smoothie
- Dragon Fruit Smoothie
- Blueberry Smoothie
- Strawberry Margarita
- Watermelon Mint Frośe
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaces rum in a virgin piña colada?
You can certainly use a nonalcoholic rum as a replacement in your virgin piña colada recipe. However, in my testing of this recipe, I believe omitting the rum is more than sufficient and a replacement spirit isn’t needed. You can simply omit the rum and make a wonderful virgin pina colada!
Can you order a virgin piña colada at a bar?
Yes! Anytime you see a pina colada on the menu it’s safe to assume the bartender can easily make you a virgin version. It’s a great mocktail to order at a restaurant as it feels celebratory.
Is piña colada an alcoholic drink?
Yes. A classic piña colada contains rum. If you don’t want alcohol, try a virgin piña colada.
More Recipes to Try
- Tropical Drinks – Jungle Bird, Painkiller, Mint Mojito, Hibiscus Margarita
- More Cocktails – Kalimoxto, Green Tea Shot, Negroni Sbagliato
- Appetizers – 30+ Easy Finger Foods for a Party
- Meals – 60+ Easy Dinner Ideas
- Mocktails – 32+ Mocktail Recipes
Virgin Piña Colada
Equipment
- 1 High speed blender
- 1 short glass
Ingredients
- 4 ounces pineapple juice
- 1.5 ounces cream of coconut
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- In a blender, combine pineapple juice, cream of coconut and ice. Blend until you reach a smooth texture.
- Pour into a cup and garnish with a maraschino cherry and a wedge of pineapple (optional).
- There you have it. The perfect alcohol-free summer treat!
Notes
- Optional Additions – Add a squeeze of lime juice for a bit of balance. Add a dash of vanilla extract for a creamy combination. For extra pineapple flavor, replace the ice with a handful of frozen pineapple.
- More garnish ideas – Use a cocktail umbrella for the ultimate poolside presentation.
- NA Spirits – Many nonalcoholic spirits are available now. You can certainly use alcohol-free rum to make this mocktail, but having tested it I don’t think the addition makes a big impact. A special spirit is not needed for this recipe.
Nutrition
Related: Virgin Mojito, Agua Fresca, Skinny Margarita, Watermelon Margarita, Frozen Margarita, Spicy Margarita, Virgin Pina Colada, Margarita Salt, More Mocktail Recipes.
Ingredients in Virgin Margaritas
- Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice is best.
- Orange Juice – To add flavor and brightness.
- Lemon Juice – For extra zing.
- Agave Nectar – For sweetness and depth of flavor. You can also use simple syrup or honey syrup.
- Sparkling Water – To top it off (you can also use tonic water).
- Lime – Cut into wedges.
The best glassware to serve a spicy margarita in is a double old fashioned glass (or any short glass). The long-necked margarita glasses are best for frozen margaritas and for on the rocks margaritas. I love to use short glasses.
Nonalcoholic Margarita Recipe (instructions)
Begin by preparing the rim of your glass with kosher salt or margarita salt (optional).
In a cocktail shaker with ice, add lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice and agave.
Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
Pour into your prepared cocktail glass filled with fresh ice. Top off with club soda or seltzer water and give it a gentle stir to combine.
Garnish with a lime wedge and serrano pepper slices (optional). You can use any garnishes you have available.
More Virgin Drinks
More Margarita Recipes
Tips for Making
- Spicy Virgin Margarita – To make this a spicy recipe, jut add a few serrano pepper slices (or jalapeño pepper slices) to the cocktail shaker.
- Frozen Virgin Margarita – To make this a frozen virgin margarita, omit the sparkling water and replace it with a handful of ice. Use a blender instead of a cocktail shaker.
- Alcohol-Free Tequila – We don’t often use nonalcoholic spirits in our mocktail recipes because they are pricey and often don’t make an impact on the recipe. That said, if you have an alcohol-free tequila already, we highly recommend trying this recipe with it. Just omit the sparkling water and add the tequila alternative to the cocktail shaker with the rest of your ingredients.
- Pitcher Recipe – To make a big batch of virgin margaritas, multiply this recipe by the number of guests you’d like to serve and make it in a pitcher. You can make it in advance, but don’t add the sparkling water until you are ready to serve.
- Flavored Variations – Swap in pineapple juice or grapefruit juice for the orange juice to give your virgin margarita a unique twist.
More Recipes to Try:
- Dips – Queso, Corn Dip, Taco Dip, Mango Salsa
- Meal Ideas – Taco Soup, Easy Dinner Ideas
Virgin Margarita
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 double old fashioned glass
Ingredients
- 1½ ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce orange juice
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ½ ounce agave nectar
- 1 wedge lime
- 2 ounces sparkling water to top
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the rim of your glass with kosher salt or margarita salt (optional).
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice and agave.
- Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Pour into your prepared cocktail glass filled with fresh ice. Top off with club soda or seltzer water and give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serrano pepper slices (optional). You can use any garnishes you have available.
Notes
- Spicy Virgin Margarita – To make this a spicy recipe, jut add a few serrano pepper slices (or jalapeño pepper slices) to the cocktail shaker.
- Frozen Virgin Margarita – To make this a frozen virgin margarita, omit the sparkling water and replace it with a handful of ice. Use a blender instead of a cocktail shaker.
- Alcohol-Free Tequila – We don’t often use nonalcoholic spirits in our mocktail recipes because they are pricey and often don’t make an impact on the recipe. That said, if you have an alcohol-free tequila already, we highly recommend trying this recipe with it. Just omit the sparkling water and add the tequila alternative to the cocktail shaker with the rest of your ingredients.
- Pitcher Recipe – To make a big batch of virgin margaritas, multiply this recipe by the number of guests you’d like to serve and make it in a pitcher. You can make it in advance, but don’t add the sparkling water until you are ready to serve.
- Flavored Variations – Swap in pineapple juice or grapefruit juice for the orange juice to give your virgin margarita a unique twist.
Nutrition
I tried this recipe and will provide lots of recipe notes and tweaks you can make to perfect your own version. We’ll also cover the science behind these ingredients and why they may encourage sleep.
More Mocktails: Virgin Mojito, Shirley Temple, Agua Fresca, Pink Lemonade
Ingredients in a Sleepy Girl Mocktail
- Tart Cherry – Juice make sure it is 100% Cherry Juice.
- Magnesium Powder – I used Moon Juice Magnesi-Om as I already had it on hand
- Prebiotic Soda – Such as Olipop or Poppi or any sparkling water or seltzer.
For this recipe, you will also need a cocktail shaker. I served my drink in a wine glass, but you can use any cocktail glass you have on hand.
How To Make
In a cocktail glass, combine ice, cherry juice and magnesium powder.
Shake for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
Pour the mixture into a wine glass or a cocktail glass of choice.
Top with bubbly prebiotic soda or a seltzer like La Croix.
Tips for Making
- A little chalky? I liked my drink, but I do think that 1 tablespoon of powder is the absolute maximum. Try it with half a tablespoon if you find it a little too chalky.
- Too much flavor? After trying it with the specific ingredients above (all of which I already had on hand), I would probably prefer an unflavored magnesium powder. I honestly think I just don’t love the berry flavor that the Moon Juice brand comes in and maybe others would.
- Additions – I think a squeeze of lime juice could be a nice addition against the tart cherry juice. I also think experimenting with different flavored sodas is a good idea to find the flavor combination you enjoy most.
- Substitutions – If you don’t love the tart cherry juice, try cutting it with more soda water or prebiotic soda. If you don’t like the magnesium powder, you can easily omit it and use a magnesium spray or take another supplement (such as a pill). I love the prebiotic sodas and find them to be a nice mocktail on their own, or added to a recipe like this. Bottom line, any combination of these ingredients may make a great mocktail for your bedtime routine, so feel free to tweak it to your tastes.
Does it Work?
You may be skeptical of this concoction made famous by social media trends. The truth is there is some science behind these ingredients. Although it may not work for everyone, it is worth a try to see if it’s a good fit for your night routine. Better sleep is always a worthy goal.
- Tart Cherry Juice Benefits: Cherries (of all varieties) are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Tart cherries are naturally high in melatonin, the “sleepy hormone” that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. There have been small studies that tart cherry juice can improve sleep. Tart cherries have anti-inflammatory benefits that can lower stress hormones, making sleep easier and higher quality. Having some raw tart cherries or tart cherry juice before bed can improve sleep—just be sure to choose juice without added sugar.
- Magnesium Benefits: Did you know that half the U.S. population doesn’t get enough magnesium? Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer. I have used magnesium spray before bed for years. Although it is not directly sleep inducing, magnesium helps you relax, which can contribute to sleep. Foods naturally high in magnesium are pumpkin seeds, almonds and cashews. Consider those for a night snack.
- Prebiotic Benefits: Prebiotics help improve digestion and metabolism, regulate blood sugar and lower inflammation in the body.
- Takeaways: Even if this recipe gives you a placebo effect, it is likely to improve sleep quality when compared to drinking any type of alcohol before bed. We recommend trying the Sleepy Girl Mocktail recipe in combination with healthy bedtime routines. This is not substitution for medication or a cure for medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are in the Sleepy Girl Mocktail?
The ingredients in a Sleepy Girl Mocktail are tart cherry juice, magnesium powder and unflavored or prebiotic soda (such as Olipop).
How long does the Sleepy Girl Mocktail take to kick in?
It is recommended to have your Sleepy Girl Mocktail about one hour before bed.
Who Created the Sleepy Girl Mocktail on TikTok?
The first post is reported to be from Calee Shea in January of 2023 (dry January anyone?). It them became viral after creator Gracie Norton shared the recipe.
More Recipes to Try:
- Mocktail Recipes (no alcohol) – Fruit Punch, Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice
- Healthy Meals – Grain Bowls, 28+ Air Fryer Ideas, Meal Prep Ideas
- Smoothies – Blueberry Smoothie, Tropical Smoothie, Dragon Fruit Smoothie
- Healthy Breakfasts – 50+ Healthy Breakfast Ideas
Sleepy Girl Mocktail
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 wine glass
Ingredients
- ½ cup tart cherry juice
- 1 tsp magnesium powder
- 3 ounces soda
Instructions
- In a cocktail glass, combine ice, cherry juice and magnesium powder.
- Shake for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Pour the mixture into a wine glass or a cocktail glass of choice.
- Top with bubbly prebiotic soda or a seltzer like La Croix.
Notes
- A little chalky? I liked my drink, but I do think that 1 teaspoon of powder is the maximum. Try it with half a teaspoon if you find it a little too chalky.
- Too much flavor? After trying it with the specific ingredients above (all of which I already had on hand), I would probably prefer an unflavored magnesium powder. I honestly think I just don’t love the berry flavor that the Moon Juice brand comes in and maybe others would.
- Additions – I think a squeeze of lime juice could be a nice addition against the tart cherry juice. I also think experimenting with different flavored sodas is a good idea to find the flavor combination you enjoy most.
- Substitutions – If you don’t love the tart cherry juice, try cutting it with more soda water or prebiotic soda. If you don’t like the magnesium powder, you can easily omit it and use a magnesium spray or take another supplement (such as a pill). I love the prebiotic sodas and find them to be a nice mocktail on their own, or added to a recipe like this. Bottom line, any combination of these ingredients may make a great mocktail for your bedtime routine, so feel free to tweak it to your tastes.
Nutrition
More refreshing drinks: Mojito, Virgin Mojito, Caipirinha, Orange Julius, Date Shake, Pink Drink, Arnold Palmer, More Mocktail Recipes.
What is Agua Fresca?
Agua Fresca (Spanish for “fresh water”) is a nonalcoholic beverage made by blending water, sweetener, lime juice with fruit, vegetables, seeds or even flowers (like Hibiscus). This recipe is popular throughout Mexico and Central America as well as in the U.S. You can easily find this recipe as well as Horchata at many restaurants and markets. In this easy recipe, you’ll learn to make Agua Fresca at home using your blender.
Ingredients
- Fresh Fruit – You can use many fresh fruits as well as vegetables, herbs, seeds and even flowers.
- Water – Filtered water is best for this recipe.
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Sweetener – You can use sugar, honey or agave to sweeten this recipe. The sweetener is optional—you may not need it when using sweet, in-season fruits.
How to Make Agua Fresca
In a blender, add fresh fruit, water and lime juice. Blend on smoothie mode.
Add sweetener to taste. You may want to try it before adding sweetener and see if the natural sweetness is enough. If your drink needs sweetener, start with just a teaspoon and go up to a tablespoon if needed.
Pour into cups with ice and serve immediately.
Tips for Making
- Mix your favorite flavors. My personal favorites are pineapple with mint and watermelon with mint and extra lime.
- Make a pitcher drink by doubling this recipe. I love to make several flavors to serve at a party or gathering.
- Leaving the pulp in this drink is healthy and tasty. It is not necessary to strain Agua Fresca, as the natural fiber is a key element of what makes this drink special. If you prefer to strain your drink before enjoying, use a fine mesh sieve to do so.
History
This drink most likely originated in the pre-Columbian era several centuries ago. According to sources, the Aztecs used to go to Tenochtitlan (which is now modern day Mexico City) to purchase fruits to make Agua Fresca.
In the 1940s, this recipe began to be a popular street food, being sold from carts on street corners and in markets. Agua Fresca is to Mexico and Central America the equivalent of what lemonade is in America—the most popular, traditional summertime beverage.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Agua Fresca made of?
Fruit (or vegetables, seeds, herbs or flowers) are blended with water, lime juice and sweetener to make an Agua Fresca.
Are Agua Frescas healthy?
Yes. Auga Frescas are made with natural ingredients and contain fiber that many believe makes them more healthy than a juice.
How is Agua Fresca different from juice?
An Agua Fresca is typically served with pulp (natural fiber), giving it a different consistency and texture than juice as well as an added health benefit.
The Best Fruit for Agua Frescas
These are the best fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers we recommend using for your recipe.
- Strawberries – Use hulled strawberries. They are rich with vitamin C.
- Pineapple – One of the most popular recipes. Try it with fresh mint!
- Cantaloupe – Use it alone or combined with another melon fruit.
- Honeydew Melon – Is a fresh and delicious fruit to use.
- Cucumber – Combines well with mint.
- Guava – Tastes great sweetened with agave and use extra lime juice.
- Watermelon – Watermelon Agua Fresca is probably the most popular variation.
- Hibiscus Flowers – The most popular flower for this recipe.
- Tamarind – A very popular fruit to use in Mexico.
- Banana – This popular variation is best served with cinnamon.
These are the fruits we don’t recommend for this recipe.
- Blueberries – Really, any kind of berries are not great for this recipe, including raspberries, cranberries and blackberries as well.
- Avocados – Although amazing in smoothies, we don’t recommend avocados for this recipe.
More Healthy Recipes
- Smoothies – Tropical Smoothie, Blueberry Smoothie, Banana Smoothie
- Salads – 7 Layer Salad, Broccoli Salad, Creamy Pasta Salad
- More Recipes – 50+ Healthy Breakfast Ideas, 20+ Healthy Meal Prep Recipes
Agua Fresca
Equipment
- 1 High speed blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup fruit chopped
- 1 cup water
- ½ lime juiced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- In a blender, add fresh fruit, water and lime juice. Blend on smoothie mode.
- Add sweetener to taste. You may want to try it before adding sweetener and see if the natural sweetness is enough. If your drink needs sweetener, start with just a teaspoon and go up to a tablespoon if needed.
- Pour into cups with ice and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
More nonalcoholic beverages you will love: Sherbet Punch, Shirley Temple, Roy Rogers Drink, Pink Lemonade, Italian Soda, Virgin Mojito, Orange Julius Recipe, Harry Potter Butterbeer, Arnold Palmer.
Table of contents
Ingredients in Fruit Punch
- Cranberry Juice – Adds a nice tartness and balance to this sweet drink.
- Pineapple Juice – This is the key to a tropical flavor!
- Orange Juice – For that citrus flavor.
- Lime Juice – Adds flavor and balance.
- Ginger Ale – Add this ingredient to create a sparkling punch. You can also use lemon lime soda.
- Fresh Fruit – For garnish and color!
How to Make Homemade Fruit Punch
Gather all your ingredients and make sure your fruit is washed and cut.
In a large pitcher or a punch bowl, combine cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice and ginger ale. Stir gently.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. If you are not going to serve it within the hour, wait to add the ginger ale until you are ready to serve.
Add fresh fruit for garnish. Enjoy!
Tips for Making
- Fresh fruit makes this recipe special, so add any fresh fruits you have on hand!
- If you don’t want to make a sparkling drink, omit the ginger ale and add an extra cup of cranberry juice and an extra cup of pineapple juice.
- Feel free to make small substitutions like replacing orange juice with apple juice or white grape juice as needed.
- If you make this recipe ahead, be sure to wait to add the ginger ale until just before serving!
Goes Great With:
- 7 Layer Salad
- Pinwheel Sandwiches
- Taco Dip
- Best Fruit Salad
- 50+ BBQ Side Dishes
- 30+ No Bake Desserts
- More Mocktail Recipes
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What fruits are used in fruit punch?
This recipe includes four fruit juices in addition to fresh cut fruits that are meant for garnish.
Is this recipe healthier than store-bought fruit punch?
This recipe contains less sugar and preservatives than store bought. To make it even more healthy, omit the ginger ale or replace it with sparkling water.
Fruit Punch
Ingredients
- 3 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 2 cups orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 can Ginger Ale 12 ounces
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 lime sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 4 strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and make sure your fruit is washed and cut.
- In a pitcher, combine cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice and ginger ale.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. If you are not going to serve it within the hour, wait to add the ginger ale until you are ready to serve.
- Add fresh fruit for garnish. Enjoy!
Notes
- Fresh fruit makes this recipe special, so add any fresh fruits you have on hand!
- If you don’t want to make a sparkling drink, omit the ginger ale and add an extra cup of cranberry juice and an extra cup of pineapple juice.
- If you make this recipe ahead, be sure to wait to add the ginger ale until just before serving!
Nutrition
More drink recipes: Classic Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Shirley Temple, Roy Rogers Drink, Virgin Mojito, Wendy’s Frosty Recipe, Electric Lemonade, Arnold Palmer.
Table of contents
What Makes Pink Lemonade Pink?
There are many different ways you can naturally color your lemonade pink. In this recipe, I use watermelon, which works extremely well with just a few pieces of watermelon blended into the lemon juice. If you don’t have watermelon on hand, another great way to color it pink is with cranberry juice or any other type of red juice you have on hand. You could also blend in another pink fruit, like raspberries.
Ingredients in Pink Lemonade
- Sugar – You will begin by making a simple syrup of sugar and water.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is best.
- Watermelon – The more you add, the more pink your lemonade will become.
- Water – For dilluting.
- Ice – To serve.
- Lemon Slices – To garnish.
You will also need a blender. My favorite blender is my Vitamix blender. My favorite (more affordable) option is this Ninja blender.
How to Make Pink Lemonade
Begin by making a batch of simple syrup, which is made by simmering equal parts sugar and water. Heat until the liquid is clear and the sugar dissolves. You will know it’s ready when there are no more sugar grains.
In a blender, blend fresh watermelon pieces and lemon juice together. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp.
In a pitcher, stir together the simple syrup, lemon/watermelon juice and water. Chill in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Serve with ice and a lemon slice. Enjoy!!
Tips for Making Pink Lemonade
- One cup of watermelon makes a super pigmented pink color like my photos show. If you want a pastel pink, try using half a cup of watermelon.
- For more lemon flavor, grate some lemon zest into your pitcher.
- Store without ice and add ice only when serving for the best flavor.
- Pink lemonade is the perfect drink for a warm day.
Serving Suggestions/Goes Great With
Other recipes you may like:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pink in pink lemonade?
Our recipe is naturally colored with watermelon.
What flavor is pink lemonade?
Our recipe tastes almost identical to lemonade, with a very, very slight watermelon flavor. The watermelon adds more color than it does flavor.
Pink Lemonade
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced watermelon less for pastel pink
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water for simple syrup
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 6 cups cold water to dilute
Instructions
- Begin by making a batch of simple syrup, which is made by simmering equal parts sugar and water. Heat until the liquid is clear and there are no more sugar grains.
- In a blender, blend fresh watermelon pieces and lemon juice together. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp.
- In a pitcher, mix the simple syrup, lemon/watermelon juice and water.
- Serve with ice and a lemon slice. Enjoy!!
Notes
- One cup of watermelon makes a super pigmented pink color like my photos show. If you want a pastel pink, try using half a cup of watermelon.
- For more lemon flavor, grate some lemon zest into your pitcher.
- Store without ice and add ice only when serving for the best flavor.