Jack Rose

The Jack Rose is a timeless cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, making it a favorite for those who enjoy bright and refreshing drinks. Made with Applejack as the base spirit, it carries a smooth apple flavor that pairs beautifully with the tang of fresh lemon or lime juice. Grenadine adds a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color, giving the drink both depth and visual appeal. Easy to prepare with just a few ingredients, the Jack Rose is an excellent choice for cocktail enthusiasts and beginners alike. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.

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Tasting Notes

The Jack Rose is a timeless classic that balances tart citrus, orchard depth, and subtle sweetness. Applejack or apple brandy provides the foundation, offering rich fruit notes with smooth, warming character. Fresh lemon or lime juice adds crisp acidity, cutting through the richness of the spirit and brightening the drink. Grenadine syrup contributes a delicate sweetness along with a rosy hue that makes the cocktail visually striking. The result is a balanced drink that’s tangy, refreshing, and slightly fruity. Garnished with a lemon twist or apple slice, the Jack Rose feels elegant yet approachable in every sip.

Equipment and Glassware

Preparing the Jack Rose requires only a few essential tools. A cocktail shaker is necessary to blend the ingredients and chill the drink, while a strainer ensures a clean pour. A jigger provides precise measurements for balance between tartness and sweetness. A citrus press or juicer helps extract fresh lemon or lime juice for optimal brightness. For serving, a chilled coupe glass is the traditional choice, showcasing the cocktail’s vibrant pink color while offering an elegant presentation. A peeler or sharp knife is useful for preparing a lemon twist, while an apple corer and slicer help create apple garnishes.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. applejack or apple brandy
• ¾ oz. lemon or lime juice
• ½ oz. grenadine syrup

Instructions

• Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add the applejack, lemon or lime juice, and grenadine syrup to the shaker.
• Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
• Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
• Garnish the cocktail with a lemon twist or a slice of apple.

Pro Tips

• Always use fresh citrus juice for the cleanest flavor.
• A high-quality grenadine (or homemade) enhances color and taste.
• Chill the coupe glass beforehand for optimal presentation.
• Shake vigorously to create a well-aerated, refreshing cocktail.
• Experiment with lime vs. lemon to find your preferred balance.
• Adjust grenadine slightly if you prefer more or less sweetness.
• Use clear ice cubes to avoid excess dilution while shaking.
• Garnish with a thin apple slice for a more seasonal touch.

When to Serve

The Jack Rose is a timeless cocktail that blends charm and flavor in a way that suits many occasions. Made with apple brandy, grenadine, and fresh lime or lemon juice, it has a balance of sweet and tart notes that makes it easy to enjoy. Its rosy color gives it a striking look, making it just as fitting for festive gatherings as it is for casual afternoons. Light and refreshing yet full of character, the Jack Rose works well for brunch, evening aperitifs, or holiday toasts. Simple to prepare and always inviting, it remains a classic choice for cocktail lovers.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Applejack / Apple Brandy: Laird’s Applejack, Christian Drouin, Copper & Kings
• Grenadine: Liber & Co., Small Hand Foods, Stirrings

Similar Cocktails

• Empress Shirley
• Frozen Peach Fizz
• Mezcal Sunset
• Tropical Sunrise Pineapple Mimosa
• Pineapple Tequila Sunrise