One of the most popular cocktail drinks from the 1920s and ’30s, the jack rose is an applejack sour. As its name implies, it takes its name from applejack and the light rose color of the cocktail from grenadine. Applejack is a brandy similar to apple juice. In many cases, it is made with a blend of apple brandy and neutral grain spirit. An 80-proof liquor is often distilled from the cider within, creating a strong liquor with a rich apple flavor that’s perfect for cocktails such as this. The Jack Rose is classic to the core, with just the right balance of sweet and sour to complement the base liquor. It is possible to adjust the lemon juice and grenadine to suit your personal tastes, just as countless drinkers before you have done.
Recipe Variations
For those who cannot find an applejack, regular apple brandy will do. Be careful because some of these flavored brands are sweetened to make liqueurs, so leave off a little on the grenadine.
Tips
If you like, add just a splash of grenadine if you like a hint of sweetness. Others prefer the full-bodied sweetness from a full glass. However, if you like your drinks sweet, you might want to pour as much as 3/4 ounces. If you want to make your own grenadine, you can use either fresh fruit or pomegranate juice. In addition to offering the best taste, it is also extremely useful in a variety of mixed drink recipes. Lastly, you will find that the Jack Rose pairs well with freshly squeezed lemon juice. In fact, an average lemon yields about 1 3/4 ounces, which is more than enough for a few drinks. When using a lemon, while it is still whole and before you juice the fruit, cut the lemon twist while it is still whole.
