Jack Rose Cocktail Recipe

Jack Rose Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0 g

Protein:0 g

Carbohydrates:12 g

Alcohol:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Jack Rose cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, with various stories attributing its creation to different bartenders and locations. One popular theory is that it was named after the infamous gambler, Bald Jack Rose. The cocktail gained popularity during the Prohibition era and was a favorite of American author John Steinbeck.

  • Early 20th century origin
  • Possibly named after Bald Jack Rose
  • Popular during Prohibition era

How Jack Rose Tastes?

The Jack Rose cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The apple brandy provides a rich, smooth base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tanginess. The grenadine imparts a subtle sweetness and a beautiful rosy hue.

Interesting facts about Jack Rose

  • The Jack Rose is mentioned in Ernest Hemingway's 1926 classic, 'The Sun Also Rises'
  • The cocktail was a favorite of American author John Steinbeck
  • The Jack Rose is often considered a classic pre-Prohibition cocktail

Ingredients

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice: 0.75 oz of this citrus superstar adds a punch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the grenadine and the fruitiness of the brandy. Fresh is best! Too little and you’ll be sipping on a syrupy mess; too much and you’ll pucker more than a grandma receiving a grandkid's cheek smooch.

Mary Mitkina

Grenadine: 0.5 oz is just enough to add a tinge of sweet, berry flavor and give the Jack Rose its signature blushing color. Don’t overdo it, or you’ll feel like you're drinking a glass of pink sugar. Underdo it, and the cocktail loses its rosy glow. Homemade grenadine is the bee’s knees, but store-bought in a pinch will do.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Jack Rose Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add 2 oz of apple brandy
  3. Add 0.75 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  4. Add 0.5 oz of grenadine
  5. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds
  6. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
  7. Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill the cocktail glass before serving to keep the drink cold longer.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers: Imagine a platter of creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert that can complement the tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of the grenadine, or perhaps some prosciutto-wrapped melon for a play on sweet and savory.

Main Course: Since the Jack Rose is fruit-forward, it pairs nicely with lighter dishes such as grilled chicken or salmon. Keep the spices simple to let the cocktail shine.

Dessert: The Jack Rose has a bright, slightly sweet flavor profile which makes it a delightful accompaniment to apple-based desserts like apple tart or cinnamon apple crumble, echoing the apple notes in the brandy.

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What you could change in Jack Rose

  • Apple Brandy: Can be substituted with Calvados or apple-flavored vodka.
  • Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute.
  • Grenadine: Can be replaced with a homemade mix of pomegranate juice and sugar.

Explore all drinks starting with J here

And of course - twists🍹

Apple Cider Jack Rose: Replace apple brandy with apple cider for a lighter, more bubbly experience. Great for autumn evenings when you want that orchard vibe without the heavier alcohol content. Recipe: Replace apple brandy with 2 oz apple cider. Serve in a highball glass over ice.

Spiced Jack Rose: Add a cinnamon stick and a dash of allspice dram to the shaker for a winter wonderland twist to this classic. It’s like wearing a cozy sweater for your taste buds. Recipe: Add a cinnamon stick and 1/4 oz allspice dram with the other ingredients. Shake with vigor.

Pink Grapefruit Jack Rose: Swap out the lemon juice for pink grapefruit juice for a tangier, bittersweet profile that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze in summer. Plus, the color is to die for! Recipe: Substitute 0.75 oz lemon juice with 0.75 oz pink grapefruit juice. Proceed as usual.

In case you forgot basics how to make Jack Rose

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Jack Rose

What type of cocktails can I make with Apple Brandy?

Apart from the Jack Rose, Apple Brandy can be used to make numerous cocktails including the classic Brandy Alexander, the Apple Brandy Sour, and the Wisconsin Old Fashioned.

Can non-alcoholic grenadine be used in Jack Rose?

Yes, non-alcoholic grenadine can be used in making a Jack Rose cocktail. The primary function of grenadine is to give the cocktail its rosy hue and a touch of sweetness.

What is the best glassware for serving the Jack Rose?

The Jack Rose can be served in either a Coupe or a Martini glass. The important factor is that the glass should be chilled before pouring the cocktail.

Is ice necessary in making a Jack Rose?

Yes, you need to shake the ingredient with ice to chill the cocktail well and also to dilute it slightly. But it must be strained into the glass without ice.

What other cocktails were popular during the Prohibition era?

During the Prohibition era, cocktails like Bees Knees, Sidecar, Southside and Mary Pickford were also popular.

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