How to Create the Perfect Jack Rose Cocktail

The Jack Rose cocktail was once thought of as one of the “6 basic cocktails” every bartender should know.

At least that’s what David Embury said in his popular 1948 book, The Fine Art of Mixing Cocktails. The social elite agreed with him, as the Jack Rose makes appearances in many famous literatures including Ernest Hemingway’s, The Sun Also Rises. Sadly, this onetime favored fruit-forward cocktail has been buried in the mixology boom.

The name Jack Rose (It has nothing to do with Titanic, FYI) comes from the base spirit as well as its rosy color. The original recipe calls for Apple Jack, lemon juice and grenadine. But before you run out and buy that syrupy maraschino store-bought version, REAL grenadine is makes all the difference and is made from pomegranate juice. Organic authentic grenadine can be pricey, so making your own is usually the best option. It’s an easy recipe that will elevate at home recipes.

Simple Grenadine Recipe

Combine 2 parts Pomegranate juice and one part sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, careful not to bubble, until it reduces to a thick syrup. Transfer to a clean container and add orange blossom water to your flavor preference.

The Perfect Jack Rose

Ingredients:

• 2 oz applejack or apple brandy
• 3/4 oz of fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 oz of grenadine
• Lemon twist
• 1⁄2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon of sugar

Preparation: There is nothing better than a little extra kick on the rim of your cocktail to enhance the flavor. Combine the cinnamon and sugar together and put on a plate in a little pile. Wet the rim of your glass with water or an orange slice and then roll it into the cinnamon and sugar until rim is completely coated. Save the cinnamon sugar mix for the garnish.

Combine Applejack (or Apple Bourbon), lemon juice, grenadine, and ice into a shaker. Shake well and strain into glass. Garnish with two cinnamon-sugar apple slices.

Garnish Prep: Cut two thin apple slices. Dip the edge of each slice in the cinnamon sugar mix and garnish with the coated part out of the drink.