The Jack Rose is a classic American cocktail from the early 1900s, and it tastes like autumn in a coupe glass. Apple brandy brings a warm, mellow apple flavour, fresh lemon keeps it bright, and grenadine adds a gentle sweetness and that beautiful rosy-pink colour. Make your own quick pomegranate grenadine and this three-ingredient drink goes from good to unforgettable.
Prep: 5 mins
Total: 5 mins (plus 15 mins for homemade grenadine)
Serves 1
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) applejack or apple brandy (such as Laird’s or Calvados)
- ¾ oz (22ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ oz (15ml) grenadine, homemade or good-quality store-bought
- Ice
- Thin apple slice or lemon twist, to garnish
For the homemade grenadine (optional)
- 1 cup (240ml) 100% pomegranate juice
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- A few drops of orange blossom water (optional)
Method
- Make the grenadine (if using). Gently warm the pomegranate juice in a small pan, add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Simmer for 5 minutes without boiling hard, then take off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and orange blossom water. Cool completely and pour into a clean bottle.
- Chill your glass. Fill a coupe or martini glass with ice and water while you mix.
- Shake. Add the apple brandy, lemon juice and grenadine to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake hard for 12–15 seconds, until the shaker feels very cold.
- Strain and garnish. Empty the glass, then strain the cocktail into it. Float a thin apple slice on top or add a lemon twist and serve straight away.
Tips
- Skip the neon grenadine. Bright red supermarket grenadine is mostly corn syrup and food colouring. Real pomegranate grenadine gives a deeper, tangier flavour and a prettier blush colour.
- Applejack vs. apple brandy. American applejack is lighter and slightly sweeter; a bottled-in-bond apple brandy or French Calvados gives a richer, more oaky drink. Both work.
- Adjust the balance. Like it tarter? Use ½ oz lemon and ¼ oz grenadine more or less to taste. For a sweeter sip, bump the grenadine up to ¾ oz.
- Try it with lime. Some old recipes use lime instead of lemon. It makes a sharper, zingier version worth trying.
- Make a batch. For 4 drinks, mix 8 oz brandy, 3 oz lemon juice and 2 oz grenadine in a jug and chill. Shake single servings with ice just before serving.
Storage
Homemade grenadine keeps in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Add a splash of vodka to help it last a little longer. The cocktail itself is best shaken fresh and served right away.
FAQ
Why is it called a Jack Rose?
The “Jack” comes from applejack, the American apple brandy it’s made with, and the “Rose” describes its pretty pink colour from the grenadine.
Can I make it without a shaker?
Yes. Use a large jar with a tight lid, fill it with ice and the ingredients, shake well, then strain through a small sieve.
What food goes well with a Jack Rose?
Its apple and citrus notes go beautifully with cheese boards, roasted nuts, pork dishes and autumn appetizers like baked brie.