Jack Rose

By Toby Cecchini

Jack Rose
Frances Janisch for The New York Times
Total Time
2 minutes
Rating
4(52)
Comments
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The Jack Rose is the classic cocktail that never got invited to the oldies reunion. While other sours, such as the daiquiri, the Daisy, the Sidecar and select others, are revered and reinterpreted in their dotage, this mainstay of the 1920s and ’30s has fallen so far out of circulation that few still know its name. More’s the pity, for when properly made it is one of the canon’s stronger pillars, and a perfect sip when the post-equinox winds set in. The drink is simply a sour made from apple brandy — or applejack, as it was known from Colonial times through Prohibition — with grenadine syrup as the sweetener. Its name is attributed to any number of colorful characters, including a famous gangster stool pigeon, but it most likely comes from the shortening of applejack and the dusty rose color the drink attains from the grenadine and citrus.

Featured in: Case Study | Ghosts of Cocktails Past

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Ingredients

Yield:Serves 1.
  • 1½ounces Laird 100-proof Straight Apple Brandy, or 2 ounces Clear Creek Eau de Vie de Pomme
  • 1ounce fresh lime juice
  • ½ to 1ounce grenadine syrup (see recipe), adjust according to taste.
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (1 servings)

160 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 17 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 13 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 4 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Shake over ice and strain into a stemmed cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon or nothing.

Ratings

4 out of 5
52 user ratings
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Comments

Marti Carroll

My absolute favorite since being introduced to it at The Terrace, Morningside Heights long ago. And it is very hard to find a bartender familiar with it.

Judi

I love a good Jack Rose, and really like the lime used here instead of the usual lemon. But you absolutely, positively MUST make your own grenadine; it stinks with store bought! Fortunately, it’s very easy: equal parts Pom Wonderful & sugar, bring to a boil, and cool. Yes, if you happen to have orange flower water on hand, add a few drops. But don’t worry if you don’t, it’s fine without. (4 stars only because I prefer a higher percentage of apple brandy/applejack.)

Judi

I love a good Jack Rose, and really like the lime used here instead of the usual lemon. But you absolutely, positively MUST make your own grenadine; it stinks with store bought! Fortunately, it’s very easy: equal parts Pom Wonderful & sugar, bring to a boil, and cool. Yes, if you happen to have orange flower water on hand, add a few drops. But don’t worry if you don’t, it’s fine without. (4 stars only because I prefer a higher percentage of apple brandy/applejack.)

Marti Carroll

My absolute favorite since being introduced to it at The Terrace, Morningside Heights long ago. And it is very hard to find a bartender familiar with it.

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