Here we go again – back to the vault of historic cocktails for an absolutely deluxe concoction dating back the early decades of the 20th century.
Documented Jack Rose mentions go back as far as 1905, and it has the booze-soaked literary cachet of being mentioned in Hemmingway’s The Sun Also Rises, and being a favorite of John Steinbeck. So history.
Plus, it’s perfect for springtime, with a refreshing sweet-sour flavor and a gorgeous deep rose color. So, why not.
It's based on applejack, an American apple brandy that used to be hard to find, but is readily available these days, and is not expensive. Where you will need to shell out a little, is the grenadine. Do NOT bother with Rose’s – the grocery store stuff, that’s little more than sugar water. At your favorite liquor merchant’s you will find real grenadine, made with real pomegranates, and imbued with real flavor.
Shake up a bunch of these delights and sip your way to springtime nirvana.
Jack Rose
2 oz Applejack – Laird’s is the brand you’ll likely find most often
1 oz lemon juice or lime juice – try it both ways
.75 oz grenadine – only the real stuff
Shake until frigid and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an apple slice if you garnish.