Jack Rose Cocktail

The Jack Rose Cocktail is a classic drink that combines applejack, a type of apple brandy, with fresh lemon juice and grenadine, creating a vibrant pink hue.

  • 5 min
  • Easy
  • Cocktail glass
  • 3 ingredients
Hero bottle: Apple brandy →

Jack Rose Cocktail

Ingredients

1

Method

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.
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What you need

Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.

A shaker that seals

Two weighted tins beat three-piece shakers. They chill faster and never jam.

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Coupe glasses

Around 6 to 8 oz (180 to 240 ml). Thin rims make a difference.

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Real grenadine

Made from pomegranate, not corn syrup and red dye.

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The hero bottle

See 3 Apple brandy drinks

Where it comes from

The Jack Rose is a classic cocktail dating back to the early 1900s, originating in American bars during the height of the classic cocktail era. Named either after a famous racehorse or a specific bartender, this drink gained fame through its appearance in literature and became synonymous with American cocktail culture. It represents the elegant simplicity and balance that defined Golden Age mixology.

Tips from the bar

  • Use fresh lime juice exclusively as bottled will compromise the drink's delicate balance
  • Choose applejack from reputable producers for superior apple flavor
  • Shake vigorously with ice for proper dilution and integration

Twists worth trying

Rose in Spring
Use fresh grenadine made from pomegranate juice for a brighter, more authentic flavor
Apple Blossom
Substitute brandy for applejack to create a more fruit-forward interpretation
Crimson Jack
Add a touch of rosewater for a floral variation that plays with the drink's name

What to eat with it

  • Apple cinnamon cake
  • Roasted pork chops
  • Aged manchego cheese
  • Poached pears
  • Walnut pie

The finished drink

Jack Rose Cocktail

Questions

What is in a Jack Rose Cocktail?

A Jack Rose Cocktail is made with apple brandy, grenadine, lime.

What glass do you use for a Jack Rose Cocktail?

Serve a Jack Rose Cocktail in a cocktail glass.

What does a Jack Rose Cocktail taste like?

Expect apple, tart, fruity.

What can I make with Apple brandy?

We have 3 drinks built around Apple brandy. See them all on the Apple brandy page.

More with Apple brandy

Every Apple brandy drink →
White Wine Sangria
Angel Face

One good drink, every Friday.

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