Jack Rose Cocktail Recipe

What's in a Jack Rose Cocktail?

The Jack Rose cocktail is a simple mix of apple brandy, lemon juice, and grenadine. It is bright, refreshing, and full of rich apple flavor.

Applejack or Apple Brandy

Applejack and apple brandy both work, but they bring different flavors. Applejack is bold and robust, while brandy like Calvados is smoother and more refined. Either one will shape the drink’s character, so choose based on your preference.

Lemon Juice

Fresh citrus balances the sweetness. Lemon is the classic choice for a softer, rounded tartness. Lime adds a sharper kick. Always use fresh juice for the best flavor.

Grenadine

This sweet syrup gives the Jack Rose its signature color. Skip the artificial stuff and go for real pomegranate-based grenadine. You can even make your own by simmering equal parts pomegranate juice and sugar. Use about half as much grenadine as citrus juice for the right balance.

You might also like: 17 Best Grenadine Cocktails to Try

Optional Bitters (Peychaud's or Angostura)

A few dashes of bitters add depth. Peychaud’s brings light floral notes. Angostura adds warm spice. Try it both ways and see what you prefer.

That is all you need to mix up a great Jack Rose. Grab your ingredients and let’s make one!

How to Make a Jack Rose Cocktail

The Jack Rose cocktail is a simple yet elegant drink with apple brandy, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine. It is bright, balanced, and easy to make. Here is how we do it.

First, let’s chill our coupe glass. Fill it with ice water while we get everything else ready.

Next, we pour 2 ounces of applejack or apple brandy into a cocktail shaker. This gives the drink its bold apple flavor.

For the citrus kick, we add ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed makes all the difference.

Then we mix in ¾ ounce of grenadine for a touch of sweetness and that signature rosy color. Adjust slightly based on your taste.

Now, we fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake for about 15 seconds until everything is well chilled.

Dump the ice water from our coupe glass and strain the cocktail into it. The drink should have a smooth, pink-red hue.

For a finishing touch, we like to add a lemon twist or a cherry. It makes the drink look great and adds a little extra flavor.

If it turns out too tart, try a little more grenadine next time. Too sweet? A splash more lemon juice will fix that.

The full recipe with exact measurements is in the recipe card below.

Jack Rose Cocktail Variations

The classic Jack Rose is already a winner, but a few tweaks can give it a fresh twist.

• Go French – Swap Applejack for Calvados for a smoother, more refined flavor.
• Add Bitters – A dash of Angostura or Peychaud’s adds depth and complexity.
• Try Raspberry – Replace grenadine with raspberry syrup for a brighter, less sweet version.
• Smoky or Spicy – A splash of mezcal adds smokiness. Shaking with a jalapeño slice brings some heat.
• Honey-Sweetened – Swap grenadine for honey syrup if you prefer a softer sweetness.
• Autumn Twist – Use fresh apple cider instead of lemon juice for a cozy fall version.

The Jack Rose is a great base for experimenting. Try one of these or create your own spin!

Loved the Jack Rose? Try These Classic Cocktails

If you enjoyed the Jack Rose, here are a few more classics worth mixing up. Each follows the same simple formula of a base spirit, citrus, and a touch of sweetness.

• Sidecar
• Daiquiri
• Ward Eight
• French 75

These cocktails are a great way to build your mixing skills while exploring timeless flavors. Give them a try and find your new favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Jack Rose cocktail?

A Jack Rose is a classic cocktail made with applejack or apple brandy, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine. This drink stands out with its beautiful pink hue that comes from the grenadine.

The Jack Rose has been around since the early 1900s and remains popular in craft cocktail bars today. We love how it balances sweet and tart flavors in one elegant glass.

What does a Jack Rose taste like?

The Jack Rose has a bright, fruity flavor with the perfect balance of sweet and sour notes. Apple flavors from the applejack form the base, while lemon juice adds a fresh zing.

The grenadine brings sweetness and that rosy color, creating a drink that's both fruity and complex. Some drinkers say it tastes like a grown-up apple candy with a boozy kick.

We find it both refreshing and warming, making it good for almost any season.

What is the origin of the Jack Rose cocktail's name?

The Jack Rose likely got its name from two key elements - "Jack" from applejack and "Rose" from its pink color. This is the most accepted theory among cocktail historians.

Another story links the drink to a notorious gambler named "Bald Jack" Rose, who gained fame during a 1912 murder case. Some also credit a bartender named Frank J. May, who went by "Jack Rose."

We may never know the true origin, but the drink first appeared in cocktail books around 1905.

What is the best brand of applejack for a Jack Rose?

Laird's Applejack is our top pick for making an authentic Jack Rose cocktail. This brand has been around since 1780 and remains the gold standard.

For a stronger apple flavor, try Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy at 100 proof. It gives the cocktail more depth and a bolder apple taste.

French Calvados works well too, bringing a more complex flavor with notes of oak and spice. We recommend trying different options to find your personal favorite.

Jack Rose Cocktail Recipe

The Jack Rose is a classic cocktail with a beautiful rosy hue and a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. This apple brandy-based drink dates back to the early 20th century and remains a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine mesh Strainer (for double straining)
• Coupe glass or cocktail glass
• Citrus juicer

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz Applejack or Apple Brandy
• ¾ oz Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
• ¾ oz Grenadine preferably homemade
• 1 dash Peychaud's Bitters optional
• Lemon Twist for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Chill your glass by placing it in the freezer while you mix.
• Measure and pour 2 oz applejack, ¾ oz lemon juice, and ¾ oz grenadine into your shaker.
• Add ice and shake for about 10 to 15 seconds until well chilled.
• Strain into your chilled coupe glass for a smooth pour.
• Garnish with a lemon twist if you like.

Notes

• Applejack is the go-to choice, but Calvados works if you prefer something smoother.
• A dash of Peychaud’s bitters adds depth, but you can use Angostura if needed or leave it out entirely.
• If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the grenadine to ½ oz and adjust to taste.

Keyword applejack cocktail, jack rose cocktail recipe, jack rose recipe