The Jack Rose

Breaking Tradition (and Making New Ones)

Ask our friends and family, and they'll tell you we are not your typical, traditional couple. We've broken tradition so many times now that that in itself seems to be our tradition. That includes when it comes to making traditional or popular cocktails.

For our visiting pals, we made a great classic cocktail -- that was the request --  but one we were sure no one in the room had tasted: the Jack Rose made with Laird's Applejack. A beautiful rose color (thus the name) with a fruity and floral bite. Much like it's more tame cousin, the Sidecar, this drink goes down easy and looks good doing it.

We've made a new space behind the bar for Laird's and hope this traditional spirit will find its way into more new classics.

The Inspiration Laird's Applejack Anything with the nickname "New Jersey Lighting" deserves investigation. Very much like apple brandy, Laird's packs a little more bite, is slightly less sweet and carries more of a whiskey-like flavor. Do you have a new and exciting spirit – or an old standby – you've just discovered? Tell us about it on Facebook or Tweet it to us.

The Jack Rose Cocktail Recipe 2 oz. Laird's Applejack Juice of 1/2 lime 1/2 oz. grenadine syrup (we used Giroux) Pour all ingredients into a shaker or mixing glass full of ice, shake/stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupè. Garnish with a twist or a brandied cherry.

CAUTION: Jack Rose will sneak up on you. Really. He's very sneaky. And, do not drive with Jack Rose as he will undoubtedly get you in trouble. He's like that.

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Comments

[Wendy]

I don't think I've ever had AppleJack, unless this is a very soggy breakfast cereal drink. What is it? Whiskey?

[Shelly]

Applejack tastes a lot like apple brandy.