The Jack Rose

"Brett did not turn up, so about a quarter to six I went down to the bar and had a Jack Rose with George the barman."

Jake Barnes, in Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises

I am always fascinated by Hemingway's drink references. They speak to me of a time long past. Although I recognize many of his favorites, the Jack Rose caught me by surprise. Being from Tennessee and living in today's world, I automatically assume Jack Daniel's when I see the word "Jack" in a cocktail, but I instinctively knew that this must not be the case. Although its origins are unknown, many assume the "Jack" in the title refers to Applejack, an American apple brandy or apple brandy blend. I have found American Applejack to be far more similar to American whiskey in flavor than to Calvados, the French apple brandy. The Jack Rose is traditionally a "sour," meaning a combination of spirits, citrus, and a sweetening agent (eg. Margarita or Old Fashioned). In addition to these ingredients I like to add what I think is one of the most under-appreciated cocktail ingredients--apple juice. (One of my favorite drinks is simply apple juice and brandy with a generous splash of amaretto.) After numerous experiments, here is my Jack Rose:

3 oz apple juice
2 oz Applejack
1/2 oz lime juice
1/2 oz homemade grenadine
Add ice and roll between 2 glasses for 15-20 seconds. Serve in an Old Fashioned glass with straw. Yum. I think Jake Barnes would be proud.

Homemade Grenadine

Prepare yourselves for a shock...........

Grenadine isn't grenadine.

Okay, perhaps I should explain. Grenadine is supposed to be pomegranate syrup; however, what passes for commercial grenadine today is often simply high-fructose corn syrup with food coloring and flavors added. Yuck! That is why cocktails with this 'grenadine' often fall flat and don't reach their potential. If you Google 'homemade grenadine recipe' you will get a lot of hits to experiment with. After several tries, here is my version:

2 cups real pomegranate juice
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 cup sugar
juice from 1/4 lime

Mix all ingredients in a pan. Bring to a boil and then simmer 30 min. Remove from heat and cool. Chill.

Yes, it is that simple. Adjust the sugar to your liking if this is not sweet enough. I think I will add a little more next time. This is MUCH more flavorful than the stuff I had been buying and does not have that 'artificial' taste. Enjoy.