Created at the turn of the 20th century, the Jack Rose is another perfectly balanced classic cocktail that is easy to love. It was once a popular option that even made an appearance in Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises and was also a favorite of author John Steinbeck. In the decades following, the drink fell out of fashion, but thanks to the craft cocktail movement, it has been resurrected. I’m so excited to share it with you and do my part to help it live on.

Some say this brandy-based drink was named for an infamous gambler named Bald Jack Rose; others say it’s named for the applejack in it and its rosy color. While the actual history is somewhat ambiguous, we know in its early days, Laird & Company’s Applejack was used to bring this simple beauty to life. Consisting of Applejack (apple brandy), lemon juice, and grenadine, this tipple is tart with a slight sweetness lent by the grenadine.

The Jack Rose is to Applejack what the Martini is to gin, so give it a try. It’s definitely Queen Bee approved, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. My best advice to use a high-quality (or even homemade) grenadine and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The difference those two ingredients make cannot be understated. Try it for yourself. I know you’ll enjoy shaking one of these delicious cocktails up and enjoying the beauty that lies in simplicity.