Cocktail of the Month. November

 November Cocktail of the Month

           Drum roll. 

November's Apple season in the western hemisphere is an excellent time to stock up on Apple brandy or Calvados, from North America to France. I suggest that because it's an excellent base for a remarkable treat, the  infamous Jack Rose cocktail.

The name Jack Rose Cocktail has some differences of opinion with regards to its history, some say it's named after a person, some say it's named after a rose in France. Regardless, it's a remarkably tasty cocktail, both sweet and savory. It balances the Apple brandy, eau de vie - A fruit base brandy. With the lemon juice and the sweet grenadine.

The Laird Company (1)  dating back to the time of George Washington during the American  revolution, will tell you that the resurgence in the Jack Rose cocktail has stimulated their Apple brandy consumption. 

I use Laird’s Apple brandy. But I have seen it served elsewhere with Calvados. I recall one time my girlfriend ordered a Jack Rose at The Prime Rib Restaurant in Washington DC, an upscale bar, fine dining,  and Rob the Barman used Calvados as the base.

While the cocktail has not yet made it to the International Bartenders Association's cocktail list, I can comfortably tell you that the recipe is –

"Jack Rose cocktail"

        Apple brandy 2 ounces (fn 2)

        Lemon juice three-quarter ounce.

        Grenadine one-half ounce.

Shaken till well chilled, poured into a chilled martini glass. Served with a lemon peel or better yet I would prefer a slice of apple.   

Cocktail – Jack Rose cocktail.

Appetizer – Camembert cheese with rosemary cracker.

Music –  Charles Aznavour

Enjoy

1. it is my understanding that the Laird Company of New Jersey buys its apples from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Historically, the Laird Company holds the oldest alcohol license in America, Number 1. 
   
   
2. As a devotee of  “liquor replacement theory“ – I think you might be able to replace the Apple brandy with a brandy and a little bit of apple juice. This might give you a hint of what you’re in store for, but it just won’t be the same taste! Regardless, I would still encourage you to try Laird’s Apple Brandy.