Christina Mastroeni 
There are many things in New Jersey that are commonly celebrated. Enjoying boardwalks at “the shore” instead of the beach, having Taylor Ham (or pork roll) on a breakfast sandwich in a bagel (of course), and let’s not forget TV shows + movies like The Sopranos, Jersey Shore, + Garden State. Sure, Jersey has its fair share of things that make it special, but some pieces of history can’t be forgotten. One of them is New Jersey’s historical drink: the Jack Rose. Keep reading to learn more about New Jersey’s unofficial official cocktail, what’s in it, + where to order one.
What’s in a Jack Rose?
Contrary to popular belief about this being a Titanic-themed cocktail featuring star-crossed lovers, the Jack Rose was a fan favorite of the early 1900s. This pre-prohibition era cocktail consists of Apple Brandy (but a New Jersey native knows to use nothing but Laird’s Applejack), lemon juice, + grenadine.
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Variations include pomegranate grenadine or Chambord instead of grenadine. Another, the Jack’d Rose, includes grapefruit hibiscus bitters, lemon juice, grenadine, Heirloom espresso martini, + Laird’s bonded apple brandy. Another Jack Rose Irish Whiskey version includes one ounce of Irish whiskey, a half ounce of calvados, a half ounce of lime juice, + a half ounce of grenadine, served with a lime wedge. Aside from ingredients, the name of the drink may also be referred to as an Applejack sour, although the ingredients may vary.
The flavor profile of a Jack Rose is sweeter than one might think. On paper, the drink reads as a decent amount of alcohol that is cut with lemon (or lime) juice. Make no mistake about it, this drink is sweet on the way in, leaving a somewhat tangy exit or aftertaste. Some may say it is exactly how a Jersey Girl can enter the heart of the one she’s after.
The History Behind a Jack Rose
While there seems to be a history almost no one can agree on when it comes to the Jack Rose, it makes for some interesting tales. One says the drink is based on a gambler + accused murderer, Bald Jack Rose from New York + his infamous murder trial. Another theory is the drink pays tribute to Frank “Jack Rose” May, a Jersey City native + bartender. The drink also makes a special appearance in Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises.
What also makes the drink special to New Jersey may lie in Laird + Company, colloquially referred to as Laird’s, which is America’s oldest licensed distillery. What’s common across many variations isn’t the simple apple brandy, but Laird’s Apple Brandy specifically.
The Stockton Inn | 1 South Main Street, Stockton
There are many places that can make a Jack Rose; NJ residents will just have to make this request if it’s not on the menu. However, one that can’t be beat is at the Stockton Inn. This establishment has a semi-formal dining space called Flinch and an informal space called Dog + Deer Tavern. Bar Manager Brian Miller will be the first to tell guests that the drinks are great (and the drink menu is crafted from his 20+ years of bartending experience), and so is the food.
Brian’s years of experience stem from his time bartending in New York City, having a bar of his own, + bartending in St. Lucia before making it back to the Tri-State area. Once in the neighborhood, he settled in South Jersey and has been with The Stockton Inn since its reopening in 2024.
When asked how the Jack Rose made its way on the drink menu, he mentioned the idea that it is a hometown drink for NJ, especially since it’s made with Laird’s, which is located in Jersey. Brian is adamant about Laird’s being the apple brandy of choice, which may be why this drink is lovingly referred to as Jersey’s own. Brian proudly mentioned, “If New Orleans has the Sazerac, then New Jersey claims the Jack Rose.”
A Jack Rose pairs nicely with appetizers and splits with friends. MG suggests ordering a round of Jack Roses with friends while splitting the sourdough focaccia (with fennel pollen, whipped goat cheese, + tapenade), some shrimp cocktail, + the burrata wild arugula (with pistachios, melon, crispy speck, + honey vinaigrette).
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