Looking for a unique and flavorful jam to elevate your breakfast, desserts, cheese boards, or even cocktails? This Peach Bourbon Jam is the answer! This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the rich, warm notes of bourbon, creating a sophisticated and unforgettable spread. It’s easy to make at home and perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.
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Key Ingredients for Peach Bourbon Jam:
- 4 pounds ripe peaches: Look for peaches that are fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Yellow or white peaches both work, but yellow peaches will give the jam a more vibrant color. Peel, pit, and dice the peaches.
- 4 cups granulated sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the jam but also acts as a preservative and helps the pectin set.
- 1/4 cup bottled lemon juice: The acidity of lemon juice helps activate the pectin and balances the sweetness of the peaches. Use bottled lemon juice to ensure a consistent pH level for proper setting.
- 1/2 teaspoon butter: Adding a small amount of butter helps to reduce foaming during cooking.
- 1 (1.75 ounce) package powdered pectin: Pectin is essential for the jam to properly set. Use powdered pectin designed for making jams and jellies.
- 1/2 cup bourbon: Choose a bourbon that you enjoy the flavor of. A mid-range bourbon with vanilla and caramel notes works well. Add the bourbon off the heat to preserve its flavor and aroma.
How to Make Peach Bourbon Jam:
This Peach Bourbon Jam couldn’t be easier, the whole process takes just about 1 hour! The highlight is getting the right boozy kick in the peach sweetness! The jam is very delicious and has an satisfying sweet, fruity flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Peaches: Wash, peel, pit, and dice the peaches into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (stainless steel or enamel-coated cast iron is ideal), combine the diced peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and butter.
- Cook the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. A full rolling boil is a boil that doesn’t stop when stirred.
- Add Pectin: Once the mixture is at a full rolling boil, quickly add the powdered pectin, stirring continuously to ensure it is fully incorporated.
- Boil and Test: Continue to boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This is crucial for activating the pectin. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Add Bourbon: Stir in the bourbon. Be careful as the mixture may bubble up slightly.
- Test for Doneness: To test if the jam is set, place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. Place the plate in the freezer for 1-2 minutes. Push the jam with your finger. If it wrinkles, it’s ready. If not, return the jam to the heat and boil for another minute, then test again.
- Skim Foam (Optional): If desired, skim off any foam from the surface of the jam using a metal spoon.
- Process or Store:
- Canning (If you want shelf-stable jam): Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean, place lids and rings on the jars, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude if necessary).
- Refrigerate (For shorter-term storage): Allow the jam to cool slightly, then ladle into clean jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator.
- Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely. You should hear a “popping” sound as the lids seal. If any jars don’t seal, refrigerate them.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Bourbon Jam:
The best part of this recipe is using BOURBON! Yes, this recipe will be the star of your breakfast table. A small splash of bourbon can give you a really new and fresh flavour for a classic jam. Making this at home provides a significant cost saving compared to buying gourmet jams at the store. Plus, you have total control over the ingredients. Using the best peaches makes best jam. The rich, warm flavor of bourbon elevates the jam, making it incredibly special and perfect for gifting or enjoying with friends.
If you enjoy this recipe, why not try my [Apple Cinnamon Jam](add hyperlink here, if you have one)? It’s another delicious homemade jam with a warm and comforting flavor profile. Give this Peach Bourbon Jam Recipe a try and let me know what you think!
Top Tips for Perfecting Peach Bourbon Jam:
- Use Ripe Peaches: The riper the peaches, the sweeter and more flavorful your jam will be.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the jam can result in a thick, sticky, and less flavorful preserve. Use the chilled plate test to ensure it’s set correctly.
- Adjust Bourbon to Taste: If you prefer a milder bourbon flavor, start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This will help prevent the jam from scorching.
- Sterilize Your Jars Properly: If you plan to can the jam, sterilize your jars and lids according to canning guidelines to ensure a proper seal and prevent spoilage.
- Substitute Pectin (with caution): Low-sugar pectin might work but can affect flavor and setting.
- Vanilla extract? A teaspoon of vanilla extract can boost the bourbon notes.
5 Facts about Peach Bourbon Jam:
- It’s Shelf-Stable (When Canned Properly): When processed correctly in a boiling water bath, Peach Bourbon Jam can be stored at room temperature for up to one year.
- Bourbon Enhances Flavor: The bourbon adds a unique depth and complexity to the jam, making it more sophisticated than traditional peach preserves.
- It’s a Great Gift: Homemade jam is a thoughtful and appreciated gift, especially when it has a unique twist like bourbon.
- Versatile Usage: You can easily put this in different kinds of occasions, like on breakfast menu, cocktail party, and even desserts.
- It gets better with age: The bourbon flavour will mature and improve over time.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerated: Peach Bourbon Jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks if properly sealed in an air tight container.
- Canned: For shelf-stable storage, process the jam in a boiling water bath according to canning guidelines. Canned jam can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
- Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the jam.
Reheating (Not usually necessary, but…):
This recipe is not required to be reheated because it is mainly use as a spread of jam and toppings. if you want to try it with other recipes, it also can be used to glaze grilled chicken or pork tenderloin
Final Thoughts:
Peach Bourbon Jam is a delicious and sophisticated twist on a classic preserve. With its sweet and slightly boozy flavor, it’s perfect for a variety of uses, from breakfast to cheese boards to cocktails. Easy to make at home, this unique jam is sure to impress your family and friends.
Read More also:
- Pressure Canning Chicken Broth
- Canning Lemonade Concentrate
- Homemade Apple Sauce Recipe
- Easy Sweet Peach Syrup
- Our Pinterest
Peach Bourbon Jam FAQs:
- Can I use frozen peaches? Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. This may alter the texture of the jam slightly.
- Can I use a different type of alcohol? While bourbon provides the best flavor, you can experiment with other types of whiskey or even rum. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change.
- Do I have to use pectin? Pectin is essential for the jam to set properly. If you omit it, the jam will likely be too runny.
- My jam didn’t set. What do I do? If your jam is too runny after the specified cooking time, you can try adding more pectin and boiling it for a few more minutes. Alternatively, you can use the unset jam as a sauce or syrup.
- How do I sterilize my jars? You can sterilize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, or by placing them in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 20 minutes.