Bourbon Peach Jam A Boozy Southern Classic

A Taste of Summer

There is nothing like a ripe summer peach. Its sweet juice runs down your chin. I wait for peach season every single year.

This jam captures that sunny flavor. We just add a little grown-up warmth with bourbon. It makes the whole kitchen smell like a happy memory.

My First Time Making Jam

I was so nervous my first time. I thought I would get it all wrong. My grandma just patted my hand and smiled.

She told me, “Good food is made with love, not worry.” I still think about that. It is why I love sharing recipes with you now.

Let’s Get Cooking

First, peel and chop your peaches. Mix them with the sugar and lemon juice. Let it sit for ten minutes.

You will see the fruit get soft and juicy. This is a good start. Now, cook it until it boils. Stir in the pectin.

Then comes the fun part. Add the bourbon and vanilla. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Let it all simmer together for five minutes.

A Little Jam History

People have been preserving fruit for hundreds of years. It was a way to save summer’s sweetness for the cold winter.

Adding spirits like bourbon is a Southern tradition. It adds a rich, deep flavor. *Fun fact: The word “marmalade” originally came from a Portuguese word for quince!*

This matters because cooking connects us to the past. We are doing what our grandmothers did. We are keeping stories alive in every jar.

Why This Recipe is Special

This is more than just a spread for toast. Making something with your own hands feels good. It is a small act of creation.

This matters. It teaches us patience and care. And you get to share the delicious results with people you love.

What is the first food you remember learning to cook? I would love to hear your story.

Sealing the Jars

While the jam cooks, get your jars ready. You need to clean them in very hot water. This keeps your jam safe to store.

Fill the hot jars with jam. Leave a little space at the top. Put the lids on and lower them into a pot of boiling water.

After ten minutes, take them out. Listen for the pops as they cool. Each pop means a jar is sealed tight. I still laugh at that sound. It feels like a little success.

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now you have a taste of my kitchen. I hope you try this recipe. It is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

What is your favorite fruit to eat in the summer? Is it peaches too, or something else?

If you make this, will you give it as a gift? I think it makes the most special present from the heart.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh ripe peaches	4 cups	about 8 medium peaches, peeled and chopped
Granulated sugar	2 cups
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon
Bourbon	2 tablespoons	plus more for a stronger kick
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	½ teaspoon	optional but recommended
Powdered fruit pectin	1 package (1.75 oz)

My Summer of Sweet Peach Jam

I remember my first time making peach jam. The kitchen was so sticky. But the smell was just wonderful.

That sweet peach scent filled the whole house. It reminds me of hot summer days. This recipe adds a little bourbon for fun.

It gives the jam a warm, cozy flavor. Do not worry, the alcohol cooks away. You are left with a tasty, grown-up treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups peeled, chopped peaches
• 3 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: First, peel your peaches and chop them up. Put the pieces in a big pot. Add the sugar and lemon juice. Let it all sit for ten minutes. The sugar will pull the juice right out. I still laugh at how the peaches look like they are sweating.

Step 2: Now, put your pot on the stove. Turn the heat to medium. Stir it often until it starts to bubble. Then, stir in the powdered pectin. Let it boil for one whole minute. (My hard-learned tip: Stir constantly or it might stick to the bottom!)

Step 3: Time for the good stuff. Pour in the bourbon and vanilla. A little cinnamon is nice too. Let it cook for five more minutes. The smell will change and get even better. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Step 4: To see if it is done, use a cold plate. Put a tiny spoonful on it. Let it cool for a minute. Push your finger through it. Does the jam wrinkle and stay separate? If yes, it is perfect! If not, cook it a tiny bit longer.

Step 5: While the jam cooks, get your jars ready. Boil them in water for ten minutes. This keeps your jam fresh for a long time. Carefully fill the hot jars with jam. Leave a little space at the top. Wipe the rims, put on the lids, and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. As they cool, you will hear a “pop” sound. That pop means you did it right! What’s your favorite thing to put jam on? Share below!

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Yield: About 3 cups
Category: Condiment, Preserves

Three Tasty Twists on Peach Jam

Once you know the basic recipe, you can play. I love trying little changes. It makes each batch a new surprise.

Spicy Peach. Add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives a nice little kick with the sweet.

Vanilla Bean Peach. Scrape the seeds from a real vanilla bean pod. It makes the flavor so rich and special.

Rosemary Peach. Stir in one teaspoon of very finely chopped fresh rosemary. It sounds funny, but it is so good.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Beautiful Jam

This jam is not just for toast. Though it is wonderful on warm biscuits. I like to think outside the jar.

Try it spooned over vanilla ice cream. Or spread it on a grilled pork chop. It also makes a lovely gift for a friend.

For a drink, a sweet iced tea is perfect. For the grown-ups, a glass of chilled bourbon on the rocks pairs nicely. It is a fun circle of flavors.

Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Bourbon Peach Jam Perfect

Let’s talk about keeping your jam tasty. After canning, store sealed jars in a cool, dark cupboard. They will last about a year there. An open jar belongs in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three months.

You can also freeze this jam. Just spoon it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top. It will keep for six months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.

I once gave a jar to my neighbor, George. He kept it on his sunny windowsill. The sun faded the beautiful color. Now I always tell folks to find a dark spot. This keeps the flavor and color bright.

Making a big batch saves you time later. You can enjoy summer peaches all winter long. A homemade jar also makes a wonderful gift. It shows someone you care. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Jam-Making Troubles and Easy Fixes

Is your jam too runny? This happens to everyone. The fruit might have been very juicy. Just cook it a few minutes longer. Test it again on a cold plate.

I remember when my first batch did not set. I was so disappointed. Then I learned this simple trick. Getting the set right matters. It gives you a spreadable jam, not a syrup.

Is the jam too sweet for you? Try using a little less sugar next time. Or add a bit more lemon juice. The acid balances the sweetness. This small change makes a big difference.

Are there crystals in your jam? This means the sugar did not dissolve fully. Always stir the sugar in well before heating. Stir frequently as it comes to a boil. Controlling the sugar helps the texture. It makes your jam smooth and lovely. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Bourbon Peach Jam Questions

Q: Is this jam gluten-free? A: Yes, it is. All the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely! That is the best part. It gets better after a week in the jar.

Q: What can I use instead of bourbon? A: You can use apple juice. The flavor will be different but still good.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes, but use a very big pot. Jam can bubble up high when it boils.

Q: Is the cinnamon important? A: It is optional. But it adds a warm, cozy flavor. I always use it. Which tip will you try first?

Share a Jar With Me

I hope you love making this jam. It is a little taste of summer sunshine. I would love to see your beautiful creations.

Share a picture of your finished jars. You can even show me your toast. *Fun fact: I have a whole cupboard just for my jam jars!* Your kitchen stories make me so happy.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I cannot wait to see what you make. Happy cooking! —Olivia Hartwell.