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Flavorful Small Batch Peach Bourbon Jam Recipe

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A quick and easy small batch peach bourbon jam with a perfect balance of sweet peaches and subtle bourbon warmth, ideal for fresh homemade preserves.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped (about 67 medium peaches)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (60 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered fruit pectin (low-sugar or no-sugar-added preferred)
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Peel the peaches by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. Peel off skins and chop peaches into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a medium mixing bowl (about 10 minutes).
  2. Add 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice to the peaches. Stir gently and let sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate.
  3. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon powdered pectin in 1/4 cup cold water. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  4. Transfer the peach mixture to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes until fruit softens and breaks down.
  5. Slowly stir in the dissolved pectin mixture and 1/4 cup bourbon. Continue stirring; the jam will thicken within 3-5 minutes. Watch texture carefully to avoid over-thickening.
  6. Test the jam’s set by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate. Let cool for a minute, then push gently with your finger. If it wrinkles and holds, it’s ready; if not, cook another minute and test again.
  7. Remove from heat and ladle hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal with lids.
  8. Let jars cool completely at room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid mushy jam. Stir constantly over medium heat to prevent scorching. Test jam set early and often. Let jam cool overnight to deepen bourbon aroma. For a lower sugar option, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup and increase cooking time slightly, but texture may vary. Substitute bourbon with apple or white grape juice for alcohol-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach bourbon jam, small batch jam, homemade jam, easy jam recipe, bourbon preserves, peach preserves, fruit jam, quick jam