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Flavorful Bourbon Peach Jam Recipe Easy Small Batch with Ginger

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A cozy, small batch bourbon peach jam with a spicy kick of fresh ginger and a smooth depth from bourbon. Perfect for gifting or savoring on toast, this jam balances sweet, spicy, and boozy notes without overpowering the natural peach flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 g) fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon fruit pectin (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel the peaches by blanching them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water. The skins should slip right off. Chop the peeled peaches into roughly 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) pieces. This should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Grate about 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger using a microplane or fine grater. Set aside.
  3. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chopped peaches, granulated sugar, grated ginger, and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the peaches.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the fruit breaks down and the mixture thickens.
  5. Once the jam is bubbling and peaches are soft (around 10 minutes of simmering), stir in the bourbon. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to mellow the alcohol and meld flavors.
  6. If a thicker set is desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of fruit pectin dissolved in a little water. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the jam reaches desired consistency.
  7. Test the jam’s set by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate and tilting it. If it wrinkles and holds shape, it’s ready. If not, cook a few minutes longer and test again.
  8. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized small jars, leaving about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) headspace. Seal and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Notes

Stir gently but consistently during cooking to prevent sticking or burning. Skim off foam for clearer jam. Use the cold plate test to check jam set. Refrigerate after cooling; can be frozen for up to 3 months. Frozen peaches can be used after thawing and draining excess juice. Adjust ginger and bourbon amounts to taste. Optional pectin helps achieve firmer set, especially with frozen fruit.

Nutrition

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