Knowing how to make a jam cocktail is a game-changer. It’s easy to whip up in a moment’s notice and feels very fancy. The best part is, you’ll probably always have the ingredients on hand– who doesn’t have a jar or three of random jelly, jam, or preserves hiding in the back of the fridge? And if you actually do go out to grab a new jar, you’ll find soo many inspiring possibilities.

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Blueberry preserves, raspberry jalapeno jam, ORANGE MARMALADE, mango habanero, and of course the classic strawberry and grape. Did you know that there’s such a thing as mint jelly? Yeah. That rocked my world, too. Add a spoonful of jam into any mixed drink and you’ve upped the flavor complexity.

Jam cocktails are so customizable. Want something refreshing and light? Add sparkling water. Feeling like a strong drink? Skip it & pour everything into a coupe or martini glass. Don’t feel like imbibing? Forgo the alcohol and enjoy sipping on something besides water. Mocktails require no thought when you know the secret about jam + tonic. And all the pregnant ladies said BLESS.

Flavor Combinations to Try

Need some flavor inspo? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• gin + blackberry jam + lemon juice + basil + tonic water
• vodka + apricot preserves + lemon juice + mint + lemon sparkling water
• tequila + orange marmalade + grapefruit juice + rosemary + club soda
• white rum + blueberry jam + lime juice + mint + club soda

An Outline of Ingredients for a Jam Cocktail or Mocktail

• 1 1/2 – 2 oz vodka (or gin, whiskey, rum, or tequila… but vodka has the cleanest profile to work with, meaning it won’t compete with your other flavors)
• 3/4 oz lemon juice or lime juice – fresh is always best
• spoonful of jam
• a sprig of a fresh herb – mint & basil pair well with all fruit flavs
• tonic water, club soda, or unsweetened flavored sparkling water
• [optional- if you like extra sweet drinks] 1/2 oz simple syrup or honey simple syrup

How to Make a Jam Cocktail or Mocktail

In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, lemon juice, and the herb. Muddle the herb leaves with a muddler or use the back of a spoon to release the flavor. Add the spoonful of jam and several ice cubes. Shake. Strain into a lowball glass that’s filled with ice. Top off the glass with your tonic or sparkling water. Garnish with any leftover herbs.

Jam Cocktail & Mocktail

The easiest way to make a cocktail using ingredients you already have on hand.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 mins

Course Drinks

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

• 1½-2 oz liquor like vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, tequila (omit for a mocktail)
• ¾ oz fresh citrus juice like lemon or lime
• 1 spoonful jam (any jam will do!)
• fresh herb like mint, basil, or thyme
• 2+ oz sparkling water, club soda, or tonic
• ½ oz simple syrup OPTIONAL

Instructions

 

• In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, lemon juice, and the herb. Muddle the herb leaves with a muddler or use the back of a spoon to release the flavor.
• Add the spoonful of jam and several ice cubes.
• Shake well, about 30 seconds.
• Strain into a lowball glass that's filled with ice.
• Top off the glass with your tonic or sparkling water.
• Garnish with a sprig of herb.½

Notes

If you want to forgo the liquor, this makes a nice and refreshing mocktail.

If you enjoy sweeter drinks, add the 1/2 oz of simple syrup.

Keyword club soda, jam, lemon, lime, sparkling water, tonic