Hi Bold Bakers! WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: Sweet and Boozy Peach Whiskey Jam, bursting with the unbeatable flavor of ripe peaches and grounded by the warmth of Irish whiskey, is summer in a jar. Slather on bread, use on a cheeseboard, or dollop on a ham or turkey sandwich–you’ll love it anyway you use it. Don’t let the word “boozy” scare you off! This perfectly-balanced spread includes just a bit of whiskey to add depth of flavor. And if you want to leave it out, that’s fine too! Already have an account? I’m proud to say there’s a connection to the much-loved O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey used in this recipe and in this lovely O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Cake. My cousin, Michael J Stafford is the managing director of Stafford Bonded in my hometown of Wexford, Ireland. Michael carried on the family business created by our grandfather (James Stafford) and also our fathers (George Stafford Snr and Michael Stafford Snr). Michael has chronicled the history of the Stafford family in Wexford beautifully on the Stafford Bonded website, O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey is inspired by Diarmuid O’Driscoll, Michael’s other grandfather, a true inspiration and a great storyteller who recently passed away at 104. You will understand the inspiration when you hear Diarmuid talk of the O’Driscoll family.
Table of Contents
What is Sweet and Boozy Peach Whiskey Jam?
Sweet and Boozy Peach Whiskey Jam is an aromatic fruit jam with a warm hint of O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey. It’s a quick jam that’s stored in the fridge and must be consumed within two weeks. This makes Sweet and Boozy Peach Whiskey Jam different from canned jams, which are made with a heating and vacuum-sealing process that protects the contents from bacteria and spoilage and makes them shelf-stable. This jam is lovely at breakfast on toast or served with cheese and other nibbles for a special snack or appetizer, or with desserts like ice cream, or used in my Microwave Jelly Donut in a Mug or Jelly Donuts recipes
Tools You Need
Large mixing bowl Measuring cups and measuring spoons Sieve Heavy-bottom saucepan Spoon Candy thermometer Masher A 16 oz. Mason jar or two 8 oz. Mason jars
Key Ingredients and Why
Peaches
Peaches are a lusciously sweet fruit with floral notes and a touch of tanginess. Their tenderness gives Peach Whiskey Jam a velvety texture. Additionally, peaches have an intensified sweetness after soaking in sugar and lemon juice. Seasonal peaches work best. Frozen is a great option as the fruit is usually picked and frozen at the peak of flavor.
Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the jam, and tones down any tartness in the fruit. More importantly, sugar is crucial in the setting and gelling of the jam. When sugar is heated with lemon juice and fruit, it draws out and mixes with the fruit pectin (a type of fiber), and the mixture thickens and gels.
Lemon juice
The vitamin C and other antioxidants in lemon juice act as a preservative and also help jam’s vibrant color last longer. Heating acidic lemon juice with sugar and fruit draws out the fruit fiber pectin that thickens and gels the mixture. Lemon also contains pectin which helps with the thickening. Additionally, lemon juice adds a refreshing tart note to the jam.
Irish whiskey
O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey balances out the sweetness and adds a warm, smokey, note to the jam and a hint of vanilla. It’s known for having a smoother flavor than bourbon or Scotch whiskey. Irish whiskey also has preservative properties.
Butter
Butter adds richness and smoothness to Peach Whiskey Jam.
How to Make Sweet and Boozy Peach Whiskey Jam
Prepare the fruit
Cook the jam
Finish and jar
Can I Make Peach Whiskey Jam in Advance?
Yes, you can make the jam in advance. If you plan to serve it cold, make it the day before or cool hot jam in a shallow container over an ice bath.
How to Store Peach Whiskey Jam
Can I make Peach Whiskey Jam alcohol-free?
Yes, you can the jam alcohol-free, and simply leave out the whiskey.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the Peach Whiskey Jam? If you want to use something other than sugar, check out my Sugar Substitutes Chart You can substitute 1/4 cup of sugar with 3 tablespoons of honey. Make sure the honey is at room temperature or microwave fruits with honey at 30-second intervals and give it a good stir to dissolve the honey. What’s the difference between jam and jelly?
Jam is made with pieces of fruit, while jelly uses only the fruit juice. Learn all about both in my post, The Difference Between Jelly and Jam.
Can I still make this if I don’t have a candy thermometer? A candy thermometer is optional for making Peach Whiskey Jam, but I do suggest you use it for the best results. It’s inexpensive, and it’s crucial in making other recipes like Marshmallow Fluff, Caramel Candies, and Tempering Chocolate. Why didn’t my jam thicken up? Some fruits, depending on how ripe they are, have less pectin than others. You can mix 1/4 cup of sugar and a tablespoon of pectin powder to every 4 cups of jam and cook again. Jam also will not thicken up if the sugar is reduced by too much, or a sugar-free substitute is used. How do I store my Peach Whiskey Jam if I don’t have Mason jars?
For the freshest flavor, use another type of glass storage container.
Do I need to sterilize the jars before refrigerating the jam?
Use clean jars for your jams of course, but there is no need to sterilize them as this jam will be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within two weeks.
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
The sugar content in this jam is high but it is necessary for the jam to set. Remember, this jam is not canned so it must be consumed within two weeks unless it’s frozen. If you want to can jam, please follow a recipe that gives you proper instructions for safe canning. You can replace Irish whiskey with bourbon, cognac, or brandy for a different flavor. Try this spread on my Irish Scones, Best Ever Buttermilk Biscuits, Easiest No Knead Baguette, Sourdough English Muffins, or No Knead Crumpets!
More Peach Recipes
The Perfect Peach Pie Gemma’s Best-Ever Peach Cobbler Perfectly-Sized Peach Hand Pies Heavenly Peach Tarte Tatin Peach Melba Frozen Yogurt Peaches & Cream Popsicles
