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Flavorful Peach Bourbon Jam No Pectin Small Batch Recipe

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A small batch peach bourbon jam made without pectin, combining ripe peaches and bourbon for a sweet, boozy, and spreadable jam perfect for toast, cocktails, or desserts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups peeled and chopped fresh peaches (about 45 medium peaches, ripe but firm)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (60 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the peaches by washing and peeling them. Score a shallow ‘X’ on the bottom of each peach and blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water to slip off skins. Chop into roughly 1/2-inch pieces to yield about 2 cups (300 grams).
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chopped peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick if using. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw moisture out.
  3. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently and pressing some peaches against the pan to release pectin. Cook for 30-40 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove cinnamon stick halfway if desired.
  4. Stir in bourbon and vanilla extract, then simmer for another 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and cook off some alcohol.
  5. Test jam doneness by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; if it moves slowly and wrinkles when nudged, it is ready. If too runny, cook longer while stirring.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before spooning into clean jars. Jam will thicken further as it cools. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Use ripe but firm peaches for best natural pectin and texture. Lemon juice is crucial to activate pectin and brighten flavor. Stir frequently to prevent burning and help jam thicken. Test jam set with chilled plate method. Can substitute bourbon with dark rum or peach juice/apple cider for non-alcoholic version. Avoid non-stick pans to prevent coating damage from sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach jam, bourbon jam, no pectin jam, small batch jam, homemade jam, peach bourbon recipe, easy jam recipe, fruit preserves