The Sweet Zing of Blackberry Bourbon Jam Recipe: A Tasty Spread

Wild blackberry bourbon jam brings unexpected depth to your morning toast, weaving together rustic fruit and smoky whiskey notes.

Summer’s most luscious berries mingle with Kentucky’s finest spirits in this small-batch preserve.

Foragers and kitchen adventurers will appreciate how simple ingredients create such complex flavors.

Each spoonful carries hints of wilderness and warmth, blending sweet fruit with rich bourbon undertones.

Local blackberries shine when slow-cooked with amber spirits, creating a spread that’s both nostalgic and modern.

Craft this jar of pure deliciousness and watch friends marvel at your preserving prowess.

You’ll want to slather this jam on everything from warm biscuits to grilled meats.

Bourbon Jam Storage Guide

• Store jam in airtight glass containers, keeping it fresh for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace, and freeze for up to 6 months.
• Gently warm refrigerated jam in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency.
• Enjoy cold straight from the fridge or warm it slightly to drizzle over desserts, toast, or yogurt.

Great Choices With Blackberry Bourbon Jam

• Pair with Creamy Cheese Plate: Spread this luxurious jam over rich, tangy goat cheese or aged brie for a sophisticated flavor explosion that balances the jam's sweetness.
• Complement with Bourbon-Based Cocktail: Mix a classic old fashioned or manhattan to echo the bourbon notes in the jam, creating a harmonious tasting experience.
• Match with Warm Breakfast Pastries: Drizzle over freshly baked scones, toast, or buttermilk pancakes to elevate a simple morning meal with complex, fruity depth.
• Enhance Grilled Meats: Brush the jam as a glaze over roasted pork tenderloin or grilled chicken to add a sweet-boozy dimension that transforms ordinary proteins.

Simple Spins On Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam

• Low-Sugar Version: Replace regular sugar with a low-sugar pectin and reduce sugar content by half, maintaining the rich blackberry and bourbon flavors while cutting down on sweetness.
• Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute bourbon with apple juice or white grape juice to create a family-friendly version that preserves the fruity complexity of the original recipe.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar and ensure all ingredients are plant-based, creating a compassionate jam that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Keto-Friendly Variation: Replace sugar with a monk fruit sweetener or erythritol, and use fewer blackberries to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the intense bourbon-vanilla profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen blackberries work perfectly. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before cooking to ensure the right jam consistency.

• How can I tell if the jam is properly cooked?

Use the wrinkle test by dropping a small amount on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, the jam is ready. The mixture should look thick and glossy.

• Is bourbon necessary for this recipe?

While bourbon adds depth and complexity, you can substitute with dark rum or skip it entirely. The jam will still be delicious, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

• Do I need special canning equipment to preserve this jam?

For short-term storage, simply use clean jars and refrigerate. For long-term preservation, a basic water bath canning setup is recommended to ensure food safety and extend shelf life.

Bourbon Jam With Blackberry and Vanilla That Spreads Like Dessert

• Quick Weekend Treat: Prepare this delightful spread in just 20-25 minutes, making it an ideal spontaneous cooking project for leisurely weekends.
• Versatile Flavor Enhancer: Elevate breakfast toast, cheese boards, or dessert toppings with this sophisticated blackberry bourbon fusion that adds depth and complexity to any dish.
• Homemade Gift Potential: Create a luxurious, personalized gift that showcases culinary creativity, packaged beautifully in charming jars for friends and family celebrations.

Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam Ingredients

• Blackberries: Sweet and tangy berries that form the base of this jam, rich in natural pectin for thickening.
• Lemon Juice: Helps balance sweetness and aids in jam setting with its natural acidity.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps preserve the jam, creating a thick, glossy texture.

• Vanilla Bean or Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor that complements the blackberries.
• Bourbon: Introduces a rich, caramel-like depth and sophisticated adult twist to the jam.

Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam Jam-Making Guide

Step 1: Prepare Blackberry Base

Rinse fresh blackberries thoroughly under cool water.

Gently remove any remaining stems or leaves.

For intense vanilla flavor, split a vanilla bean lengthwise and carefully scrape out the tiny seeds using a sharp knife.

• Blackberries
• Vanilla bean (optional)

Step 2: Combine Fruity Goodness

Pour blackberries into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Add sugar and fresh lemon juice to enhance natural fruit flavors.

If using vanilla bean, mix in the scraped seeds.

For a quicker method, substitute with pure vanilla extract.

• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla seeds or extract

Step 3: Cook and Simmer

Heat the mixture over medium flame, stirring consistently.

Crush blackberries gently with a wooden spoon to release natural juices.

Watch for bubbling and gradual thickening as the jam develops its rich consistency.

Step 4: Introduce Bourbon Magic

Pour in smooth bourbon whiskey, allowing the alcohol to interact with fruit flavors.

Continue cooking and stirring, letting the liquid reduce and concentrate the jam’s complex taste profile.

Step 5: Test Jam Readiness

Drop a small amount of jam onto a chilled ceramic plate.

Gently push the dollop with your fingertip.

If the surface wrinkles and holds shape, the jam has reached perfect setting point.

Step 6: Preserve and Store

Carefully transfer hot jam into sterilized glass jars.

Wipe jar rims clean to ensure proper sealing.

Process in boiling water bath for long-term preservation or store in refrigerator for immediate enjoyment.

Jam-Making Tips for Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Spread

• Choose ripe, deeply colored blackberries for the most intense and sweet taste profile.
• Adjust sugar quantity based on berry ripeness and personal preference, tasting as you cook.
• Use high-quality bourbon with subtle caramel or vanilla notes to enhance the jam's complexity.
• Stir frequently and maintain medium heat to avoid scorching the fruit mixture during cooking.
• Use clean, sterilized jars and process in a water bath for longer preservation, or refrigerate for quick consumption.

Blackberry Bourbon Jam Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Blackberry vanilla bourbon jam delivers a luscious blend of ripe berries, smooth vanilla, and rich bourbon. Homemade spread promises complex flavors that elevate morning toast or dessert with sophisticated Southern charm you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 6 cups blackberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
• 1/4 cup bourbon

Acids:

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Gently cleanse the blackberries, meticulously removing any lingering stems or debris. If utilizing a vanilla bean, carefully split it lengthwise and extract the fragrant seeds with precision.
2. Transfer the pristine blackberries into a spacious cooking vessel, incorporating sugar, tangy lemon juice, and the aromatic vanilla essence. Ignite the heat to a moderate intensity, stirring intermittently as the berries surrender their vibrant juices and the mixture gradually transforms into a luscious, thickening concoction.
3. Introduce a generous splash of bourbon to the simmering mixture, allowing the spirited liquid to infuse depth and complexity. Continue the culinary dance, stirring and watching as the alcohol gently evaporates and the flavors harmonize.
4. Perform the classic jam consistency test by depositing a small dollop onto a thoroughly chilled plate. Observe the surface – a gentle push should create a delicate wrinkle, signaling the perfect jammy texture. Should the mixture appear too fluid, extend the cooking process for a few additional moments.
5. With careful precision, transfer the molten jam into pristinely sterilized glass containers. For extended preservation, process the sealed jars in a bubbling water bath. Alternatively, allow the jam to cool naturally and store in the refrigerator, where it will maintain its exquisite flavor profile for approximately three weeks.

Notes

• Choose perfectly ripe, deep-purple blackberries for maximum flavor intensity and natural sweetness.
• Consider using bourbon with caramel or vanilla notes to complement the jam’s fruity profile.
• Use fresh vanilla bean for a more pronounced and authentic aromatic experience.
• For a lower-sugar version, swap traditional sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar by 25% while maintaining jam’s thickness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg