Peach Bourbon Jam: Sweet, Smoky, and Perfectly Balanced

Peach jam is a timeless favourite, but this Peach Bourbon Jam adds a bold twist that makes it unforgettable. Sweet peaches, a hint of bourbon, and fragrant vanilla come together in a jam that’s not just delicious but also versatile enough for breakfast, baking, or even an elegant dessert topping. Here’s the story behind this jam, how I made it, and why it ended up being paired with Sumara, the bold leader of Rumsar Ranch.

The Inspiration: A Market Find and Too Many Peaches

This jam started with a trip to St. Lawrence Market. I stumbled upon a farmer selling gorgeous peaches—plump, juicy, and perfect for canning. Unable to resist, I bought a box of "seconds" peaches, convinced I could use them all. Spoiler: I had way more peaches than I knew what to do with. With nearly 3 kg of peaches ripening faster than I could handle, I had to act quickly.

By now, I had jam-making down to a science—fruit, sugar, lemon juice—the basics were second nature thanks to hours of Condiment Claire videos and my own kitchen experiments. While chatting with my mom about canning peaches, she reminisced about how much she enjoys preserving fruit. That conversation got me thinking: what if I added bourbon to my peach jam? With that idea, this unique recipe came to life.

The Recipe: Peach Bourbon Jam (Makes 3-4 half-pint jars)

Ingredients:

• 1.2 kg peaches, peeled and diced

• 600 g granulated sugar

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

• 2 tbsp bourbon (optional)

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prep and Macerate the Peaches

• Peel and dice fresh peaches into small cubes. Place them in a large bowl with the sugar, lemon juice, and the leftover squeezed lemon halves. Stir until just combined, cover the bowl, and let the mixture sit for at least 2 hours or overnight.

• Using Frozen Peaches? Add frozen peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and the squeezed lemon halves directly to the bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow them to thaw and macerate. The next day, break any large peach pieces into smaller chunks if desired.

2. Cook the Jam

• Transfer the peaches and their juices to a heavy-bottomed pot, making sure to scrape in any leftover sugar from the bowl. Add the vanilla bean paste. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 104–105°C on an instant read thermometer.

3. Add the Bourbon

• Remove the pot from heat and stir in the bourbon. Mix well to combine. If you prefer a less boozy taste, add the bourbon earlier in the cooking process to let some of the alcohol cook off.

4. Jar the Jam

• Carefully transfer the hot jam into sterilized jars. You can store it in the fridge for immediate use or process the jars according to canning best practices for long-term storage.Lessons from the Kitchen

Lessons from the Kitchen

Making this jam seemed straightforward at first, but my first attempt took a surprising turn when it scorched faster than I could react. One moment everything was fine, and the next, brown bubbles and smoke were coming from the pot. I learned my lesson: never take your eyes off quick-cooking jams! On the second try, I nailed it. The combination of sweet peaches, bourbon, and fragrant vanilla created a jam that quickly became one of my favourites. It’s perfect spooned over yogurt in the morning, layered in a cake, swirled into muffin batter, or brushed onto pork or chicken as a glaze. The possibilities are endless. Next time, I might add the bourbon earlier to cook off more of the alcohol, but if you enjoy a bolder, boozy taste, this method works beautifully.

A Bold Jam for a Bold Horse

Every jam in my collection is paired with one of the horses at Rumsar Ranch, and this one was an easy match for Sumara. As the leader of the pack, Sumara’s strong and flavour-forward personality perfectly mirrors this jam. Plus, its golden colour reminded me of her chestnut coat. This pairing feels as natural as the peaches and bourbon that inspired the recipe.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself with too many peaches or just want to try a jam with a bold twist, this Peach Bourbon Jam is a must. The sweet peaches, bourbon, and fragrant vanilla create a flavour combination that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re an experienced canner or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Have you ever tried making a boozy jam? I’d love to hear your tips and favourite flavour combinations. Let me know in the comments below!