This Blackberry Bourbon Jam is a tasty grown-up twist on the classic Blackberry Jam and is so good on biscuits, toast, or fancy appetizer crackers with brie cheese. This is a quick and easy homemade jam recipe that can be made with fresh or frozen blackberries.
This recipe makes two 8-oz jars that can be stored in the fridge (or shared with a friend!) and don't require any canning or special equipment.
Related recipe: Easy Pineapple Jam
Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam
If you're the kind of person who gets excited about making things from scratch and using fresh berries, you're going to love this easy blackberry bourbon jam recipe. It's super easy to make without any fuss, sooo tasty, and a fun grown-up version of blackberry jam thanks to a little bourbon and vanilla extract added to the jam.
It's just enough bourbon to give this jam a little something something, but not enough to overpower it or make you feel tipsy if you're enjoying this jam on breakfast toast or a toasted baguette.
The vanilla extract adds a nice creamy flavor that balances the fruity sweetness of the blackberries. I add it to my mulberry ice cream recipe for that reason too!
Related recipe: Mulberry Syrup
Related recipe: Easy Cherry Syrup
How to serve this jam
My FAVORITE way to enjoy this jam is to serve it with a little clotted cream on biscuits, fresh scones, or croissants. It's also great in these air fryer toaster strudels. A runner up is spreading a little on crackers and topping with a thin slice of brie cheese for a tasty, EASY appetizer.
Related recipe: Easy Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs fresh or frozen blackberries (about 5-6 cups), rinsed well if using fresh
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 lemon (zested plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice)
- 1 cup sugar
Psst: Use leftover bourbon for these mini pecan pie cups!
You'll also need:
- Two 8-oz glass jars with lids.
- A medium saucepan / soup pot, about 2-3 quarts, such as this.
- A wooden spoon or a wire potato masher, to mash the blackberries a little.
Related recipe: Blackberry Spritzers
Instructions
Step 1: If using fresh blackberries, place the rinsed blackberries in a medium-sized sauce pot. Use a wooden spoon or a potato masher to mash the blackberries a bit to help break them open a little. If using frozen blackberries, simply place them in the pot and let them thaw a little. No need to break them up too much because they will break up as they cook.
Step 2: Add the bourbon, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes - this will release the juices from the blackberries.
Step 3: Cook over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to bubble (or if using frozen blackberries, until they thaw - stir frequently). Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until desired thickness. For thicker consistency, simmer an extra 5-10 minutes. Remember, the jam will thicken a little as it cools.
Step 4: Allow the jam to cool, then spoon into jars and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.
More fresh blackberry recipes: Blackberry Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese (Air Fryer)
How long will this jam last?
This jam will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or can be frozen for up to 3 months (though it's best to thaw it within 1 month of freezing). The jam can be frozen when you're getting close to the 3-week mark to preserve it longer. Make sure to use freezer-safe jars if you think there's a chance you'll place this in the freezer.
Related recipe: Hot Pepper Jelly
What kind of bourbon to use
Honestly, any kind of bourbon is fine for this recipe because you're only adding a little bit and cooking it down a little. You don't need the highest quality or most expensive bourbon here, any kind that you have at home (or pick up at the store) is fine.
Related recipe: Vanilla Bourbon Peach Drink
Can I omit the bourbon?
Of course, you can omit the bourbon if you want to make a kid-friendly blackberry jam. No other substitutions are necessary if you want to skip the bourbon, the vanilla and lemon zest gives this blackberry preserves recipe enough flavor without bourbon.
Related recipe: Cherry Limeade
How to make blackberry jam with frozen blackberries
Fresh blackberries are best, if you have those, because they are easy to squish and cook down fast. If you want to use frozen blackberries, I included the instructions above and in the recipe card below. Simply place the frozen blackberries into your sauce pot, add the rest of the ingredients, and gently stir the frozen mass of blackberries as you cook, to allow them to melt. It will take a few minutes longer than with fresh blackberries, but it's a great option for making blackberry jam when blackberries are not in season.
Related recipe: Mulberry Mojitos
How to serve bourbon jam
This jam is great on toast for breakfast (it's not too boozy!), but it also makes a great addition to a cheese platter. It pairs well with crispy fried brie bites and with crackers and cheese.
Related recipe: Bourbon Milkshakes with Bourbon Caramel Sauce
If you enjoyed this recipe, let me know with a comment and a star rating below. And don't forget to share it on Facebook and save it on Pinterest for later!
Blackberry Bourbon Jam
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs blackberries - fresh or frozen (about 5-6 cups), rinsed well if using fresh
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 lemon - (zested plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice)
- 1 cup sugar
Special equipment
- microplane grater
- Two 8-oz jars with lids
Instructions
- If using fresh blackberries, place the rinsed blackberries in a medium-sized sauce pot. Use a wooden spoon or a potato masher to mash the blackberries a bit to help break them open a little. If using frozen blackberries, simply place them in the pot and let them thaw a little. No need to break them up too much because they will break up as they cook.
- Add the bourbon, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes.
- Cook over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to bubble (or if using frozen blackberries, until they thaw - stir frequently). Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until desired thickness. For thicker consistency, simmer an extra 5-10 minutes. The jam will thicken a little as it cools. Carefully taste the jam (it's hot!) and see if you need to add more sugar. If adding more sugar, let it dissolve before removing from heat.
- Allow the jam to cool, then spoon into jars and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.
Notes
- This jam will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or can be frozen for up to 3 months (though it's best to thaw it within 1 month of freezing). The jam can be frozen when you're getting close to the 3-week mark to preserve it longer.
- Serve with toast, scones, biscuits, or on crackers with a slice of brie for a nice appetizer.
Nutrition
The nutritional information displayed is an estimate and not to be used as dietary or nutritional advice. Consult a nutritionist or dietician for nutritional info based on the exact ingredients you use.