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Homemade Cherry Bourbon Jam in a jar with fresh cherries and bourbon bottles

Cherry–Bourbon Pepper Jam

A sweet and slightly spicy cherry jam enhanced with bourbon, perfect for cheese boards and weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 3 half-pint jars
Course: Condiment, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 0.5 cups bourbon
  • 0.25 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 2 pieces red chili peppers, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
  • 1 packet fruit pectin (1.75 oz)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Add cherries, sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, minced chili peppers, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using) to a large pot. Stir well.
  2. Warm over medium heat until the mixture just simmers and the sugar dissolves.
  3. Turn the heat up a bit and whisk in the fruit pectin until it disperses evenly.
  4. Watch closely as the mixture comes to a rolling boil — bubbles should not stop when stirred.
  5. Boil for about 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens and takes on a glossy, syrupy look.
  6. Once the jam coats the spoon with a clear ribbon, remove from heat.
  7. Let cool a few minutes, then ladle into sterilized jars, seal, and refrigerate or process in a water bath for long-term storage.

Notes

For best results, pit cherries with a chopstick for speed, and avoid boiling too hard to prevent a gummy texture. This jam can be paired with various dishes, such as cheeseboards, grilled meats, or as a spread for brunch.