Strawberry Vanilla Jam with a Twist of Pink Gin Recipe
This delightful Strawberry Vanilla Jam with Gin is a luscious preserve combining ripe strawberries, sweet vanilla, and a splash of pink gin for a unique twist. Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on desserts, or gifting to loved ones, this jam blends fruity sweetness with aromatic vanilla and a subtle boozy depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 jars (250 ml each)
- Category: Preserves/Jams
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
Jam Ingredients
- 700 g strawberries, hulled and halved
- 300 g granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 1/3 cup lemon juice)
- 2 cl pink gin
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Rinse the strawberries under cold water, hull them by removing the green leafy tops, and halve or quarter them depending on size. This ensures even cooking and better texture in the jam.
- Combine ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the strawberries, granulated sugar, scraped vanilla seeds and pod, and the lemon juice. Stir gently to combine, allowing the sugar to start dissolving into the fruit juices.
- Cook the jam: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20–30 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens and reaches the setting point, which can be tested by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate – it should wrinkle when pushed with a finger.
- Add the gin: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the 2 cl pink gin. The gin adds a subtle botanical note and depth of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the strawberries and vanilla.
- Jar the jam: Discard the vanilla pod. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 0.5 cm headspace. Seal immediately while hot to create a vacuum seal. Let the jars cool to room temperature, then store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate once opened.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- The setting point of the jam is around 104°C (219°F); testing consistency on a chilled plate helps determine readiness.
- Pink gin adds subtle floral and citrus notes, but can be omitted or replaced with plain gin if preferred.
- Sterilize jars by boiling or heating in an oven to ensure safe preservation.
- This jam keeps for up to 3 months unopened; refrigerate after opening and use within 3 weeks.
