Gin and Jam Cocktail

The first time I heard the words jam and cocktail used in a sentence I was quite confused. It seemed like two things that did not belong together. Kind of like when people add bacon to drinks. But weirdly enough, the jam really works to sweeten this cocktail.

With the crushed ice this cocktail is basically a grown-up slushie. I call that a win. If you're not a fan of gin you could easily substitute vodka or another clear liquor. I know a lot of people are expecting snow so you can use some fresh snow instead of using crushed ice. You could also substitute other citruses in place of the grapefruit if you have something else on hand.

Add your gin, grapefruit juice, simple syrup*, and jam to your shaker. Add ice and shake until the jam is evenly dispersed (about twenty seconds). Pour into a glass filled with crushed ice.

*Simple syrup is as easy as it sounds. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together equal parts of sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil to dissolve the sugar completely. Take the pan off of the heat and let cool.

Have fun with this drink! Experiment a little. I think I might try using strawberry lemonade instead of the grapefruit and simple syrup with lemon curd next time. A tropical slushie could be made with rum, pineapple juice and coconut milk. The possibilities are endless!

Gin and Jam Cocktail

2 oz gin
1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1 oz simple syrup*
1 teaspoon of seedless raspberry jam plus another teaspoon for garnish

Add gin, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and jam in a shaker with ice.

Shake for twenty seconds or until jam is evenly dispersed.

Pour into a glass filled with crushed ice.

Garnish with a spoonful of jam and stir into the cocktail as you drink.


*Make simple syrup by putting equal parts of water and sugar into a pot over medium-high heat. Once the sugar is completely dissolved let cool.

(Adapted from Tom at Honestly Yum)

I now accept jam as an acceptable addition to cocktails.