The Most Genius Way to Use Up the Last Bit of a Jam Jar

So, you’ve just finished the last scoop of your favorite jam. After a week or so of delicious PB&Js and jam-smothered biscuits, no amount of spoon-scraping will help you reach the rest of that sticky-sweet goodness. You might think you’ve reached the end, but on the contrary, you’ve actually just unlocked the extraordinary second life of your jam jar.

In fact, that glass jar can turn into a new tool entirely: a cocktail shaker. With just a splash of liquor and a squeeze of citrus, you can mix the remaining preserves into a simple, delicious cocktail with next-level flavor.

Think about it. Fruity, sweet, and pleasantly tart, preserves already hold the keys to a perfectly- balanced cocktail. The jam acts as the sweetener, so there’s no need for extra syrups or sugars. Homemade or store-bought, the single ingredient adds a complex flavor that can brighten up any beverage (and ensures you won't waste a drop!).

This is our editor’s favorite way to use up the “dregs” of a jam jar, especially when making it through the beloved Bonne Maman Advent calendar of preserves.

“Not only is making a cocktail right inside the jam jar a great way to make sure you are using up every last bit of your favorite jam—it's also the easiest way to add flavor and sweetness to a cocktail without having to wait for an infusion or make your own simple syrups,” says Allrecipes editor Devon O’Brien.

And she’s not alone in this thinking. The trend has recently taken off on TikTok, inspiring jar after jar of tasty concoctions. Some users recommend blending blackberry jam with bourbon or apricot jam with gin and lemon, but the suggestions get even more creative from there.

“Hear me out. Do it but with peanut butter whiskey!!!! A PB&J cocktail!” says one commenter.

 “I have so much pepper jelly…this would make a great spicy margarita style drink!” shares another.

It sounds like the clock has officially hit cocktail hour, so grab that near-empty jam jar, and let's get to mixing.

How to Make a Jam Jar Cocktail 

To make sure the jam infuses into the drink and doesn’t stay in sticky clumps, start by pouring a little bit of water into the glass jar (just a few tablespoons will do) and heating it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will loosen the jam from the jar walls and thin out its viscous texture.

Next, add 1 to 2 ounces of your preferred alcohol (vodka, gin, tequila, bourbon, etc.), a squeeze of either lemon or lime, and ice to fill the jar. Seal it with the lid of the jar, and get to shaking.

From there, you can pour it directly into a serving glass with ice or strain it into a stemmed cocktail glass for a sleeker look. Heck, you could even serve it right out of the jam jar to really bring the concept home, but that’s not necessary. Finally, top with a garnish or a splash of sparkling water, and feel like a regular bartender.

Here are some of our editor-favorite combinations to inspire your next jarred drink:

“My favorite combos are simple: Add some gin, a squeeze of fresh lemon, an egg white or some aquafaba (if you like a foamy cocktail) to the jar, shake and strain into a glass then top with a little sparkling water or tonic,” says O’Brien. “Or try a flavored margarita by adding tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur (my favorite is Grand Marnier). and ice to the jam jar, shake it up, then strain it into a tajin-rimmed glass over ice. You really can't go wrong!”