The Most Brilliant Way to Finish Off the Last of Your Jam Jar

So you've just polished off the last spoonful of your favorite jam. After enjoying countless PB&Js and jam-covered biscuits, no amount of scraping will get to the rest of that sweet, sticky goodness. You might think it's over, but in reality, you've only just discovered the incredible second life of your jam jar.

That empty glass jar is now ready for a new role: a cocktail shaker. Just add a splash of liquor and a squeeze of citrus, and you can turn those remaining preserves into a quick, delicious cocktail with a burst of bold flavor.

Consider this: fruity, sweet, and slightly tangy, preserves already have everything you need for a perfectly balanced cocktail. The jam serves as the sweetener, so there’s no need for extra sugar or syrups. Whether homemade or store-bought, this one ingredient can elevate your drink with complexity and depth, ensuring you don’t waste a single drop.

This is hands down our editor’s top way to use up the last remnants of a jam jar, especially when making your way through the cherished Bonne Maman Advent calendar of preserves.

“Not only is crafting a cocktail directly in the jam jar a fantastic way to ensure you use up every last bit of your favorite jam—but it's also the simplest method to add sweetness and flavor to your cocktail without waiting for an infusion or whipping up your own simple syrups,” says Dinogo editor Devon O’Brien.

And she's not alone in this. The trend has recently gone viral on TikTok, sparking a wave of creative jam-based cocktails. Some TikTokers suggest pairing blackberry jam with bourbon or apricot jam with gin and lemon, but the ideas only get more inventive from there.

“Just hear me out: try it with peanut butter whiskey! A PB&J cocktail!” suggests one enthusiastic commenter.

“I’ve got so much pepper jelly... this would make the perfect spicy margarita-style drink!” another user shares.

Looks like it’s officially cocktail hour, so grab that almost-empty jam jar and let’s start mixing up some magic.

How to Craft a Jam Jar Cocktail

To help the jam mix smoothly into the drink and prevent it from clumping, start by adding a few tablespoons of water to the glass jar. Heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to loosen the jam from the sides and thin its texture.

Next, pour in 1 to 2 ounces of your favorite liquor (vodka, gin, tequila, bourbon, etc.), squeeze in some lemon or lime juice, and add ice to fill the jar. Close the lid tightly and shake it up!

Once mixed, you can either pour your drink straight into a glass with ice or strain it into a stylish stemmed cocktail glass for a more polished presentation. If you want to fully embrace the jam jar theme, you could even serve it right from the jar. To finish, garnish your drink or add a splash of sparkling water and feel like a true bartender.

Here are a few of our editor's favorite jam jar cocktail combinations to inspire your next drink creation:

“I like to keep it simple. Add some gin, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and an egg white or aquafaba if you're into a frothy cocktail. Shake it all together, strain into a glass, and top with a little sparkling water or tonic,” shares O’Brien. “Or for a twist on a margarita, mix tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur (Grand Marnier is my go-to), and ice in the jam jar. Shake, strain into a tajin-rimmed glass over ice, and you're good to go!”