Inspired jam flavors are the perfect base for syrups for cocktails. In just a few minutes, you can easily create a variety of simple syrups to elevate your craft libations.
This is a sponsored post, written by me on behalf of Ravens Original. All opinions are 100% my own.
You'll love making your own simple syrup using the creative jams in your pantry. It's the perfect way to kick your cocktails up a notch!
Flavored simple syrup made with jam creates a world of opportunities for creating interesting craft cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. It takes just minutes, the craft cocktail syrups store well, and the possibilities are practically endless!
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What is simple syrup?
A basic simple syrup is typically equal parts water and sugar. It has a variety of culinary uses, but typically it is used in small amounts in cocktails to sweeten them.
You can make a classic simple syrup a bit more interesting by subbing the granulated sugar in the recipe for brown sugar, real cane sugar, or even honey, but we like to take it a step further.
These simple syrups made with jam are our favorite way to take those basic cocktails from boring to BAM!
What type of jam is best for making cocktail syrups?
You can certainly use jams with classic flavors and that will work fine, but there's no reason to stop there.
Our friends at Raven's Nest have created a line of uniquely flavored jams that have been crafted in small batches with their signature "sweet with a little heat" kick. Use them as the base for cocktail syrups and you've got the key ingredient for those cocktail recipes before you can blink an eye.
How to make syrup from jam
You won't believe how easy it is to make your own syrup at home!
- We found the perfect water to jam ratio to be 1 part water to 2 parts jam. So we used ½ cup water and 1 cup jam.
- Stir them together in a small saucepan over medium low to medium heat.
- After the mixture bubbles, stir and cook for about two minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, 5-6 should be enough cooling time.
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer and if needed, use a funnel to get the syrup into a bottle or jar.
- That's it! As soon the simple syrup cools completely to room temperature you're ready to begin some fun mixology.
- We stored our syrups in the refrigerator in an airtight container for over two weeks with absolutely no diminishing of the flavor or quality.
Be ready to make your flavored syrups by stocking up on unique jams
First, you'll want to see if Raven's Nest products are carried in a specialty shop in your area. Check out their Shop Local section. You may be surprised to find them right around the corner as they're located all over the U.S.
By having a bunch of interesting jams on hand, you can make different syrups whenever you want. This is the key to great cocktails with a unique blend of flavors right in your own home bar!
Keep in mind that Raven's Nest will they'll happily ship to you, and you'll want to peruse their spice blends and butters as well.
What drinks can you make with these simple syrups for cocktails?
Let your imagination go wild! Get creative and leave us some comments on what all you come up with. We started out by making a substitution with our Ravens Nest Syrups for one ingredient in three classic cocktails.
In the one you see above, we made a margarita, but instead of Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, we added a shot of Blackberry Jalapeno Syrup. The fruity/spicy combo was a great addition to the classic margarita!
This next one is a personal favorite, and we call it the Spicy Bellini. We put about ½-2/3 of a shot of the Hot Peach Syrup in the bottom of a champagne flute. Fill the glass with prosecco and boom!
We think the syrup made from Raven's Cinnamon Pear jam just screams to be paired with a good whiskey. So an Old Fashioned got a twist by adding Cinnamon Pear Syrup instead of the traditional sugar cube.
In addition to using the syrups in a variety of cocktails, we have also tried using the jam syrups in iced tea and lemonade. They are the perfect addition to these everyday drinks!
EACH AND EVERY ONE OF RAVEN'S JAMS MAKES DELIGHTFUL SYRUPS FOR COCKTAILS. BESIDES THE THREE WE USED HERE, YOU'LL LOVE THESE FRUITY FLAVORS TOO:
- Raspberry Jalapeno Jam
- Peach Habanero Jam
- Strawberry Jalapeno Jam
- Mango Habanero Jam
A final word about Raven's Nest
We are proud to represent this woman-owned southern company. Raven, who is the mother of the current owner, started the business many years ago. That mother-daughter bond really hits home with us like we know it does with many of you.
We have personally created with, tasted and cooked with many of their products, and can honestly say we believe you'll love them as much as we do.
If you make any of our recipes we'd love for you to leave us a comment and star rating. If you're into sharing your creations, snap a photo and tag us when you post it to Facebook or Instagram.
This recipe made the suggested list for the Backyard BBQ Menu Ideas. You'll want to visit for lots of other recipes as well as tips, tricks and planning help for your cookout.
For a fun look at making these syrups for gifts check out the Google Web Story.
📖 Recipe
Syrups for Cocktails Made with Jam
Ingredients
- 1 cup fruit jam
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Stir water and jam together in a small to medium sauce pan.
- Stir over medium low to medium heat until mixture bubbles.
- Continue stirring and cooking for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool 5-6 minutes.
- Pour through fine mesh strainer into bottle or jar, moving solid fruit pieces to the side as needed.
- Cool completely before using in cocktails.
Emily Flint says
Easiest syrup ever!! Now I can ake any flavor cocktail I want whenever I want!! Thanks for the easy recipe.
Pam says
Thank you, Emily!
Tavo says
Really nice post! I loved all the tips! I'll definitely put them to practice next weekend!
Kechi says
This is fantastic, I love the idea. Also, what a beautiful variations! This is on my list to try soonest!
Katia says
Im thinking girl night out with these syrups! yummy!
Pam says
That's a fun idea - set up a cocktail bar with the different syrups!
Joanna says
These are great! I am making a bunch to give as holiday gifts. About how long will they be able to go without being in the refrigerator?
Pam says
I'm not sure Joanna. I would think of it like a jar of jam. You wouldn't want it to sit out for more than 2 or 3 hours. In the refrigerator though we've had them last just fine for a long time - months even.
Elizabeth says
This is such a clever food hack! Much more budget-friendly than buying a bottle of syrup which will get used a few times and then go to waste!
Pam says
Exactly! Thanks, Elizabeth!