Jam Is The Secret Ingredient For A Delicious Spritz

If your cocktails need a juicy, vibrant pick-me-up but aren't sure where to start, look no further than your almost-empty jam jar. You heard that right: The sweet, sticky residue clinging to the sides of the jam jar you're about to rinse and recycle can liven up your favorite spritz recipe without requiring additional labor. It's as simple as shaking a cocktail in a leftover jelly or jam jar and topping it with bubbles.

The jam remnants in the jar infuse your spritz with a burst of fruity sweetness. Unlike artificial syrups, this natural flavor enhancer provides a genuine taste that can elevate your cocktail to a whole new level of refreshing. Plus, the jam jar method is a less demanding option for those who like to muddle fresh fruits into cocktails — but hate the extra effort. Beyond flavor, jam introduces a lush, velvety quality to your drink, giving an ordinary spritz a luxurious texture. The contrast between the aqueous cocktail ingredients and the thick, plentiful consistency of jam brings a succulent, tactile element to the average spritz-sipping experience.

Finally, using every bit of jam in your jar is an eco-friendly practice. By reducing food waste, you're contributing to a more environmentally friendly approach to consumption — double win!

There are many different jam varieties, so your options for fruit-kissed spritzes aren't limited to good old-fashioned blueberry jam-based libations (which we totally love). However, if you don't know where to start, don't worry — we've got you covered. 

Gin fizz, anyone? Dust your favorite bottle of gin off and add it to an almost empty jar of raspberry jam with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Seal the jar, shake it, add ice, top with sparkling water, and enjoy! The juniper-forward notes of gin blend seamlessly with the sweet, slightly sour essence of raspberry jam; bonus points for garnishing with fresh, juicy raspberries. If gin isn't your thing, try a peachy prosecco spritz by rattling vodka and a dash of honey in your leftover jar of peach jam. Add ice cubes, top with prosecco, and garnish with mint leaves for a refreshing, fruity spritz with a boozy bite.

If you need a little spice, muddle fresh jalapeños into a strawberry jam jar before adding tequila, agave nectar, and freshly squeezed lime. Shake it, add ice, and top with your favorite sparkling water. Pro-tip: Strain this fiery spritz before serving to avoid seedy chunks of jalapeño. When it comes to jammy spritzes, the options are endless, so let your creativity and sense of wonder take the wheel to discover what works best for you.