Did you know you can use jams, fruit spreads, and preserves to make your cocktails? Yeah, neither did we but boy are we glad we discovered this. Apparently, the practice of jam cocktails has been around since the 1900s (who knew). Cocktails were created using jams, jellies, preserves, and marmalades as a sweetening agent. So if you’re ever in the mood for a cocktail and are out of simple syrup, reach into your pantry for that jar of fruit spread; it’s the fastest way to add sweetness to cocktails. Today, we’ll be sharing several delicious jam cocktails, all perfect for spring, using Crofter’s Organic fruit spreads.
We’ve previously highlighted the absolutely flavorful organic fruit spreads from Crofter’s Organic; first, when we were introduced to them in 2014 and once again last year when they added more fruit and less sugar to their fruit spreads. This time around, we’re happy to share the versatility of these organic fruit spreads and show you another way you can enjoy them. Let’s get to know some of these Crofter’s Organic jam cocktails.
Peach Bellini
1 ½ Tbsp Crofter’s Organic Premium Peach Fruit Spread
¾ oz Vodka
Prosecco
Ice Cubes (Crushed)
Fresh Mint
Begin by adding Crofter’s Organic Premium Peach Fruit Spread to a cocktail shaker along with ¾ oz vodka and some crushed ice. About 2-3 ice cubes. Shake for 20-30 seconds. Strain the contents of the cocktail shaker into a glass and then top with prosecco. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint. Enjoy!
Mango Radler
¾ Cup Crofter’s Organic Premium Mango Fruit Spread
6 Oz Water
12 Oz Sparkling Water
Fresh Lemon Juice (Half a Lemon)
Fresh Lime Juice (Half a Lime)
4 Cans Beer of Choice (473ml each – We used a local Pale Ale)
In a small saucepot over low heat, combine the Crofter’s Organic Premium Mango Fruit Spread with 6oz of water to thin it out slightly. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced. Remove from heat and strain out any chunks of mango that may be too big. Let cool. In a large beverage, pitcher add in the sparkling water, fresh lemon, and lime juice. Next, add in the mango syrup (once it has cooled slightly). Whisk to combine. Next, slowly pour in the beer to avoid making a lot of foam. We recommend tilting the pitcher for a smoother pour. Give the pitcher one last gentle stir. Now for the taste test! If the mixture is too citrusy add in more sparkling water. If not citrusy enough add in more fresh lemon and lime juice. Keep cool in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Blueberry or Strawberry Mint Lemonade
1 Cup Crofter’s Premium Wild Blueberry Fruit Spread or 1 Cup Crofter’s Premium Strawberry Fruit Spread
¾ Cup Lemon Juice (2-3 Lemons)
1 Cup Cold Water
⅓ Cup Raw Organic Honey
2-3 Mint Leaves
In a blender, combine Crofter’s Organic® fruit spread, lemon juice, cold water, and raw organic honey. Blend until all components are mixed well and frothy. Strain the lemonade from the blender using a cheesecloth to remove the bubbly froth from the top and any clumps that may have missed being blended. Pour the lemonade over ice and garnish with 2-3 mint leaves. Enjoy!
My Easy Little Rum Away
1 Tbsp. Crofter’s Seville Orange Just Fruit Spread
2 oz White Rum
½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
2 oz Pineapple Juice
½ oz Orgeat Syrup
¼ oz Simple Syrup
2-3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Garnishes: Lemon Wheel, Lime Wheel, and Freshly Grated Nutmeg
Combine Crofter’s Seville Orange Just Fruit Spread, rum, juices, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass over ice. Top with bitters and garnish.
Simple Black Currant Mojito
1 Tbsp Crofter’s Organic Just Fruit Back Currant Fruit Spread
4 Fresh Mint Leaves
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 oz Rum of Choice
1 Tsp Caster Sugar
Club Soda or Tonic Water
Crushed Ice
Lime Wedge (Garnish)
Sprig of Mint (Garnish)
Combine Crofter’s Organic Just Fruit Black Currant Fruit Spread, mint leaves, lime juice, and caster sugar in a small bowl. Muddle lightly (just enough to break down the mint leaves to release their flavor). Remove the leaves and place the Black Currant mixture in the bottom of a Collins glass. Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice and then pour your rum of choice on top. Top it off with club soda or tonic water. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!
Raspberry Bramble
4oz Gin
1oz Fresh Lemon Juice
2oz Crofter’s Raspberry Simple Syrup*
1oz Crème de Cassis
Garnishes: Lemon Peel and Fresh Raspberries
First, make the Crofter’s raspberry simple syrup. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the Crofter’s raspberry simple syrup to remove any chunks or debris. This will result in a nice smooth syrup. Let’s make the cocktail! Simply combine all of the bramble ingredients into a shaker and shake to combine. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and pour the Raspberry Bramble over the ice. Garnish with a fresh lemon peel and some fresh raspberries. Enjoy!
*Crofter’s Raspberry Simple Syrup
½ Cup Crofter’s Organic Premium Seedless Raspberry Fruit Spread
½ Cup Water
In a small-to-medium-sized saucepot, combine the Crofter’s Organic Premium Seedless Raspberry Fruit Spread and water. Bring to a boil. Let boil for 5 minutes or so until the sauce begins to thicken up slightly. Remove from heat.
We hope you’ve enjoyed these Crofter’s Organic jam cocktails. We’d love to hear your thoughts on jam cocktails.
