Try this wonderful Strawberry Gin Jam Cocktail to get all of the fruitiness we love and sweetness from the jam instead of a simple syrup. So easy. Cheers!

I’ve always wanted to acquire enough of a taste for scotch that I could belly up to any bar and with great stoicism speak the words: “Scotch, neat.”

Still working on that. Meantime, I do love a gorgeous cocktail. A sweet-tart cocktail that makes me feel like all is well with the world, at least while I sip. Peggy, our resident mixologist (my sister!) magically steps away from the bar at home holding out something beautiful in her hand. She holds it out and simply says, “taste.” Taste we do!

When I ask her secret to all things delicious cocktail, she whispers (it really is a secret): JAM! Jam or jelly covers all of the cocktail bases, imparting sweetness and fruitiness in one fell swoop without the need for simple syrup. Now we do love our simple syrups but the ease of that jam jar is so excellent. Plus, and above all, jam brings in the flavor of a softer season mid-winter. This is a year-round drink that’s especially comforting come February in Michigan, when we want and need strawberry. And a little of the sauce too. Read on for the simple way to make a Strawberry Gin Jam Cocktail!

Ingredients to make a Strawberry Gin Jam Cocktail

Strawberry Jam. I’m a huge fan of these Strawberry Rose preserves from Lebanese maker Mymouné. But any will do!

Rose Water. To get a gentle floral rose that pairs so well with strawberry, add a drop (just a drop!) of rose water to the shaker.

Gin. Take your pick. I like Bombay Saphhire because, well, the blue bottle is gorgeous.

Lemon Juice. Freshly squeezed. There’s a lot of lemon juice in this cocktail and this is KEY to the sweet-tart flavor that is so very good here.

Egg white. Ahhhh the foam. Use a fresh egg white. Yes, this is optional if raw egg is not for you.

Fresh strawberries, for a beauty of a garnish.

How to make the cocktail, step by simple step

A shaker is essential, but a specialty shaker is not. Grab a jar with a lid and you’re good to go.

Step 1. DRY SHAKE the ingredients for 30 seconds. This means shaking everything up before adding ice, to encourage more of the foamy froth. Add the strawberry jam, gin, lemon juice, and egg white to the shaker. Include that drop of rose water if using.

Step 2. Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Shake again for 30 seconds.

Step 3. Pour the mixture into a coupe glass. For a smooth drink, strain the liquid as you pour it into the glasses. Spoon froth from the shaker and/or strainer onto the cocktail.

Step 4. Garnish the cocktail with a whole fresh strawberry on a pick.

Substitutions and tips for the Strawberry Gin Jam Cocktail

This cocktail is quite versatile, when you consider the world of fruit flavors to explore. Pick your favorite jam and go for it. Apricot is delicious. Raspberry, ditto. Cherry, so yes!

Can this drink be made non-alcoholic? Why yes! Substitute the gin with non-alcoholic sparkling wine or even tonic or soda water. Note with those the flavor may soften, so add more jam or lemon juice to get you there.

If gin is not your jam, look to vodka or tequila. Clear alcohol is best to allow the color and flavor of the fruit jam to shine through.

More Cocktail Recipes to try

Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail

Orange Blossom Gin Fizz

Mulberry Manhattan

The St. Germain Cocktail