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Strawberry Peach Grand Marnier Jam: A Taste of Summer Sunshine

I remember the summer I spent volunteering on a small peach orchard in Georgia. The air was thick with humidity and the sweet, intoxicating scent of ripe peaches. Evenings were spent sitting on the porch with the farmers, swapping stories and slathering homemade strawberry jam on warm biscuits. That taste, a pure distillation of summer’s bounty, has stayed with me, and this Strawberry Peach Grand Marnier Jam is my attempt to recapture that magic. The addition of the Grand Marnier elevates the flavor to something truly special, a sophisticated twist on a classic.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yields: 8-9 8-ounce jars
Dietary Type: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

2 cups crushed strawberries (2 to 3 pints whole strawberries)
2 cups pitted, peeled, and crushed peaches (about 2 pounds peaches)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
7 cups granulated sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon unsalted butter (optional, helps reduce foaming)
1 (3-ounce) envelope liquid pectin
1⁄3 cup Grand Marnier

Equipment Needed

8-quart stainless steel stockpot
Jars (4-ounce, 8-ounce, or pint)
Jar lifter
Water bath canner
Lid lifter (magnetic wand)
Large spoon
Ladle
Measuring cups and spoons
Potato masher or blender (for crushing fruit)

Instructions

Prepare your canning equipment. Wash your jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse well. Keep the jars hot until ready to fill. You can sterilize them by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep the lids hot in simmering water in a small saucepan (do not boil). Fill the water bath canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a simmer.
Prepare the fruit. Wash the strawberries and remove the hulls. Crush them using a potato masher or a quick pulse in a blender – you don’t want a puree, just coarsely crushed. Peel the peaches by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transferring them to an ice bath. The skins should slip right off. Pit the peaches and crush them similarly to the strawberries.
Combine ingredients in the stockpot. In the 8-quart stainless steel stockpot, combine the crushed strawberries, crushed peaches, and lemon juice.
Add sugar and butter (optional). Stir in the sugar and add the butter, if using. The butter helps to minimize foaming during the cooking process.
Dissolve the sugar. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. You shouldn’t feel any granules when you rub a small amount of the mixture between your fingers. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Bring to a rolling boil. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. A “full rolling boil” is one that doesn’t stop when you stir it.
Add the pectin. Stir in the liquid pectin. Make sure to stir it in thoroughly to avoid lumps.
Boil for one minute. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. This is crucial for setting the jam properly. Set a timer!
Remove from heat and skim. Remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface using a spoon. This will give your jam a clearer, more appealing appearance.
Add the Grand Marnier. Stir in the Grand Marnier. The alcohol will cook off slightly, leaving behind its delicious citrus flavor.
Cool slightly. Let the jam cool in the pot for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps prevent the fruit from floating to the top of the jars.
Ladle into jars. Ladle the hot jam into the hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Headspace is the space between the top of the jam and the lid of the jar. Use a jar funnel to minimize spills.
Remove air bubbles and wipe rims. Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the jar on the counter or using a bubble remover tool. Wipe the jar rims and threads with a clean, damp paper towel to ensure a good seal.
Apply lids and bands. Apply the hot lids and screw bands fingertip-tight. Don’t overtighten.
Process in water bath canner. Process 4-ounce, 8-ounce, and pint jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least an inch, and that the water is at a rolling boil throughout the process. Start timing when the water returns to a rolling boil after the jars are added.
Cool and check seals. Remove the jars from the water bath canner using a jar lifter and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool for 12 to 24 hours. Do not disturb them during this time. After they’ve cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If the lid doesn’t flex or pop, the jar is sealed. Alternatively, remove the band; if the lid stays put, it’s sealed.
Store. Store sealed jars in a cool, dry, dark place for up to 1 year. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Fruit Quality: Use the ripest, most flavorful strawberries and peaches you can find. The better the fruit, the better the jam.
Pectin Timing: Adding the pectin at the right moment is crucial for a good set. Make sure the mixture is at a full rolling boil before adding it, and boil for exactly 1 minute afterward.
Test the Set: Before jarring, you can test the set of the jam by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready. If not, continue boiling for a few more minutes, then test again.
Adjust Sweetness: If your peaches are particularly sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly. Taste the mixture before adding the pectin and adjust accordingly. However, remember that sugar is important for both flavor and preservation.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Strawberry Peach Grand Marnier Jam is delicious on toast, biscuits, scones, or muffins. It’s also wonderful as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or pancakes. Use it to glaze a ham or roasted chicken for a sweet and tangy twist. It makes a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift.

Once opened, store the jam in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	210 kcal	10%
Total Fat	0g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	54g	18%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	52g	–
Protein	0g	0%

Variations & Substitutions

Spiced Jam: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
Bourbon or Rum: Substitute the Grand Marnier with an equal amount of bourbon or rum for a different flavor profile.
Other Fruits: Experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or plums, in combination with the peaches.
Sugar Alternatives: While not recommended for canning due to preservation concerns, you could experiment with a small amount of honey or agave nectar in addition to the sugar to add a depth of flavour. Do not substitute it entirely for the sugar in this recipe if you intend to can the jam.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do I need to add lemon juice?
A: Lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness of the fruit and also provides pectin, which is essential for the jam to set properly. It also helps prevent browning.

Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: Yes, you can use frozen fruit. Thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before using it in the recipe.

Q: My jam didn’t set. What can I do?
A: If your jam didn’t set, you can try re-cooking it. Add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice and boil it again for a few minutes, testing for the set periodically. You can also purchase pectin specifically designed for rescuing unset jams.

Q: Can I make this jam without canning?
A: Yes, you can make this jam without canning. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks.

Q: Why did my jars break in the canner?
A: Jars can break if they are not heated properly before being placed in the canner, or if there is a sudden temperature change. Always make sure the jars are hot and that the water in the canner is at a simmer before adding the jars.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Peach Grand Marnier Jam is a truly special treat. The combination of sweet berries and peaches, enhanced by the citrus notes of the Grand Marnier, is simply irresistible. Don’t be intimidated by the canning process; it’s easier than you think, and the rewards are well worth the effort. I encourage you to try this recipe and share the fruits (literally!) of your labor with friends and family. Let me know how it turns out! Maybe spread it on a homemade scone and enjoy with a cup of earl grey tea. What could be better?

Strawberry Peach Grand Marnier Jam Recipe