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    Home » Recipes » Homemade Jam and Jelly

    Homemade Strawberry Jam

    Published: Apr 18, 2019 · Modified: May 19, 2021 by Bowl Me Over · 23 Comments

    Sweet summertime berries, tart lime and the peppery bite of a great tequila combine to make the most delicious strawberry margarita jam!
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Homemade Strawberry Jam with sweet berries and tart lime makes the most amazing preserves! It's easier to make than you think and once you make it you'll never buy jam again!

    Springtime means a combination of my favorite jam flavors - strawberry rhubarb jam! I hope you give recipe a try next!

    A jar of strawberry jam with spoon.

    Homemade Strawberry Jam

    Mix some tequila, lime and salt into strawberry jam and you have a Strawberry Margarita on toast! I am getting ready to go to the family reunion up in Oregon. That means I started making jam about six weeks ago...

    Mandarin Orange Jelly, Christmas in July Pepper Jam and Blueberry Pizzaz Jam are all requested!

    Everyone really loves homemade jams and jellies! My Aunts Barb and Shirley have been known to arm wrestle for it! I love that they really enjoy this treat and I never visit empty handed.

    This time I developed a new recipe that I'm excited to share and let me tell you, this one already has BIG stamps of approval from the friends that I've shared it with!

    Homemade Margarita Jam definitely gets two BIG thumbs up! 👍👍

    Jars of homemade strawberry jam surrounding a bagel spread with sweet jam!

    Sweet spring strawberries make the most delicious jam!

    Strawberry Jam Recipe

    How long has it been since you've done any canning? Has it been awhile? If so, now's the time to jump back into jamming and let's start by answering a few questions.

    Are preserves and jam the same thing?

    • Pretty much, the names are used interchangeably. In both jam and preserves you'll find pieces of fruit.

    Is jelly the same as jam?

    • Nope, they are different! As I'd mentioned above jam contains pieces of fruit. Jelly is made from fruit juice.

    Why do you put lemon juice in strawberry jam?

    • Lemon or lime juice is added when canning to prevent the growth of bacteria.

    Is pectin necessary for jam?

    • Pectin doesn't preserve jelly or jam, but helps it jell so it isn't too runny.

    For more information on making homemade preserves visit National Center for Home Food Preservation.

    Helpful hints when making jam –

    • Clean the fruit by soaking it. Using 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, add the fruit and swish around really well.
    • Never change the amount of sugar the recipe calls for. The sugar not only sweetens the fruit but also preserves it. If you reduce the amount of sugar, you may end up with mold on top of the jam even though you’ve sealed it properly.
    • Don’t change the amount of fruit – if you put in too little, it can get too thick, like paste! Too much fruit and it may not set and will be syrupy.
    • Although the jars and rings are reusable, the lids are not.
    Bagel topped with homemade strawberry jam.

    With something this delicious you're going to want to enjoy every bite!

    How to make Homemade Strawberry Jam

    I know you're absolutely going to love this recipe! Jam making isn't hard but you do have to be precise. When the recipe calls for boiling just one a minute, set a timer. Over processing can make the jam set incorrectly. And the longer it's boiled the more flavor is removed from the fruit.

    Trust me, This is the closest I've ever gotten to chemistry as I (ahem...) graduated from the school of hard knocks! 🤣🤣🤣

    If you like this jam, you'll definitely want to try other jam recipes on my site like; Ja Makin' Me Crazy Mango Jam (seriously delicious!) Bam Bam Pomegranate Jam (with a great POP of spice), or Low Sugar Blueberry Jam and this one is so easy my 10 year old niece made it!

    More uses for preserves

    • Grilling chicken, pork or shrimp? Jams and jellies are a flavorful quick and easy glaze.
    • I use a spoonful in salad dressings to add great flavor!
    • What if the jam doesn't set? Label it as syrup and no one will be the wiser.
    • Preserves make a great hostess gift!

    Step by step directions for homemade strawberry jam recipe

    1. Clean and hull the strawberries (do not chop).
    2. Add the strawberries to a large heavy bottom pan. Using a potato masher, mash the berries well.
    3. Add the juice and zest of the lime and salt as called for in the recipe.
    4. Measure ¼ cup of sugar and mix it with the contents of the Sure-Jell. Sprinkle it into the berry mixture and set it onto the burner on high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
    5. When it comes to a hard boil that you cannot stir down, add the remaining sugar.
    6. Stirring constantly, return it to a hard boil and boil exactly one minute.
    7. Remove from the heat and stir in the tequila - please note the tequila is optional.
    8. Immediately ladle into clean, sterilized jars.

    See it's not hard to make!

    A jar of strawberry jam and bagels.

    You're going to be scraping the bottom of the jar as you enjoy every drop of this amazing jam!

    Amazon Disclosure: Some of the items below contain affiliate links; I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, I only promote things that I love and think you will love, too. For more information, please see our Disclosure Policy.

    Essential Tools to make Homemade Strawberry Jam

    • heavy bottom pan
    • potato masher
    • wooden spoon
    • ladle
    • canning jars, lids and rings
    • hot pan holders
    • timer
    • funnel
    • lifting tongs
    • Sure-Jell Pectin - be sure to get the PINK box
    • National Center for Home Food Preservation

    Try this recipe and love it? Please give me a five-star rating below, I sure would appreciate it!

    If you snap a photo and share it please tag me #bowlmeover or @bowl_me_over so I get to see your photos!

    Lastly, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to comment below or email me [email protected]

    A jar of strawberry jam with a spoon dishing out the bottom of the jar!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 9 votes

    Homemade Strawberry Jam

    Sweet summertime berries, tart lime and the peppery bite of a great tequila combine to make the most delicious strawberry margarita jam!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 36 servings
    Calories: 101kcal
    Author: Deb Clark
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Ingredients

    • 5 cups crushed strawberries You'll need about 10 cups whole strawberries to make 5 cups crushed
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 lime zested and juiced
    • ¼ cup tequila use good tequila! / OPTIONAL
    • 4 cups sugar
    • 1 1.75 sure-jell pectin PINK BOX

    Instructions

    • Clean the strawberries and remove the stems (do not chop).
    • Mash the berries with a potato masher. Measure out exactly 5 cups of crushed berries. Add to a large heavy bottom pot.
    • Add the juice and zest of the lime and one teaspoon salt
    • Measure ¼ cup of sugar and mix it with the contents of the Sure-Jell. Sprinkle it into the berry mixture and set it on the burner. Turn on high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
    • When it comes to a hard boil (one that you cannot stir down) add the remaining sugar.
    • Return it to a hard boil and boil exactly one minute.
    • Remove from the heat. With hot pan holders on immediately stir in ¼ cup tequila. It will bubble and spit a bit! Continue to stir until it is completely incorporated, about a minute. 
    • Ladle into clean, sterilized jars.
    • Using a paper towel clean the top of the jar off completely.
    • Add the lid and screw top. Screw the lid on tightly. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to seal.
    • Remove from the hot water bath and place on a heat-proof surface. You'll hear the jars pop and you'll know they are sealed.

    Notes

    This recipe makes 6 pints of jam.
    The tequila is totally optional - you can omit it from the recipe if you choose.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 32mg | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin C: 12.3mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @BowlMeOver or tag #BowlMeOver!

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    First Published: August 1, 2018... Last Updated: April 18, 2019

    « Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
    Grandma Bertha's Homemade Butter Cookies »

    About Bowl Me Over

    Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kenny

      February 17, 2021 at 5:22 am

      How can this make 6 pints, when you are only using 5 cups of berries (2-1/2 pints)? But it does sound good.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        February 17, 2021 at 10:03 am

        Because of the sugar.

        Reply
    2. Elizabeth

      August 20, 2019 at 10:24 am

      Can I make it without the alcohol love the apricot jam it’s a hit at my home ?

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        August 20, 2019 at 12:15 pm

        YOu bet Elizabeth - you can certainly omit the alchol in this recipe! I'm so glad you're enjoying the jam recipes!

        Reply
    3. Brenda Kelly

      June 19, 2019 at 6:17 am

      Does the alcohol in the tequila cook out. I would love to try this but am concerned about my children. Do you have a recipe for strawberry jam with the alcohol?

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        June 19, 2019 at 6:21 am

        Hey Brenda, good morning! The alcohol does cook off but if it makes you more comfortable you can totally leave the alcohol out on this recipe. I have another delicious recipe for strawberry jam on the blog here that does not contain alcohol - https://bowl-me-over.com/low-sugar-strawberry-jam/ Enjoy the jam!

        Reply
    4. Jennifer Stewart

      April 22, 2019 at 1:40 pm

      5 stars
      Fresh Strawberries and Tequila? This is probably the best Jam recipe I've seen. I want this now!

      Reply
    5. Kathy McDaniel

      August 14, 2018 at 9:34 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is so creative! Way to turn a simple jam into a fabulous and delicious treat! This is the way I will be making jam for sure!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        August 14, 2018 at 7:15 pm

        We just love this recipe, it's super fun and so delicious! Enjoy Kathy!!

        Reply
    6. Michaela Kenkel

      August 13, 2018 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      Do you take orders?? This sounds absolutely delicious!!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        August 14, 2018 at 7:18 pm

        I've been known to yes! 😀 Enjoy Michaela!

        Reply
    7. michele

      August 13, 2018 at 7:03 am

      5 stars
      You had me at margarita jam! This is printed out and I am making this for the end of summer breakfast BBQ in our neighborhood! It sounds perfect for a gift for all the neighbors!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        August 14, 2018 at 7:21 pm

        Homemade Jam is the BEST gift Michele and so easy to make when berries are abundant. Enjoy Michele!

        Reply
    8. Sandra Shaffer

      August 12, 2018 at 12:23 pm

      5 stars
      I definitely prefer jam with real fruit over jelly! We are still going strong with fresh strawberries here in CA. I think I'll make a couple of batches to give as gifts during the holiday season!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        August 14, 2018 at 7:26 pm

        Perfect! It's the BEST gift (if you have any leftover!) Thank you Sandra!

        Reply
    9. Angela

      August 12, 2018 at 8:49 am

      5 stars
      How incredible is this!!!! I am loving the flavor of this jam and really excited to try your recipe!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        August 12, 2018 at 10:27 am

        Wonderful, enjoy Angela! I've made this so many times now and it comes out prefect every time!

        Reply
    10. Carolyn

      August 12, 2018 at 8:12 am

      5 stars
      This would be incredible on an english muffin in the morning!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        August 12, 2018 at 10:26 am

        Absolutely, my Aunt went thru an entire jar over the weekend!

        Reply
    11. Dan from Platter Talk

      August 09, 2018 at 2:38 pm

      5 stars
      I would love to try margarita on toast, any day of the week! Such terrific flavors here!!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        August 12, 2018 at 10:26 am

        One order coming up Dan! 😉

        Reply
    12. Liza

      August 02, 2018 at 8:40 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is genius! I LOVE the idea of adding the tequila to the jam! I'd never think of it, but it should come out so unique and delicious!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        August 12, 2018 at 10:25 am

        It's so good Liza - everyone's favorite this year at the family reunion. I hope you give it a try!

        Reply

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