Jam Sparkling Refresh

I'm totally hooked on jam seltzer drinks this summer and can't get over how such a basic combo packs so much flavor. They've become my daily go-to, ever since I spotted them trending, and they've helped me ditch my afternoon soda while being way more fun than drinking plain water.

This drink caught my eye last summer during a fridge cleanout when I found several partially used jam jars. Instead of throwing them away, I remembered a TikTok clip about jam and seltzer mixtures. My strawberry trial was so tasty I quickly whipped up another with blackberry. These days my buddies check in before visits to make sure I've got "that bubbly jam thing" waiting!

Your Ingredients

• Any jam lurking in your refrigerator - all flavors work though I typically grab berry varieties
• Seltzer water (plain or flavored) - whatever's cheapest works fine
• Lemon juice squeezed fresh - store-bought will do in emergencies but fresh is better
• Ice cubes - larger ones keep your drink from getting watered down
• Herbs or fruit pieces for decoration if you're showing off (I usually skip this daily)

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My Simple Method

Begin With Preserves

Drop a dollop of jam into your glass bottom - roughly one or two tablespoons depending on your sweetness preference. I generally use more with tangy jams like raspberry and less with sweeter ones like peach. Basic supermarket jam does the job, but those special farmers market preserves with fruit chunks really make it amazing.

Add Brightness

Drizzle fresh lemon juice directly onto the jam. This balances the sweetness and starts breaking down the preserves. I learned from experience that missing this part makes everything too sweet and leaves jam chunks stuck at the bottom.

Brief Mix

Stir with a spoon to loosen the jam. Don't stress about making it totally smooth - finding those little pockets of jam while drinking is actually the highlight.

Add Fizz

Pour seltzer in gradually - it bubbles up if you rush. I enjoy watching those bubbles pull tiny jam streaks through the drink. Oddly mesmerizing. Fill most of the glass but save space for ice.

Finishing Up

Toss in ice cubes and stir once more very gently. When making these for company, I'll stick fruit on the edge or float berries on top, but for myself, I don't bother getting fancy.

My buddy Mark dropped by unexpectedly during a hot afternoon while I was fixing one with my homemade blackberry preserves. He gave me a skeptical look when offered a glass, but after one taste, he literally went home and returned with his own apricot jam to try. Now we message each other whenever we discover a tasty new mix.

Winning Combinations

By now I've probably tested dozens of jam and seltzer pairings. Raspberry jam mixed with lime seltzer tastes like something you'd pay big bucks for at a fancy resort bar. Orange marmalade with unflavored seltzer and a sprig of rosemary tastes surprisingly grown-up. My strange-but-wonderful discovery was fig jam with grapefruit seltzer - sounds odd but tastes fantastic.

Adult Version

For weekend gatherings with friends, I'll add a splash of whatever alcohol we have around. Vodka blends in completely and lets the fruit flavors stand out. My friend Carla sometimes brings prosecco instead of seltzer, and it turns into this wonderful daytime cocktail that goes down way too easily.

Serving Suggestions

Just grab whatever glasses you've got. Though I did pick up some secondhand coupe glasses that make the alcohol versions feel special. When hosting gatherings, I'll set out various jams, seltzers, and mix-ins for a DIY station. People get surprisingly excited about it - much more than you'd think for something this simple.

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Expert Advice

• When your jam has hardened from sitting in the fridge too long, let it warm up for a few minutes
• Boutique preserves or homemade jam with chunks of fruit creates the most visually appealing drinks
• With mango or pineapple jams, lime often works better than lemon

During our community block party last year, I created a jam seltzer bar instead of serving regular lemonade. My elderly neighbor Tom, who hasn't changed his drink choice in decades, tried my raspberry creation and now makes them when his grandkids visit. He calls them "bubble jam drinks" and the little ones think he created them. I haven't told him it's just something popular from social media!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of jam should I use?

Go with any type you like! Strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, peach, or apricot all work. Seedless options make for a smoother sip, but it's your call.

→ Can sparkling water replace seltzer?

Definitely! Feel free to use seltzer, club soda, or sparkling water. Adding a flavored sparkling water can amp up the taste to match your jam.

→ Does this drink contain booze?

Not at all—it's alcohol-free! If you'd like to spice it up for adults, a splash of vodka, gin, or prosecco is great.

→ How can the sweetness be toned down?

Cut back on the jam—try just a tablespoon and add extra lemon juice to balance it. Alternatively, pick a sugar-free or low-sugar jam.

→ What are fun garnish ideas?

Pair strawberry jam with strawberries and mint, blackberry jam with blackberries and thyme, or peach jam with peach slices and basil.

→ Can it be scaled for parties?

Of course! Mix jam and lemon juice in a pitcher, but wait to stir in seltzer until serving. Adjust amounts based on your crowd.