Jam Seltzer Drink

Jam seltzer drinks are my latest summer obsession and I can't believe how something so simple can taste so darn good. I've been making these almost daily since I spotted the trend, and honestly, they've saved me from my afternoon soda habit while being way more interesting than plain water.

I discovered this drink last July when I was cleaning out my fridge and found about six half-empty jam jars. Instead of tossing them, I remembered seeing something on TikTok about mixing jam with seltzer. My first attempt with strawberry jam was so good I immediately made another with blackberry. Now my friends text me before stopping by to make sure I have "that jam drink" ready!

What You'll Need

• Whatever jam is hiding in your fridge - honestly any flavor works but berry jams are my go-to
• Plain or flavored seltzer water - I usually grab whatever's on sale
• Fresh lemon juice - bottled works in a pinch but fresh tastes way better
• Ice - bigger cubes melt slower so your drink stays stronger
• Fresh herbs or fruit for garnish if you're feeling fancy (I usually skip this for everyday)

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How I Make It

Start With Jam

Spoon a glob of jam into the bottom of your glass - about a tablespoon or two depending on how sweet you want it. I usually go heavier with tart jams like raspberry and lighter with sweet ones like peach. The cheapest store-brand jam works fine, but those fancy farmer's market preserves with chunks of fruit make it next-level good.

Add Some Zing

Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice right on top of the jam. This cuts through the sweetness and helps break down the jam a bit. I learned the hard way that skipping this step makes the drink way too sweet and the jam clumps up at the bottom.

Quick Stir

Give it a quick stir with a spoon to start breaking up the jam. Don't worry about getting it completely smooth - those little jam pockets you hit while drinking are actually the best part.

Bubbles Time

Pour in your seltzer slowly - it'll foam up if you go too fast. I like watching the bubbles carry little streaks of jam up through the glass. Weirdly satisfying. Fill it most of the way but leave room for ice.

Final Touches

Drop in some ice cubes and give it one last gentle stir. If I'm making these for friends, I'll stick a strawberry on the rim or float a few blueberries on top, but for myself, I don't bother with the fancy stuff.

My neighbor Mark stopped by unexpectedly one hot afternoon when I was making one with my homemade blackberry jam. He looked at me like I was crazy when I offered him one, but after his first sip, he literally went home and came back with his own jar of apricot preserves to try. Now it's our thing to text each other whenever we come up with a good new combination.

Favorite Combos

I've probably tried twenty different jam and seltzer combinations by now. Raspberry jam with lime seltzer tastes like some fancy cocktail you'd pay $15 for at a beach resort. Orange marmalade with plain seltzer and a rosemary sprig tastes surprisingly sophisticated. My weird-but-actually-amazing discovery was fig jam with grapefruit seltzer - sounds strange but tastes incredible.

Boozy Version

When friends come over for Saturday afternoon hangouts, I add a splash of whatever spirits we have around. Vodka disappears into the mix and lets the fruit shine. My friend Carla brings over prosecco instead of seltzer sometimes, and it turns into this amazing brunch drink that's dangerously easy to drink.

How I Serve It

Nothing fancy here - just a regular glass. Though I did buy some thrift store coupes that make the boozy versions feel extra special. If I'm hosting a get-together, I'll put out different jams, seltzers, and add-ins and let people make their own. Everyone gets weirdly excited about it - way more than you'd expect for something so simple.

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My Personal Tips

• If your jam has been in the fridge forever and is super stiff, let it sit out for 5 minutes first
• Homemade jam or the fancy stuff with big fruit chunks makes for the prettiest drinks
• Lime sometimes works better than lemon with tropical-flavored jams

Last summer at our block party, I set up a jam seltzer station instead of the usual lemonade stand. My neighbor Tom, who's in his seventies and typically sticks to his "same drink for 40 years," tried my raspberry version and now makes them for his grandkids when they visit. He calls them "bubble jam drinks" and the kids think he invented them. I haven't had the heart to tell him it's just a TikTok trend!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of jam works best for this drink?

Any jam works! Try strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, peach, or apricot. Seedless varieties will give you a smoother drink, but it's totally up to your preference.

→ Can I use sparkling water instead of seltzer?

Yes! Seltzer, sparkling water, and club soda all work well. For extra flavor, try using a flavored sparkling water that complements your jam.

→ Is this drink alcoholic?

No, this is a non-alcoholic beverage. However, you could add a splash of vodka, gin, or prosecco to make an adult version if desired.

→ How can I make this drink less sweet?

Use less jam (just 1 tablespoon) and add a bit more lemon juice. You could also use a sugar-free or low-sugar jam alternative.

→ What are some good garnish combinations?

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

→ Can I make a large batch for a party?

Yes! Mix jam and lemon juice in a pitcher, but add seltzer just before serving to maintain carbonation. Scale up ingredients based on serving size.