🍑 Bourbon Spiced Vanilla Peaches
A Grown-Up Treat in a Jar!
📌 In This Article
🍑 The Peach Story
"Bourbon spiced vanilla peaches — a grown-up treat in a jar!"
There's something magical about peaches. Sweet, juicy, and fragrant — they're the essence of summer. But when you add bourbon, vanilla, and warm spices? They become something truly extraordinary.
These Bourbon Spiced Vanilla Peaches are a grown-up treat that's perfect for so many things. Serve them over ice cream, use them in cocktails, or just eat them straight from the jar. Pure indulgence in every bite.
💬 The verdict: "Bourbon spiced vanilla peaches — a grown-up treat in a jar!"
🥃 A Grown-Up Treat
Sophisticated & Delicious
🍑"Bourbon, vanilla, and warm spices transform peaches into something truly special!"
Bourbon
Adds warmth and depth
Vanilla
Sweet and aromatic
Warm Spices
Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove
A sophisticated twist on a classic!
📦 Ingredients
🍑 For the Peaches
- 🍑 8-10 lbs fresh peaches – About 16-20 medium peaches
🥃 For the Syrup
- 💧 3 cups water
- 🍬 2 cups sugar – Or brown sugar for depth
- 🍯 1/2 cup honey – Optional
- 🥃 1 cup bourbon – Good quality
- 🌿 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 🍋 1/4 cup lemon juice – Bottled
- 🌿 2 cinnamon sticks
- 🌰 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 🌿 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 🫚 1-inch fresh ginger – Optional
💡 Pro tip: "Use a good quality bourbon — it makes all the difference in the flavor!"
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Equipment
- Prepare your water bath canner, jars, and lids.
- Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Keep jars hot until ready to fill.
💡 Pro tip: "Always start with hot, sterilized jars for a good seal!"
Step 2 – Prepare the Peaches
- Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30-60 seconds.
- Transfer to an ice bath.
- Peel the skins off (they should slip right off).
- Slice peaches in half or quarters and remove pits.
- Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
⚠️ Important: "Blanching makes peeling peaches quick and easy!"
Step 3 – Make the Bourbon Spiced Syrup
- In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, honey, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in bourbon and vanilla extract.
💡 Pro tip: "Add the bourbon after removing from heat to preserve its flavor."
Step 4 – Pack the Jars
- Pack the peach slices into hot jars.
- Leave 1/2 inch headspace.
- Ladle the hot bourbon spiced syrup over the peaches.
- Make sure the peaches are fully submerged.
- Remove air bubbles with a bubble remover.
⚠️ Important: "Don't overpack the jars — the peaches need room for the syrup."
Step 5 – Seal and Process
- Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth.
- Add lids and rings — finger-tight.
- Process in a boiling water bath for:
- Pints: 20 minutes
- Quarts: 25 minutes
- Adjust for altitude if necessary.
⚠️ Important Safety Warning
This recipe is safe for water bath canning due to the high sugar and acid content. However, always follow safe canning practices from the USDA or your local extension service.
The alcohol content cooks off during processing, leaving only the flavor.
Step 6 – Cool and Store
- Remove jars and cool on a dishtowel for 24 hours.
- Check seals — the lid should be concave and not flex.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
💡 Pro tip: "Listen for that satisfying 'pop' — that's the sound of a perfect seal!"
🍽️ How to Use Your Bourbon Spiced Peaches
🍨 On Desserts
- 🍦 Ice Cream Topping: Warm and pour over vanilla ice cream
- 🍰 Cake Topping: Serve over pound cake or cheesecake
- 🥧 Pie Filling: Use in a peach pie or tart
- 🍮 Panna Cotta: Spoon over panna cotta
💡 Pro tip: "Warm peaches over vanilla ice cream is absolutely divine!"
🍹 In Cocktails
- 🥃 Old Fashioned: Add a spoonful to your cocktail
- 🍹 Peach Bellini: Blend with prosecco
- 🍸 Whiskey Sour: Add for a peachy twist
- 🥤 Peach Iced Tea: Stir into iced tea
🧀 On Cheese Boards
- 🧀 Pair with Brie: A gourmet combination
- 🧀 With Goat Cheese: Sweet and tangy
- 🧀 With Sharp Cheddar: A classic pairing
💡 Pro tip: "These peaches are also amazing as a gift — everyone loves them!"
🥫 How to Store
- 🏠 Pantry: Up to 1 year in a cool, dark place
- 🧊 Refrigerator after opening: Up to 1 month
- 🎁 Great gift: Beautiful in a jar with a ribbon
💡 Pro tip: "Label your jars with the date so you know when they were canned."
💡 Pro Tips
- 🍑 Use ripe but firm peaches: They hold their shape better.
- 🥃 Use good bourbon: It makes all the difference.
- 🌿 Real vanilla: Pure vanilla extract is worth it.
- 🌰 Warm spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add depth.
- 📏 Leave headspace: 1/2 inch is essential for safety.
- 🫙 Use new lids: Old lids may not seal properly.
- 🏷️ Label everything: Date and contents on every jar.
💡 Pro tip: "These peaches are a grown-up treat that everyone will love!"
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the alcohol cook off?
Yes, most of the alcohol cooks off during processing, leaving only the flavor.
❓ Can I use a different alcohol?
Yes! Whiskey, rum, or brandy all work well.
❓ Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Use 1 cup of apple juice or peach nectar instead.
❓ How long do these peaches last?
Up to 1 year when properly canned and stored.
❓ Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes, but fresh is best for this recipe.
❓ Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but it may affect the flavor and preservation.
❓ What if I don't want to can them?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
❓ Can I add other spices?
Yes! Star anise or cardamom are great additions.
❓ How many jars does this make?
About 6 pint jars.
❓ Will I ever buy canned peaches again?
Probably not! Homemade is so much better!
📄 Printable Recipe Card
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║ BOURBON SPICED VANILLA PEACHES ║
║ A Grown-Up Treat in a Jar! ║
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YIELD: 6 pint jars | TIME: ~1 hour | PROCESS: 20 min (pints)
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INGREDIENTS
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- 8-10 lbs fresh peaches
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 cup honey (optional)
- 1 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1-inch fresh ginger (optional)
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INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Prepare water bath canner, jars, and lids.
2. Blanch peaches to remove skins. Slice and remove pits.
Toss with lemon juice.
3. Make syrup: combine water, sugar, honey, cinnamon,
nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Boil until dissolved.
Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in bourbon
and vanilla.
4. Pack peaches into hot jars, leaving 1/2" headspace.
Ladle hot syrup over peaches.
5. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, add lids and rings.
6. Process in water bath: Pints 20 min, Quarts 25 min.
7. Cool, check seals, and store.
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HOW TO USE
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✓ Ice cream topping
✓ Cocktails (Old Fashioned, Bellini)
✓ Cheese boards
✓ Cake topping
✓ Gift jars
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GROWN-UP INDULGENCE! 🍑
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"Bourbon spiced vanilla peaches —
a grown-up treat in a jar!" ❤️
© CanningRebels — Bourbon Spiced Vanilla Peaches
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