Blake's Triple Jam Cider Recipe

Combine liquids

In a medium saucepan, pour 3 cups dry hard cider and 1 cup apple juice. Warm the mixture over low heat until it steams but does not boil (about 4–6 minutes). Warming helps dissolve the jams and meld flavors without driving off carbonation entirely if you prefer a lightly fizzy result.

Add acidity

Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the blend. Keep heat low and stir gently.

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine 1 tablespoon strawberry jam, 1 tablespoon apricot (or peach) jam, and 1 tablespoon blackberry (or raspberry) jam. Add a splash (about 1–2 teaspoons) of warm cider from the saucepan and whisk until smooth and pourable to create a jam slurry.

Whisk the jam slurry into the warmed cider mixture until fully incorporated and smooth. Continue to heat gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring, so the jams fully dissolve into the cider base.

Stir in 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey) to balance tartness. Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 whole star anise to infuse warm spice notes. Let the mixture steep off heat for 5 minutes with the pan covered to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust: add up to 1/2 teaspoon more syrup if you want sweeter, or another pinch of cinnamon for more warmth.

Remove the star anise and discard. If you prefer a smoother, less pulpy drink, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher, pressing gently on solids to extract flavor; otherwise leave as-is for more texture.

Fill two cocktail glasses with large ice cubes (divide the 1 cup of ice between them).

Pour the warm jam-cider mixture into the glasses, dividing evenly (about 2 cups per glass if warm and you used no loss — this recipe makes about 4 cups, serving 2 generously). If you prefer the drink cold, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes or pour over ice immediately.

Garnish each glass with two thin apple slices and two fresh mint leaves. Optionally, finish with a light crack of black pepper (a pinch from the 1 teaspoon) on top for a subtle bite that contrasts the jam sweetness.

Serve immediately while the drink is slightly warm for a cozy cocktail, or chilled over ice for a refreshing summer version. Provide a small spoon or straw to stir before drinking if any sediment from the jams settled.