Our friend and cookbook author Caroline Chambers put the jar-garita on the map in 2020, when we were all staying home but wanting a bit of happy hour, too. The idea was simple: Use the leftover drips and drops of strawberry jam to make your new favorite margarita. All of the internet was hooked.

Inspired by that cocktail—and because we always want to shake up a good drink—we turned that empty jar into a jam jar martini, or a jar-tini if you will.

This is a strong little thing, we won’t lie. It’s not unbearably strong—after all, you do need to keep your head about you—but you can tell there’s vodka in there, let’s put it that way. The sugar from the jam cuts the strength a little, and the acidity from the lemon provides balance and cuts some of the sweetness. The final drink feels bright and refreshing, with the jam adding a subtle berry note. 

Editor’s Note: This recipe was developed by Giovanna Vazquez; the headnote was written by Kimberly Holland.