Refreshing Strawberry Gin Cocktail (Gin and Jam Cocktail)

This Strawberry Gin Cocktailis as simple as it is refreshing-a quick mix of strawberry jam, gin, fresh lemon juice, and tonic water that delivers bright, fruity flavor in every sip. Light, balanced, and effortlessly elegant, it's the perfect gin cocktail for sunny afternoons or special occasions like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. 

My husband and I love a classic gin and tonic, but we also enjoy experimenting with fresh, seasonal flavors at home. Over time, that's led to a few fun cocktail creations, including this strawberry gin cocktail and our festive pomegranate gin cocktail.

This gin and jam cocktail is a brilliant way to use up leftover strawberry jam and works perfectly for impromptu entertaining. It requires no fancy cocktail equipment-just a jar and a fine strainer-and comes together in minutes. Refreshing and lightly sweet, it's ideal for summer afternoons or special occasions like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day

Scroll down for step-by-step photos, helpful tips, and fun flavor variations!

Jump to:

• Ingredients You'll Need
• Best Gin for This Cocktail
• Seasonality: When Are Strawberries in Season?
• How to Make This Strawberry Gin Cocktail
• How to Make a Pitcher
• Flavor Variations, Substitutions, and Add-Ins
• Make Ahead Instructions
• FAQ's
• More Cocktail Recipes
• Refreshing Strawberry Gin Cocktail (Gin and Jam Cocktail)

Ingredients You'll Need

This strawberry gin cocktail uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients and is a great way to highlight fresh strawberries and pantry staples you may already have on hand.

• Gin - Provides the botanical backbone of the cocktail. A classic dry gin keeps the flavors clean and crisp.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice - Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the jam. Fresh juice is key for the best flavor.
• Strawberry jam - Acts as both sweetener and flavoring, giving this gin and jam cocktail its signature fruit-forward taste. We like using a good-quality strawberry jam that's not overly sweet-Bonne Maman and St. Dalfour are two of our favorites, as they both have great flavor and a lovely fruit-forward texture.
• Sugar syrup (optional) - Useful if your jam is on the tart side or you prefer a sweeter strawberry cocktail.
• Ice cubes - Essential for chilling and lightly diluting the drink.
• Tonic water - Adds effervescence and a subtle bitterness that pairs beautifully with gin.
• Garnish: Fresh strawberries and thyme or mint - Adds aroma, color, and a fresh finishing touch.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Best Gin for This Cocktail

Gin styles range from classic London Dry gins with strong juniper notes, to more modern gins with citrus or floral botanicals, and slightly sweeter Old Tom styles.

For this strawberry gin cocktail, a London Dry or lightly citrus-forward gin works best. These styles enhance the fresh strawberry flavor without overpowering it, keeping the drink crisp and refreshing.

Seasonality: When Are Strawberries in Season?

Strawberries are a warm-season fruit, typically at their peak from late spring through early summer, depending on where they're grown. While strawberries are available year-round, they're at their sweetest and most flavorful during these warmer months-making them perfect for fresh drinks and desserts alike.

If you enjoy cooking and baking with strawberries, this cocktail fits beautifully alongside other seasonal strawberry recipes. Want to learn more about when your favorite fruits and veggies are in season? Check out the USDA's Seasonal Produce Guide.

How to Make This Strawberry Gin Cocktail

Tested in our kitchen and loved by our readers-this recipe is quick, refreshing, and completely foolproof.

 Shake the cocktail

Add the gin, lemon juice, strawberry jam, and sugar syrup (if using) into a jam jar with a few ice cubes. Seal tightly and shake well for 20-30 seconds until chilled and fully combined.

Chef's Tip: Shaking slightly longer helps fully dissolve the jam and creates a smoother, more evenly flavored cocktail.

Strain and pour

Fill two clean 13oz jam jars or tall glasses with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail mixture and divide evenly between the glasses.

Chef's Tip: A fine-mesh tea strainer works perfectly if you don't have a cocktail strainer on hand.

Top and garnish

Top with tonic water to taste. Gently stir, then garnish with fresh strawberries and a sprig of thyme or mint.

How to Make a Pitcher

This strawberry gin cocktail is easy to scale up for casual gatherings or summer entertaining. For a large 2-2.5 L pitcher (about 8-10 cups), which serves roughly 6 people, use the following quantities:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) gin
• ¾ cup (180 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 6 tablespoons strawberry jam
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar syrup (optional, to taste)
• Ice cubes, for shaking and serving
• About 3 cups (720 ml) tonic water, or enough to top up the pitcher

Shake the base (gin, lemon juice, jam, and syrup) in batches with ice, then strain into the pitcher. Chill until ready to serve, and top with tonic water and ice just before pouring. Garnish each glass with fresh strawberries and a sprig of thyme or mint.

Flavor Variations, Substitutions, and Add-Ins

This gin and jam cocktail is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand:

• Swap strawberry jam for raspberry or blackberry jam for a different berry-forward gin cocktail.
• Add a few fresh mint leaves to the jar before shaking for a cooling herbal note.
• Use honey syrup instead of sugar syrup for a softer, floral sweetness.
• Try blood orange or lime juice in place of lemon for a citrus twist.

Make Ahead Instructions

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare parts of it ahead of time if needed:

• Prepare and strain the gin, lemon juice, and jam mixture up to 24 hours in advance.
• Store covered in the refrigerator.
• Add ice, tonic water, and garnishes just before serving for the best flavor and fizz.

FAQ's

More Cocktail Recipes

We're also working on more gin cocktails and seasonal drinks to expand our cocktail collection-so stay tuned.

This refreshing strawberry gin cocktail proves that great drinks don't need complicated techniques or specialty tools. With just a few ingredients, a quick shake, and a splash of tonic, you'll have a beautifully balanced gin and jam cocktail that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

If you love experimenting with seasonal flavors, this recipe pairs wonderfully with other fruit-forward cocktails and strawberry-based treats. Give it a try, leave us a comment with your favorite variation, and don't forget to Pin this recipe for later so it's ready whenever cocktail hour calls.

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.