Peach jelly is what summer tastes like; soft, golden, sweet without being cloying, and just a little wild around the edges. It’s sunshine in a jar. Sticky spoons. Warm biscuits. Childhood and rebellion.

And sure, you can juice fresh peaches for this. You can also grab a bottle of peach juice from the store and call it good, because this isn’t a purity test—it’s peach jelly. Delicious, joyful, easy-as-hell peach jelly. (This is the kind of practical seasonal living I talk about in Rooted + Wild)

This is my favorite way to preserve that summer flavor. Sweet peach juice, a splash of lemon for brightness, and if you’re into it? A swirl of bourbon at the end makes the whole thing sing.

You can water-bath can it for later, tuck jars into gift baskets, or just keep a few in the fridge for smearing on biscuits and spooning over yogurt. This recipe is flexible, flavorful, and feral-living approved.

What Peaches Work Best for Jelly?

Clingstone peaches are juicier, so they give you more bang for your fruit. But any yellow peach will work. If you’re juicing your own peaches, aim for about 3 pounds to get 3 cups of juice.

Here’s the real talk:

• Clingstone = juicy af, great for jelly
• Freestone = easier to pit, less juice
• Use organic peaches if you’re leaving the skins on or using the peels for flavor—they’re a high-spray crop
• Using conventional? Just peel them first, no big deal

Feeling lazy or out of season? Bottled peach juice works beautifully and still tastes like summer. I’m all about flexibility.

Why You'll Love This Peach Jelly

• No-fuss and forgiving
• Can be canned, refrigerated, or frozen
• Optional bourbon twist
• Tastes amazing on... literally everything
  • This jelly makes an incredible glaze for grilled chicken or pork - especially if you’ve also made my peach salsa.
• Giftable

Ingredients

• 3 cups peach juice (from about 3 lbs fresh peaches or bottled)
• ½ cup bottled lemon juice
• 1 box regular powdered pectin
• 5 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons bourbon (optional but delicious)

Yields about 5 half-pint jars

How to Make Peach Jelly (With or Without Canning)

1. Juice the Peaches (or Skip It)

If juicing fresh peaches:

• Use ~3 pounds ripe peaches, quartered (no need to peel if organic, no need to pit if using clingstone)
• Add 1 ½ cups water and bring to a boil
• Simmer for ~20 minutes, stirring and smashing to release juice
• Strain through a damp jelly bag or cheesecloth for at least 2 hours or overnight
• You want 3 cups of strained juice

If using bottled peach juice:

• Measure 3 cups. Done. No judgment here.

2. Prepare Jars + Canner

• Wash jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water
• If canning, keep jars hot in a simmering water bath (180°F) until ready
  • (I use this setup and it’s never failed me.)
• Set up your canning station so you're not scrambling with hot jelly later

3. Make the Jelly

• In a large pot, combine peach juice and lemon juice
• Whisk in powdered pectin until dissolved
• Bring to a rolling boil over high heat
• Add all sugar at once, stir constantly, and return to a full boil
• Boil hard for 1 minute
• Remove from heat
• Stir in bourbon (optional)
• Skim off foam if needed

4. Test the Gel

• Dip a clean spoon into the jelly
• Let it drip—if it sheets off instead of running like syrup, you’re good
• Not thick enough? You can reboil with a bit more pectin and sugar

5. Jar It Up

• Ladle hot jelly into hot jars
• Leave ¼” headspace
• Wipe rims, add lids, and screw bands on fingertip tight

6. Water Bath Can (Optional)

• Place jars in canner with water at least 1” above lids
• Bring to a rolling boil
• Process for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude)
• Turn off heat, remove lid, and let sit 5 minutes
• Remove jars to a towel-lined counter
• Let cool 12–24 hours
• Check seals, remove bands, and store in a cool, dark place for up to 18 months

Want to Skip Canning?

Totally fine. Refrigerate the jelly for up to 3 months, or freeze it in straight-sided jars with ½” headspace.

Peach Jelly Tools I Love

Wanna make this process even easier? Here’s what I actually use:

• 🔗 Jelly Jars – 8oz (perfect for gifting + freezing)
• 🔗 Water Bath Canner (if you want to can like a pro)
• 🔗 Canning Tool Set (jar lifter = essential)
• 🔗 Jelly Strainer Kit (if juicing fresh fruit)
• 🔗 Peach Juice (when life is busy but you still want jelly)

More Wild Food & Hands-On Traditions to Check Out:

• The Best Homemade Low Sugar Strawberry Jam Recipe
• Canning Peaches (how to easily can peaches at home)