Meet Farmers Jam! Finding harmony between refreshments and rhythm

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

You may have noticed a new product in our local market recently -- delicious cocktail syrups made here in Atlanta! These funky folks are marrying their love of music, farming, and refreshing beverages to create all natural, super delicious syrups. Sourcing their fruit from Georgia, the Carolinas, and Florida, Farmers Jam brings you the freshest and easiest way to make your new favorite drinks at home.

How and when did Farmers Jam come to be and what is at the heart of it?

Farmers Jam officially started in 2018 as a jam band of local farmers. I'd met so many farmers who play instruments and we thought it would be cool to host a "Farmers Jam" that raised money to plant fruit trees on local farms. We held our first concert at Star Bar in Little 5 Points and helped plant 50 fruit trees. Win-win.

But unexpectedly, we ended up practicing regularly and played a few gigs in 2019. We developed quite the following, but the pandemic shut down any live performances. That's when we focused on making jam, so we could buy local fruit and keep supporting small, independent farmers, which we sold at Freedom Farmers Market.

In 2021, we got the band back together, but this time, bartender Jason Waters -- who has since become a co-owner of the business -- made some delicious cocktails with our jam. He convinced us to start making cocktail syrups, which were first released in September, 2022.

Our focus is still on family farmers and local food systems. To date, we've helped to plant over 1,800 fruit trees and berry bushes in Georgia, and more recently formed partnerships with Concrete Jungle, Wholesome Wave Georgia, and Giving Kitchen. With these partners, we're able to support growing food, increased access to healthy food, and helping food service workers who prepare our meals.

Farmers Jam was born out of your love for food and music -- what are some of your all-time favorite records and favorite drink to listen with?

for Jason - Indie Folk with a good bourbon mule (FJ Peach Mule to be exact) or any tropical beverage with some classic reggae.

for James: On January 1st, I made a "Garibaldi" - basically just Campari and Orange Juice - and blasted U2's War album. Great way to start the year.

We hear that your products support your annual fruit tree fund–can you tell us about that?

We're big believers in family farmers and regional food systems. In addition to sourcing locally, we also want to give back. Fruit trees can provide consistent sources of healthy food and revenue for farmers for decades, and if felt natural to help farmers plant more fruit because our syrups are so fruit forward.

In recent years, we've diversified to support other aspects of the food system. Everyone should have access to healthy food, so we're happy to partner with organizations who make that possible. We wouldn't be in business without farmers or bartenders, so we wanted to help take care of our community.

We also heard that your Strawberry Lemon Cocktail Syrup recently won a 2024 Good Food Award -- how did that feel to be nominated and win?

We were so excited to be nominated, especially when we saw the other finalists. Honestly, we thought we had no shot at winning because there were so many great companies involved. When we saw the official announcement that we'd won, I had to do a double-take to be sure I was reading it correctly. It felt extremely validating because we put so much effort into creating a unique, delicious product that stays true to our sourcing practices. To be recognized by a national organization at such an early point in our journey was extremely gratifying and motivating to keep going.

What's your #1 tip for making a cocktail at home?

At home I like to keep it simple with 3-4 ingredient cocktails. Just like cooking, when you have great ingredients it's easier to create something delicious. But here's two tips to improve your game: squeeze your own lemon or lime juice, and use a cocktail jigger to help you measure. These two tips will elevate your cocktails and help with consistency.

What are some of your favorite spots to hang out around Atlanta?

We love the Beltline and Piedmont Park; but mostly Jason keeps it close to home in Decatur - love eating and drinking at LEON'S and Deer & The Dove. You'll frequently find James watching Leeds United and Manny's in Grant Park or Fado in Buckhead.

Ready to try your hand at an easy cocktail? Try the Irish Appleton!

This one is perfect for fall and comes straight from the Farmers Jam bar -- try out their Spiced Apple Syrup, available to order here from G&G's grocery section!

In your glass, add 1/2 oz Spiced Apple Syrup
Add 4-5 dashes of orange bitters
Add 1 oz Irish Whiskey (we used Tullamore Dew)
Add 1 oz Jamaican Rum (we used Appleton)
Add ice, and stir together
Optional garnish: orange peel