Creating Apple Cider Jam Through Reduction: Bristol's Regional Pride. When Briony chose to use apple cider jam instead of the more traditional raspberry jam to celebrate her home town of Bristol she was honoring Bristol's famous cider production tradition. Making apple cider jam requires significant reduction to concentrate flavors Paul praised as that bite comes from the apple and cider. Pour four cups of hard cider or alcoholic cider for best flavor into wide heavy-bottomed saucepan. Wide pan provides maximum surface area for faster evaporation. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce to medium-high and simmer vigorously until reduced by half about 20-25 minutes. The alcohol cooks off leaving concentrated apple flavor. Add diced apples sugar lemon juice vinegar and spices then continue cooking stirring frequently until mixture thickens to jam consistency about 30-40 minutes total. Test doneness by placing spoonful on cold plate it should wrinkle when pushed. The result captures intense cider flavor balanced with fresh apple texture creating regional jam that makes traditional Empire biscuits uniquely Bristolian.