Apothecary Jars – Past and Present

We typically think of the Apothecary Jar as a great way to hold and organize a variety of household items such as, spices, candies, cosmetics, decorative soaps, candles and even plants. However, did you know the jar was originally used by druggists to hold pharmaceuticals?   Yes, this is true but the main focus of this site is to talk about the modern use of Apothecary Jars.

Apothecary Jars with Spigots

One of my favorite ways to show off my Apothecary Jar is to make it the center piece of my dinner party buffet table.  Whether you are serving a cool refreshing Tea or Lemonade or a fun adult beverage, the Apothecary Jar with a spigot will be the perfect show piece at your party.  In fact, here are two of my favorite drink mixture recipes for my parties.

Ingredients:
6 Cups of Vodka
1 Bag of Ice
2.5 Cups Orange Liqueur (we recommend Cointreau)
2.5 Cups Pomegranate Juice
4 Limes (3 cut into slices, and 1for its juice)

Pour the vodka, orange liqueur, pomegranate juice and the juice from 1 lime into a wine cooler.
Stir mixture with a spoon.
Place the bag of ice in bucket with tongs
Place the sliced limes in apothecary jar and add vodka mixture.
Serve from the spigot into the glasses.

or how about

Ingredients:
15 ripe white Peaches, peeled, pitted and chopped
1 bottle of Silver Tequila
1 bottle of Peach Liqueur (Crème de peche will totally make you go ooh la la!)
1 bottle of Lime Juice
2 cups of simple Syrup
1 bag of Ice
A couple of sliced Peaches and Mint sprigs for garnish

Place the peaches in a food processor and process until smooth.
Pass through a mesh strainer into a Large Clear Cut Glass Apothecary Jar, and top with ice.
Add tequila, liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup and stir until smooth.
Serve into glasses and garnish with a slice of peach and mint sprigs.

Enjoy!

Apothecary Jar Gardens

Another use for your stylish Apothecary Jars are plants. The jars allow for full light and offer a wonderful place for so many plants to flourish.  If you don’t already have an Apothecary Jar, click here for a variety of jars well suited for your ‘apothecary garden’ or mini greenhouse.  The jars come in many different shapes and sizes and I suggest choosing a bold shape that will stand out in your home.  Start by lining the bottom of your jar with green moss.  You need pebbles and soil too.  Any tropical plant will do fine and only limited watering is needed (my favorite part) if you keep the lid on since this will create moisture.  If the jar starts fog, simply take the lid off for a short time until the moisture evaporates.  Don’t forget to keep your jar out of direct sunlight because this causes intense heat and burn your plant.

Apothecary Storage Jars

Now let’s mention the more familiar ways an Apothecary Jar is used.  Most of us use Apothecary Jars to organize those items which can become lost in a bathroom draw or just plain scattered on your vanity such as Q-tips, cotton balls, bath salts, make up and make up brushes.   I personally like to store these items in my apothecary jars because the jars keep them clean and they’re just plain easier to get to.

Decorative Apothecary Jars

For the creative folks out there, Apothecary Jars are beautiful, fun an easy way to display just about everything from shells, soaps, candles, marbles, Christmas ornaments, mini pumpkins,  fancy candies and cookies.  Or if you have an oak or pine tree in your yard why not display the acorns and pine cones in a large Apothecary Jar.  The ideas are endless and whatever you choose to express your style, you are sure to receive an overwhelming amount of compliments from your friends and family.

Have Fun and Be Creative

One thing I have discovered in my research aside from the history of apothecary jars is there are endless uses of them.  Remember they make a great buffet table centerpiece on your at your next party or even a great plant terrarium. However, do not forget they can not be beat for their use in organizing my bathroom items such as Q-tips, cotton balls, make-up brushes and all those other items I prefer to not be scattered on the counter top or in my vanity draws.   Best wishes on your discoveries.