Sloe Gin

Every year come end of September beginning of October, I go our collecting Sloes for the gin. Most years I always manage at least 8 - 9 bottles. They make excellent Christmas presents and it keeps us well oiled in the year ahead. This year has been a bit of a non starter as most of the time we've been away and I haven't really put my mind to it. Ian made the effort to pick some, though, and I have managed to produce three bottles.



Last years label.

It is very easy to make so here is the way I make it.

1. Buy cheap Gin.
2. Pick loads of large sloes. When they come off the stalk easily they are ripe.
3. Wash and prick sloes with a fork several times.
4. Add 1 - 2 oz sugar ( depending on how sweet you like it ) directly into an empty Gin bottle.
5. Add the pricked sloes so its about 1/4 full.
6. Pour the gin into the bottle and mix well.
7. Keep turning and mixing the contents every day.
8. Using any filter ( a coffee filter works well ) rack into clean bottles during December.
9. Try to leave a year before drinking but if you cant, enjoy!