Sloe Gin…
October 22nd, 2010
It’s that time of year again when Autumn is here and Christmas is just around the corner. Now that we have had the first frost there is no better time to make sloe gin. If like previous seasons the first frost has come rather late, then pick your sloes and pop them in the freezer for a few days.
To make your sloe gin you will need a 2lb Kilner Jar.
Half fill the clean Kilner Jar with clean sloes that have been pricked all over. Add 4oz/115g of caster sugar and then fill the jar to the top with dry Gin. Seal the Kilner Jar. Shake the jar daily until all the sugar has dissolved and the liquid has taken on a dark colour, storing in a cool dark place.
After 2 weeks half a tea spoon of almond essence can be added.
Leave the sloes in the jar for two months in all, shaking up fairly regularly (about once a week).
When the Gin is to be bottled, run the liquid through doubled muslin several times to ensure all the particles that would mar the clarity are kept from the bottle.
If you make it in time it should be ready just in time for Christmas.