When you’re browsing the drinks aisle, sloe gin might not be the first bottle that catches your eye. But learn how to make sloe gin at home, and you’ll see why it’s such a beloved British classic. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also makes a thoughtful homemade gift, especially at Christmas.
There are plenty of sloe gin recipes out there, but this is one of the easiest. Think of it as a simple sloe gin recipe that anyone can follow, whether you’re new to home infusions or looking to refine your own recipe for sloe gin.
Sloes are the small, tart berries of the blackthorn tree. When steeped in gin, their sharpness mellows into a rich, fruity flavour with a hint of almond. The process lowers the alcohol content of the gin from around 40% ABV to roughly 25% creating a smoother drink. Many people enhance their sloe gin recipe with cinnamon, vanilla or other spices, creating a rich winter warmer that’s best enjoyed on a cold evening. This seasonal tradition is why sloe gin is so often linked with Christmas- whether sipped by the fire, mixed into a festive sloe gin cocktail or presented in a stylish spirit bottle as a thoughtful homemade gift.
What You Need
- 1 lb (450g) of ripe sloe berries
- 1 lb (450g) of granulated sugar
- 1 litre of gin (the quality depends on your budget)
- 1 sterilised 1-litre glass bottle
- 1 tight-fitting plastic screw cap
This straightforward recipe for sloe gin requires just three ingredients. It’s no wonder that making sloe gin has become a seasonal ritual in many UK households.
Method: How to Make Sloe Gin at Home
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- Prepare your bottle – Before you begin, sterilise the glass bottle and lid. The easiest way to do this is to wash them both in hot, soapy water and then rinse them with piping-hot water. Allow the bottle and lid to dry before using them.
- Sort the fruit – Use ripe sloe berries to ensure you get the most flavour. Wash and pick over the berries, making sure to remove all the twigs and leaves. Pat the berries dry with a dry cloth.
- Prick the sloe berries with a fork to help release the juice and place them in the glass bottle.
- Add the sugar and the gin and seal the bottle.
- Shake well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Store – keep your bottle in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months. The longer you leave it, the better the result.
- Strain and bottle – Strain the mixture through a square of muslin or a fine-mesh sieve. Discard the solids and decant your gin into a dry, clean bottle and add a label.
- You are ready to enjoy your homemade sloe gin, or you can allow it to improve and mature. This classic sloe gin recipe, UK style, is tried and tested – a true staple for homemade liquor lovers.
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Tips For Making Sloe Gin
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- Your result will depend on many factors, one of these being the quality of your gin. Try to use a high-quality gin to get the most flavour. The better the gin, the better the result.
- Sloe gin-making requires time, and the longer you take, the better. Let your mixture mature for up to months to get the best results.
- Sloe gin making is similar to baking. While you now have a sloe gin recipe, you should alter it to your tastes.
- Enjoy your gin neat over ice, or use it in cocktails. It will keep for up to 2 years if you store it correctly in a quality spirit bottle in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in your fridge.
Variations:
- Damson gin recipe – Replace sloes with damsons for a plummier, sweeter twist.
- Fruit gin – Blackberries, cherries or raspberries also work beautifully with the same method.
Gift Ideas:
Homemade sloe gin is a wonderful present at Christmas. Decant it into decorative bottles or festive Christmas jars, add a ribbon and a handwritten label, and you’ve got a personalised gin gift set for her- or for anyone who enjoys seasonal flavours. Pair with chutneys or jams for a truly thoughtful hamper.
The Bottle Jar Store
At The Bottle Jar Store, we have different types of glass bottles to store your sloe gin. Take a look at our range and order online today!
