Sloe Gin

Method

• step 1

  Wash the sloes and either freeze and thaw, or prick- individually with a needle or sloe thorn or by rolling on a sheet of plywood bristling with panel pins

• step 2

  Add half the sloes to each of two empty 700ml gin bottles

• step 3

  Warm gin in a jug- microwave for 3 minutes- 4 minutes for a low-powered microwave. Add sugar, stir until dissolved.

• step 4

  Fill bottles with the gin/sugar mixture. Add a teaspoon of almond essence.

• step 5

  Put in a dark cool place and turn weekly for 3-6 months.

• step 6

  Strain through a muslin-lined sieve or cotton-wool lined funnel.

• step 7

  Store in a dark place to preserve the gorgeous ruby colour.

• step 8

  Drink neat, or topped up with gin and/or tonic.