Sloe Gin From Frozen Sloes Food

SLOE GIN

Steps:

• Rinse and pick over the sloes, then pat dry in a clean tea towel. Using a stainless steel fork or cocktail stick, prick the sloes and tip into a 2-litre glass jar, or divide between two smaller jars.
• Add the sugar and gin, then seal the jar. Shake well. Once a day for seven days, give the jar a good shake. Store the jar in a cool, dark place and leave for two to three months.
• Line a plastic sieve with a square of muslin set over a bowl and strain the sloe gin through it. Decant into clean, dry bottles, then seal and label. The sloe gin is now ready to drink but it'll improve and mature over time - so, if possible, make it one year to drink the next.

SLOE GIN

Steps:

• Wash and dry the sloes.
• Either pop them in the freezer for a week or so, until the skins after cracked, or use a needle or sharp skewer to make holes in their skins.
• Put the sloes into a large glass jar or bottle.
• Add the sugar.
• Pour on the gin.
• Add the cloves and essence if using.
• Seal the container.
• Leave the container for at least two months. Shake it every two or three days at first, then every week.
• Strain the liquid into smaller bottles. The longer you wait before this step, the better the drink will taste.
• Be warned - this is strong stuff! (Hic!).