This is the time of year to pick Sloes for Sloe Gin

And this is what you need

1lb Sloes

1lb of white granulated sugar and 1 litre of Gin (need not be the most expensive this recipe  works with the cheaper varieties)

Some people recommend waiting for the first frost but a night in the deep freeze seems to work just as well and when they defrost they sometimes split which saves pricking them.

1. Prick the sloes with a fork put into a 2 litre 'clean' bottle

             (plastic fizzy drinks bottle is fine)

1. Add the sugar to the bottle

2. Add a litre of gin

3. Put the top on

4. Shake the bottle twice a day for 3 months

5. After 3 months strain into another bottle (probably better to put in several smaller bottles)

6. Keep for another 9 months (if possible)

 Can be drunk immediately but definitely improves with age.

Also works with Whisky in same quantities reduce to 2 months shaking to keep that smoky whisky flavour

If you only have a 75cl bottle its 3/4 lb sloes, 3/4 lb sugar and 75cl gin or whisky

Recommendation:

Only sample when in your own home and when you intend to stay in. Please remain seated at all times