Blackberry Gin Recipes

SIMPLE BLACKBERRY GIN RECIPE

Steps:

• Place the blackberries in a sterilised jar and cover with the sugar. Add the gin and give the jar a good shake. Place the jar in a dark place, like a kitchen cupboard.
• Give the jar a shake every so often over the next few days until the sugar has dissolved.
• Leave to mature. It's drinkable in 4 weeks but it can be left for 3 months.
• Strain the gin through a muslin cloth, try not to break up the blackberries. Pour the liquid into a bottle. If you think it needs it, add a little more sugar and shake until it's dissolved. Tip: Though you won't need the actual blackberries after this stage you don't have to discard them. Pop them into a glass of Prosecco for a blackberry gin cocktail.
• After 4 weeks, the gin is beautiful dark red in colour. It still holds a boozy strength but with a fruity tone of the blackberries. For the perfect, refreshing summer cocktail, serve a double measure chilled over ice and topped up with tonic.
• If your leave the gin for 3 months, it mellows and the full fruitiness of the blackberries comes through and it's smooth enough to serve over ice as a liqueur. An excellent addition is a cinnamon stick which can be added to the gin at the same time as the sugar.

BLACKBERRY GIN

Steps:

• Tip the blackberries and sugar into a 1.5-litre sterilised jar. Pour over the gin, seal the jar and swirl around to dissolve the sugar. Store in a cool, dark place and turn the jar once a day for the first week.
• After two-three weeks, strain the gin through a sieve. Pour the gin into bottles, and label. The gin will keep its colour for a few months and will be drinkable for up to a year. Use the infused blackberries in a cocktail like a bramble, or in a trifle.

BLACKBERRY AND GIN SLUSHIE

Steps:

• Combine the blackberries and sugar in a medium bowl and let sit at room temperature. Combine the gin, club soda and lime juice in the blender and blend just to combine. When ready to serve, add the blackberries and ice to the blender and pulse to desired consistency. Blend more if you like a smoother texture. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

BLACKBERRY GIN FIZZ

Steps:

• Tip the gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white into a cocktail shaker. Shake well until frothy, then add a large handful of ice and shake again until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
• Double-strain into a tall glass filled with some more ice, then top up with the sparkling water. Thread a blackberry onto a cocktail stick to use as a garnish, or top with a thyme sprig.