Gooseberry Gin Recipes

GOOSEBERRY GIN

Steps:

• Wash the gooseberries and dry them with a kitchen towel. Halve and place them in a large jar. Add the sugar and the gin. Stir gently.
• Place in a dark cool place like a cupboard. Stir every day during the first week or until the sugar dissolves.
• Let steep for at least 3-4 weeks, longer if desired. Strain through a fine cloth and pour it into a bottle.

ELDERFLOWER & GOOSEBERRY VODKA

Steps:

• Divide the gooseberries between two 1-litre jars and very lightly bruise with the handle of a wooden spoon. Add the flowers, top with the lemon peel and pour over the vodka. Submerge the elderflowers with a circle of baking parchment and seal with a lid. Leave to infuse for at least 48 hrs or up to 1 week.
• Once infused, line a sieve with kitchen paper and set over a large bowl. Pour in the vodka, then discard the strained berries and flowers.
• Tip the sugar into a pan with 350ml water and gently heat until the sugar has dissolved. Turn up the heat, bring to a simmer and cook until syrupy and reduced by half - about 10 mins. Cool to room temperature, then add 100ml to the elderflower liquor. Stir well and taste, adding more until you are happy with the sweetness.
• Decant the vodka into bottles and store in a cool, dark place. It will keep for years, but the flavour will diminish after a year.