Sloe Vodka
160kcal
Ingredients
- 500 g sloes about 1 lb 2 oz, stalks and leaves removed
- 250 g caster or granulated sugar use 175 g for a drier result
- 700 ml vodka a plain, mid-range 37.5 to 40% vodka
Method
- Pick over the sloes, throwing out any that are shrivelled or damaged, then rinse and dry them.
- Bag them up and freeze overnight. The frozen skins split as they thaw, which does the same job as pricking each berry.
- Put the sloes into a clean 1.5 litre jar, add the sugar and pour over the vodka.
- Close the jar and turn it over a few times. Store in a cool, dark cupboard.
- Turn or shake the jar daily until the sugar has gone, then every week or so.
- After about 3 months, strain through muslin into a jug, taste, and bottle. It is drinkable now but keeps improving for a year or more.
Notes
The strained sloes still taste of vodka. Stone them and fold into chocolate brownies, or mash into a sloe chutney. Adults only.