There’s something magical about creating your own infused spirit, and blackberry gin is a brilliant choice for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. This luscious drink captures the essence of summer with the deep, sweet-tart flavour of ripe blackberries and a hint of herbal depth if you choose to include a bay leaf. Perfect as a sipper or a cocktail base, it also makes for a thoughtful gift that showcases your DIY prowess.
Fact
Did you know that gin, as we know it today, owes much of its popularity to the British? While the Dutch introduced the spirit as “jenever,” it became a household name in England during the “Gin Craze” of the 18th century. Infused gins like blackberry gin put a fruity spin on this classic spirit, a tradition dating back to when such blends were crafted for medicinal purposes!
Serving Suggestions
Your homemade blackberry gin is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- Over Ice: Pour it neat over ice for a simple and elegant drink.
- With Tonic Water: Combine with a splash of premium tonic water, and garnish with fresh blackberries or a slice of lemon for a refreshing spritz.
- Cocktails: Incorporate it into cocktails like a Blackberry Gin Fizz or a Bramble for a burst of berry flavour.
For an elevated experience, serve in a chilled glass with a sprig of rosemary or a twist of orange zest to complement the botanical notes.
Storing Instructions
To keep your blackberry gin at its best:
- Store it in a cool, dark place in a sterilised bottle with a tight seal.
- It will keep well for up to a year, though the flavours are most vibrant in the first 6 months.
Conclusion
Crafting your own blackberry gin is a rewarding project that lets you savour the taste of summer all year round. We’d love to hear how yours turned out—did you add the bay leaf or try any unique twists? Share your creations in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us for more homemade delights like this one!
How to Make Blackberry Gin Recipe
Yum
Blackberry Gin Recipe
Description
Indulge in the deep, fruity flavours of homemade blackberry gin! This simple yet elegant infusion combines juicy blackberries, a touch of sugar, and your favourite dry gin to create a spirit bursting with summer’s essence. Whether enjoyed neat, over ice, or in a cocktail, this recipe is a must-try for gin lovers and home bartenders alike. Perfect for sipping, gifting, or adding a twist to your favourite drinks!
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Blackberries
-
Wash the Blackberries
Wash the blackberries thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
-
Thaw if Using Frozen
If using frozen blackberries, allow them to thaw completely, retaining any juices for extra flavour.
Combine Ingredients
-
Add Blackberries to the Jar
Place the prepared blackberries into a sterilised 1.5-litre jar.
-
Add Sugar and Bay Leaf
Sprinkle the caster sugar over the blackberries, and add the bay leaf if you’re using it for a herbal note.
-
Pour in the Gin
Carefully pour the gin into the jar, ensuring the blackberries are fully submerged.
-
Seal the Jar
Seal the jar tightly and shake it gently to combine the ingredients.
Infuse the Gin
-
Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Place the sealed jar in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry for at least 4 weeks, and up to 3 months for a richer flavour.
-
Shake Regularly
Shake the jar gently every few days to dissolve the sugar and ensure even flavour distribution.
Strain and Bottle
-
Strain the Gin
After the infusion period, strain the gin through a fine mesh sieve or muslin cloth into a clean bowl to remove the solids.
-
Transfer to a Bottle
Use a funnel to pour the strained gin into a sterilised bottle, sealing it tightly for storage.
Serve and Enjoy
-
Serve as Desired
Your blackberry gin is ready to enjoy! Serve neat over ice, mixed with tonic water, or as a base for cocktails.
Servings 30
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Potassium 5mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Sugars 3g
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 2 mg
- Iron 0.1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar level to suit your taste. Less sugar will result in a drier gin, while more will enhance the sweetness.
- Alternative Herbs: If you don’t have a bay leaf, try adding a sprig of thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
- Frozen Blackberries: Using frozen blackberries can be more convenient and may release their juices more readily during the infusion.
- Sterilisation is Key: Ensure all jars, bottles, and tools are properly sterilised to avoid contamination and ensure a long shelf life.
- Experiment with Flavours: For an extra twist, add a few cloves, a cinnamon stick, or a strip of orange zest to the infusion for added depth.
- Gift Idea: This blackberry gin makes a fantastic gift! Pour it into decorative bottles, label them, and tie with a ribbon for a personal touch.
