January 2, 2002 - Sloe Gin

Sloes are small plums sometimes called blackthorns. The French call them prunelles. The leaves from this tree are used to make pousse d'epine.

Directions

Pick the sloes several times with a fork so that the juices and color will be drawn out.

Ingredients for 2.5 liters (4 1/2 pints)

2.5 liters of gin 4 pints
750 grams of ripe, dry sloes 1 1/2 pounds
30 grams of almonds, blanched 1 ounce
750 grams of sugar 1 1/2 pounds

Put the sloes in a 4.5 liter (8 pint) jar with the almonds and add the sugar; then pour in the gin, and cover. Shake the jar every three days for three months. Strain off the liquor, bottle it and seal the corks. The gin is ready for use or may be kept for years, improving greatly in the keeping.