[Roxy]

Our sloes are not quite ready (everything we grow is behind up here) and you are meant to wait for the first frosts before picking them.  Its become a thing among my group of riding friends, that when at shows, one of us always has a flask/bottle of homemade sloe gin.  I am sure the other riders think we are dependent on drink or something, as quite often its mid morning when we are seen having a swig from the bottle ....and passing it round!!! 

I have to say, its very warming, and really nice.  I could make some elderflower wine, as lots of those out too.

Now I do sound like an alkie!!!

[doganjo]

Well we shooting folk are alcies too - we all have flasks of sloe gin too.  Except that mine is vodka!

[carl]

I have bought the cheapo gin in readiness for this years sloe harvest. I used to take it as a pick me up during icy rounds of golf on sunday mornings. Also on the go are blackcurrant vodka, redcurrant vodka and plum brandy (made with gin). I like to have it ready for xmas when the local carrolers come round. Have you thought of any elderberry based spirit drinks?
 

[Roxy]

Not considered elderberry based spirit drinks, but willing to give it a go

I do recall in my younger days going to a freinds who had a band playing, and lots of drink and a barbie .....I seem to recall drinking far too much of someones's homemade, and very strong elderberry wine.......I fell asleep in the back of my boyfriend at the time, Landrover, and he had to somehow wake me up to go home.

[doganjo]

I've got bramble(blackberry) vodka and gin on the go as of yesterday.

[ballingall]

Carl, whats the plum brandy (with gin)? Sadly I don't think I've got a big enough crop of plums this year though!

Beth

[carl]

Plum Brandy is apparently made in the same way as sloe gin but with plums, but is called plum brandy. I have no idea why. It tastes like sloe gin but sweeter. Maybe you could use brandy in place of gin, but what would that be called?
I think you can tinker with the basic recipe, changing spirits, fruits and sugar amounts. Mars bar vodka? chili vodka?

[doganjo]

Never heard of Mars Bar vodka!  I like both but not together I don't think Hmmm

[sheila]

1 bottle gin
2lbs, 900g damsons (washed & dried)
1lb, 450g sugar
Prick all the damsons with a needle. Put in the kilner jar. Add the sugar. Add the gin. Put lid on. Shake frequently for about 6 weeks. Strain & bottle. Improves with keeping.

[ballingall]

I have made Plum Brandy, but it was literally Plum Brandy. Plums, equal amount (roughly) of sugar, and cheap brandy to make into a liquer. Was very good too. Made it 2 years ago when we had a good crop of plums.


Beth

[marigold]

Mars bar vodka isn't such a bad idea....
Anyone dare to create a recipe for chocolate cream liquer (Baileys)?
Imagine the trick would be in emulsifying it. Maybe akin to mayonnaise?

[doganjo]

I have heard of chilli vodka though.  Can't remember where at the minute.

[marigold]

mmm i've drunk chilli vodka but never considered making it. It was fab, a real toe warmer  I'll try making it and let you know. I think th epricking of the chillies would be the key - i wonder if you would need sugar to draw the juices or if that's jus t for flavour? I'll experiment.

[doganjo]

I have chillies - Scotch bonnets (Hmmm maybe a tad hot for this) and a lovely little bush from Mr & Mrs Sellickboy - can't remember it's name - Festival maybe?

I also have vodka from my friend in Sweden so willing to give it a try when you have a recipe Marigold.

[marigold]

Went to Lidl today, got some cheap vodka, got some chillies - will give it a go tomorrow. If you don't hear from me again you'll know that i have done too much testing.