Sloe Vodka
Ingredients
1lb sloes, trimmed and washed
2 pints of vodka
8oz sugar
1/8 teaspoon almond essence
Intro and Method
The Sloe, or Blackthorn, is classified as a wild ancestor of the plum. The bushes grow in hedgerows all over the country, bearing blue-black, marble-sized fruits.
The original recommendation was to pick your sloes in late October or November when they are at their ripest.
However, with the ever changing climate it seems that the fruit is to be found in abundant supply from late August.
Prick sloes all over using a large needle and place in a demijohn.
Pour over vodka, add sugar and almond essence.
Seal. Place in a cool dark cupboard and shake daily.
The sugar will dissolve and the liquid will eventually become dark in colour.
After two months, pour the mixture into bottles through a funnel lined with fine cheesecloth.
Seal and store in a cool place.
Ready in time for Christmas!
Recipe supplied by The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, contribution courtesy of The Visitor – a local monthly journal in Somerset http://www.rabites.org.uk/intro.html
