Sloes aka blackthorn

Sloe Gin – What is it and how can I make my own?

You might have heard of sloe gin before, but what exactly is it and how is it different from regular gin?

Sloes are a type of fruit, part of the same family as cherries and plums and Sloe Gin is made by infusing gin with ripe sloes and usually adding sugar to the mix. This is then left to mature over several months and then strained off, leaving you with a tasty, sweet and fruity liqueur. The alcohol content varies between 15-30% ABV but EU regulations state that to be called Sloe Gin, it must have a minimum of 25% ABV.

There are a number of fantastic sloe gins available, including 6 O’clock Sloe Gin, Sipsmith Sloe Gin, Elephant Sloe Gin and Hayman’s Sloe Gin however, it’s really easy to make your own at home, especially if you have access to fresh sloes.

Here, ILoveGin explores some fantastic recipes for how to make your own sloe gin from home, as well as what differentiates this kind from other gins, sloe gin cocktails and more.

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101 Ways To Drink Gin

See Gin In A New Way Through Taste & Experience

Gin is not just a drink, it’s a culture. In an era where binge culture, and having everything now-now-now, negates from the notion of sitting back, in good company, in the perfect setting and enjoying a fine drink. Now we are not going on a hipster millennial rant before you decide to navigate away, don’t worry, we are not becoming that annoying “craft beer *wearing lumberjack shirt*) guy. No, we are simply tipping our hat to all your gin lovers out there, those who enjoy an elaborate gin concoction, all the way to the purists who accept nothing else but a simple pour over ice and maybe with tonic. This article is to celebrate you and the wonderful gin culture which brings people together, whatever the season, a reason to be happy, a reason to raise a glass and cheers to good health. From here in London all the way to our friends in Tokyo and beyond, every country has a signature pour and everyone who loves gin has an idea about how it should be served.

 

Are you a gin purist or a gin scientist?

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How To Make Sugar Syrup: And The Perfect Gin Cocktail To Match

This sugar syrup recipe is cheap and easy to make at home. Perfect for gin cocktails this Summer. BBQ season is upon us.

Sugar syrup is a staple for every aspiring home cocktail mixologist, all the way to the pros. Sadly, it’s expensive to buy but being it so vital for many delicious cocktails, why not make it at home and subsequently pat yourself on the back for being a total kitchen hero and saving yourself some pennies. It’s cheap and easy to put together and also opens up a realm of creative possibility, ginger sugar syrup I hear you cry?- Lavender? Thyme maybe? Before you know it, you will be taking over the “craft beer guy” in your circle of friends as the one who is prattle on about what they have been “brewing” at home.

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