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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Monday 19 December 2011

Sloe Gin

Every year come end of September beginning of October, I go our collecting Sloes for the gin. Most years I always manage at least 8 - 9 bottles. They make excellent Christmas presents and it keeps us well oiled in the year ahead. This year has been a bit of a non starter as most of the time we've been away and I haven't really put my mind to it. Ian made the effort to pick some, though, and I have managed to produce three bottles.


Last years label.
It is very easy to make so here is the way I make it.
  1. Buy cheap Gin.
  2. Pick loads of large sloes. When they come off the stalk easily they are ripe.
  3. Wash and prick sloes with a fork several times.
  4. Add 1 - 2 oz sugar ( depending on how sweet you like it ) directly into an empty Gin bottle.
  5. Add the pricked sloes so its about 1/4 full.
  6. Pour the gin into the bottle and mix well.
  7. Keep turning and mixing the contents every day.
  8. Using any filter ( a coffee filter works well ) rack into clean bottles during December.
  9. Try to leave a year before drinking but if you cant, enjoy!

1 comment:

Jo Lodge said...

MMMMMM I think I maybe giving this ago next year. Thank you for the instructions.

Happy Christmas to you both,I hope that 2012 will bring you wonderful things. Jo xxxxxxxx

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