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Gin and Tonic, anyone? This Blackberry Gin adds a fruity flavour and bold colour to that bottle of gin that’s been lingering in your cupboard. Use it in a classic bramble cocktail, or add some extra fruit and herbs and a dash of tonic for a flavoursome aperitif. You can also make a batch and pour it into cute bottles as a gift for friends and family.
What mixers can I use with Blackberry gin?
Of course, you can enjoy your blackberry gin with standard tonic and a handful of ice for a fruity G&T. Or you can try and combine it with a range of different flavours and ingredients for something a little different. Why not try:
On the rocks
The infusion of blackberries in this gin is just so delicious, it’s perfectly drinkable when simply poured over some ice. Just don’t let the fruitiness fool you – gin is strong and so you should drink it in small measures (not liberally poured into a tall glass).
Blackberry Spritz
- 50ml blackberry gin
- 100ml soda
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Fresh mint, to garnish
Blackberry and Elderflower Fizz
- 50ml blackberry gin
- 50ml elderflower cordial
- 25ml simple syrup
- 100ml soda
- Lemon wedge, to garnish
Blackberry and cucumber sparkler
- 50ml blackberry gin
- 100ml soda
- slices of fresh cucumber
- Fresh mint sprigs, to garnish
Classic Bramble
You can also check out this more detailed bramble cocktail recipe.
- 25ml creme de mure
- 50ml blackberry gin
- 25ml simple syrup
- 25ml lemon juice
- Serve with fresh blackberries and a slice of lemon
How much alcohol does it contain?
Gin has around 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof). Although there can be a little variation between brands and varieties. The fruit and sugar you add to make flavoured gin does not have much impact on how strong your resulting spirit will be, no more so than a couple of %.
How long do I need to leave it to infuse?
How long should you leave your infused gin to work its magic? The answer depends on two things: 1. the strength of flavour desired and 2. the strength of your willpower, patience and ability to cope with delayed gratification. Most people will want something with more depth than just fruity notes, in which case leaving the gin for a good 2-3 months is best. However, if you are happy with a lighter flavour then you can leave it for as little as 2 weeks.
While this may seem a long time given the fresh fruit, alcohol is a preservative, meaning nothing nasty can grow in it!
How long does it keep?
Blackberry gin will last for up to 6 months. Store it in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard. In fact, the gin will likely keep for much longer than this if stored correctly.
Can I make it with frozen fruit?
You can use either fresh or frozen fruit to make your own blackberry-infused gin. In fact, I find that the flavours infuse more quickly in the beginning when using frozen fruit. This is because the freezing process makes the fruit less stable and they are softer after defrosting.
If you use fresh fruit then use the freshest produce you can find. While the alcohol does preserve the fruit, you don’t want to add it in if it has anything nasty starting to grow on it.
And don’t even think about throwing away the fruit when you come to strain the gin. You can use it to flavour other drinks (just bear in mind that it will have absorbed alcohol, so hard drinks only). It’s also delicious spooned over ice cream or baked into a pie.
What type of gin should I use?
When infusing gin, you want to opt for a standard bottle, with the right blend of juniper and botanicals. Paying extra for a pricy bottle with a load of delicately permeated flavours is simply a waste here. After infusing it with fruit you really won’t benefit from extra fancy flavours.
Don’t go for a bargain-bin cheap bottle either, as you want a good foundational flavour. However, in the world of mid-range gins, bear in mind that price does not always dictate quality. Opt for something like Beefeater, Tanqueray or Plymouth gin. All fantastic quality without a huge price tag. You can also spring for Hendricks, which is a little pricier but does have extra notes of cucumber which is why it is so popular. If you’re into that then go for it.
How do I sterilise the jars?
Sterilising your jar first is an important step to make sure that your gin comes out fresh and safe. You simply need to wash the jar in hot soapy water or run it through the dishwasher on the highest setting. Then place it in a warm oven for 20 minutes to dry. Switch off the oven and allow the oven and jar to fully cool before removing it.
Ingredients
For more detailed ingredients, with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
- Fresh or frozen blackberries
- Caster sugar
- Gin (see recommended varieties above)
Equipment
How to make it
For more detailed instructions, with tips, jump to the printable recipe card.
- In a large clip-top jar with a rubber seal, add the fruit, sugar and gin.
- Either stir the ingredients together with a long spoon or close the lid and gently rock the jar to combine everything.
- Store the fruit-gin mixture in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months, or a minimum of 2 weeks.
- The longer the mixture is left, the stronger the fruit flavour will become. Test the gin every so often and add more sugar if you want a sweeter taste.
- Once the gin has reached the desired strength, strain it through a muslin cloth into a clean, sterilised jar. Keep in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Looking for more great drink recipes? Try:
Products that work well for this recipe:
Kilner Jars
Non-spillable Ice Cube Tray With Ice Bucket
Pineapple Cocktail Picks
Blackberry Gin
- Total Time: 30 minute
- Yield: 10 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gin and Tonic, anyone? Use it in a classic bramble cocktail, or add some extra fruit or herbs and a dash of tonic for a flavoursome aperitif.
The default recipe makes 50ml of gin. Use the scale buttons to increase the recipe as needed.
Ingredients
- 300g blackberries, fresh or frozen
- 500ml gin (see note 1)
- 75g caster sugar
equipment
Instructions
- Add the blackberries, sugar and gin to a sealable, airtight jar. Sterilise the jar before use.
- Use a large spoon to stir everything together, or seal the jar and gently rock it back and forth to combine the ingredients.
- Store in a dark, cool place for between 2 weeks and 3 months, depending on how strong you want the blackberry flavour to be. Taste the gin to test from time to time, and add more sugar if you would prefer it to be sweeter.
- When the infused gin has reached your desired level of fruitiness, strain it through a muslin cloth into a clean, sterilised jar. Store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- Good varieties of gin to choose from are Beefeater, Tanqueray or Plymouth. Hendricks is a pricier but good option too if you are happy with a mild infusion of cucumber flavour.
- To sterilise the jar, first, wash it well in hot soapy water or run it through the dishwasher. Then place in a warm oven for 20 minutes. Allow it to cool in the oven before using.
- The gin will keep for up to 6 months, or longer if kept properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Infusion Time: up to 3 months
- Category: Drink
- Method: Infuse
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 141
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7.5g
- Protein: 0g
Keywords: gin, alchohol, apertif, fruit, infused, spirit, blackberries
