Redcurrant gin is a lovely sweet and fruity drink to have with ice on a sunny afternoon.
You make it yourself by leaving freshly picked redcurrants to steep and mature in gin, with sugar to sweeten the final drink as well. Seal it away in a cool dark place for three months and the results are fantastic. You're left with a gorgeously red coloured sticky liqueur, with a lovely berry flavour. Serve neat as an after dinner drink, or over ice with a dash of tonic for a clinky autumn fizz. You only need three ingredients for this recipe - plus a little bit of patience to wait until it's ready to drink.
Ingredients
- 300g (10oz) redcurrants
- 150g (5oz) caster sugar
- 75cl bottle of gin
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Crush the redcurrants with the sugar, put in a jar, pour in the gin and seal.
- Leave 2-3 months in a cool, dark place, shaking the jar daily for a month, then just when you remember.
- Strain through a sieve, then through muslin and pour into a bottle.
- Drink neat, or made into a gin and tonic, with lots of ice.
Top tip for making redcurrant gin
Make sure your jars are well sealed. The gin and sugar act as preservatives but the jars need to be airtight as well.
Can I use any gin to make this redcurrant gin?
Go for a mid-range gin when choosing what alcohol to infuse with the currants. If it's so cheap that you couldn't bear to drink it neat, then it won't be miraculously transformed by the redcurrants. Equally, there isn't much point in changing the make-up of a very expensive gin, which will already have well-balanced flavours.
What other fruits can I use to flavour my own gin?
Sloes are the most common and are freely available on blackthorn bushes from late summer into early winter. See our guide on how to make sloe gin for more info. Damsons, which are like sloes but larger, are also quite easy to find yourself.
You might also like...
Jessica Dady is Food Editor at Goodto.com and has over 10 years of experience as a digital editor, specialising in all things food, recipes, and SEO. From the best food hampers to cookbooks, from the best cake stands to kitchen appliances, Jessica has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to must-have food products. A passionate baker, she spends some of her time creating celebration cakes for friends and family including her two lucky children.
-
Pumpkin spiced Espresso Martini
A lightly spiced pumpkin Espresso Martini made with fresh pumpkin puree served in a classic Martini glass...
By Jessica Dady • Last updated
-
Vampire's blood pomegranate punch
This Halloween mocktail is great for kids or those looking for a non-alcoholic option this October...
By Jessica Dady • Last updated
-
Ultimate prawn cocktail
Prawn cocktail is so easy to make yourself and despite its retro credentials, it's absolutely delicious. This recipe is ready in just 15 minutes...
By GoodtoKnow • Published
-
Air fryer French toast bites
If you like French toast, you're going to love these air fryer French toast bites - the perfect weekend treat...
By Nathan Anthony • Published
-
Air fryer fish tacos
Say hello to these mouthwatering air fryer fish tacos ready and on the table in just 20 minutes...
By Nathan Anthony • Published
-
Air fryer sweet potato and chorizo hash
Flavoursome brunch or dinner, this air fryer sweet potato and chorizo hash is a 15 minute favourite in the air fryer...
By Nathan Anthony • Published
-
When is the Great British Bake Off Christmas special on?
All you need to know about Channel 4's Great Christmas Bake Off special and when it will air...
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
“The biggest fraud in British history” the shocking real story behind historical drama The Gallows Pole
The Gallows Pole true story: There's a shocking truth behind the BBC historical drama, described as “The biggest fraud in British history.”
By Lucy Wigley • Published
-
When does Great British Menu 2023 start?
All you need to know ahead of series 18 of the culinary BBC Two show
By Selina Maycock • Published