Blackberry Gin
Blackberry Gin is a wonderful way to create a delicious liqueur with only three ingredients. Enjoy it on it’s own, it’s perfect for sipping, or make a long drink with ice and something sparkling, it’s sure to become your favourite treat!
Why should I make liqueurs at home?
There are lots of good reasons to make your own fruit liqueurs. For a start it’s really easy and a lot of fun, you also know exactly what went into your drink which is always a good thing. It’s cool to bring out your own homemade drinks to serve to your friends, and a bottle of Blackberry Gin is an unusual and interesting gift to give too.
What ingredients do I need to make Blackberry Gin?
You only need three ingredients to make this liqueur, they are blackberries, gin and sugar.
Scroll to the end of this article to find the full recipe and all quantities of ingredients, with step-by-step photo instructions.
What are blackberries?
Blackberries are the fruit of a usually prickly bush which is part of the rose family. Each individual blackberry, when ripe, is made up of 20-50 single seeds known as drupelets that are small, juice-filled, and a deep purplish-black when ripe.
Are brambles the same as blackberries?
In Scotland blackberries are known as brambles, the terms can be used interchangeably. Sometimes the long, prickly arching stems are referred to as the brambles and the fruit the blackberries. Whatever you call them, they are absolutely delicious!
Where can I buy blackberries?
As well as growing wild in hedgerows, blackberries are available in supermarkets and markets. If you’d like to find out more about foraging for blackberries I have written a longer piece in my post for Blackberry & Apple Jelly.
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, just use them in the same way as fresh blackberries, they will thaw out fairly quickly in the gin and sugar mixture.
What kind of Gin should I use to make Blackberry Gin?
You can use any unflavoured gin as you are going to add the flavour with the blackberries. I find that supermarket own brand gin is perfectly suitable for making fruit liqueurs.
What kind of sugar should I use?
Standard white granulated sugar is the best choice as it imparts sweetness without any other flavours. It takes a couple of days to dissolve into the gin but that is fine as the liqueur will be in the jar much longer than that.
Do I need any fancy equipment to make Blackberry Gin?
The equipment you need is pretty standard kitchen kit other than a piece of muslin or a jelly bag. You will need:
- Large glass jar with lid
- Jug
- Funnel (optional)
- Jelly bag or muslin
- Glass bottle with lid
How do I sterilise the bottles?
Find out why you should sterilise your bottles and about the different methods you can use to sterilise bottles and jars in this article.
How long does it take to infuse the blackberries?
You need to leave the blackberries in the gin for at least 3 weeks before straining into a bottle. You can leave it longer, and as long as your bottle is sterilised it will come to no harm and the flavour will be more intense.
After you have bottled the gin liqueur you can drink it straight away, However, it will improve if you leave it for around 3 months to mature in the bottle.
How should I store Blackberry Gin?
Store the gin liqueur in a cool dark place. Once you have opened the bottle I recommend that you store it in the fridge. The liqueur may oxidise after about 2 weeks and go a reddish brown colour. You can still drink it but it is better to use it before this happens which is why I use small bottles.
Can I make a larger quantity?
Yes, you absolutely can. This is a very simple recipe so just increase the quantities in the same proportions to make more gin!
How should I serve Blackberry Gin?
There are many ways to serve blackberry gin and I’m sure you’ll find your own favourite but here are a few ideas to try:
- As this is a sweet liqueur style of gin, it is delicious served neat in a small glass or try it over ice.
- Go for a classic by adding ice and tonic water and garnish with lemon and mint.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste then try adding lemonade for an easy drinking option.
- Make a fruity cocktail with blackberry gin and prosecco and garnish with blackberries and slices of lime.
- Add a tablespoon of blackberry gin to a summer fruit salad of red fruits or pour over ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Give Blackberry Gin as a gift
This homemade liqueur makes a lovely gift for a gin lover. Simply dress it up with a ribbon and a tag and it will be very welcome.
What else can I make with blackberries?
There are many different ways to use blackberries and they freeze really well so you can keep them until you need them. I have many recipes on this website and you can find them through the link below.
Blackberry Gin
Equipment
- 1 large glass jar minimum 500 ml
- 1 jug
- 1 funnel
- 1 jelly bag or muslin
- 1 250 ml (½ pint) glass bottle with lid
Ingredients
- 100 grams (1 cup) Blackberries
- 60 grams (⅓ cup) sugar
- 200 millilitres (1 cup) gin
Instructions
- Put 100 grams (1 cup) fresh or frozen blackberries in to a large glass jar (that has a screw top lid) with 60 grams (⅓ cup) granulated white sugar.
- Add 200 millilitres (1 cup) gin to the jar and screw on the lid.
- Shake the jar and put in a cool dark place, I put mine in the bottom of my larder. Shake the jar every day for a week or until the sugar has all dissolved. Then leave for 3- 4 weeks.
- Sterilise a muslin cloth or jelly bag by putting it into a heatproof bowl and covering with boiling water. Once cool enough, carefully lift it from the bowl with clean hand and wring out the excess water.
- Place a sieve over a large jug or bowl and put the muslin over the sieve.
- Pour the contents of the jar onto the cloth. Leave until all the liquid has drained into the jug or bowl and the currants are left in the cloth. I discard the fruit, although I know some people may with to use them to add to jams or use in desserts.
- Use a jug or funnel to pour the Blackberry Gin into a sterilised bottle. Seal with a tight lid and store in a cool dark place for 3 months before drinking.
- The blackberry gin is sweetened so you can drink it as it is neat or over ice. For a long drink, add soda water, tonic water, lemonade or Prosecco with ice and lemon or lime.