Blackcurrant Gin
Blackcurrant Gin is a simple and delicious liqueur that you can make at home with only three ingredients. It makes a wonderful drink to sip on it’s own or add ice and something sparkling to make it into the perfect summer cooler.
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 Blackcurrant Gin is an unusual and interesting gift to give too.
What ingredients do I need to make Blackcurrant Gin?
You only need three ingredients to make this liqueur, they are blackcurrants, gin and sugar.
What are blackcurrants?
Blackcurrants are small tart berries that grow on a woody shrub. They are easy to grow in the garden and will even grow well in containers. Blackcurrants ripen in mid-summer and are ready to pick when they turn from dark red to black.
Where can I buy blackcurrants?
Blackcurrants are not as easily available as many other summer soft fruits. Most of the commercial blackcurrant crop in the UK goes into making blackcurrant cordial or other blackcurrant products. Some supermarkets do stock blackcurrants during the summer. Also, look out for blackcurrants at Farmer’s Markets or ask an independent Greengrocer to source some for you.
Can I use frozen blackcurrants?
Yes, just use them in the same way as fresh blackcurrants, they will thaw out fairly quickly in the gin and sugar mixture.
Can I grow blackcurrants?
Read my Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grow Blackcurrants for all the information you need to successfully grow your own blackcurrants in the garden or in a container.
What kind of Gin should I use to make Blackcurrant Gin?
Use any unflavoured gin as you are going to add the flavour with the blackcurrants. I find that supermarket own brand gin is perfectly suitable for making my Blackcurrant Gin.
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.
Scroll to the end of this article to find the full recipe and all quantities of ingredients, with step-by-step photo instructions.
Do I need any fancy equipment to make Blackcurrant 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 blackcurrants?
You need to leave the blackcurrants 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 blackcurrant gin 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 Blackcurrant 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 will oxidise after about 2 weeks and go a reddish brown colour. You can still drink it but it is better to use it beore 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 Blackcurrant Gin?
There are many ways to serve blackcurrant 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 blackcurrant gin and prosecco and garnish with berries and slices of lime.
- Add a tablespoon of blackcurrant gin to a summer fruit salad of red fruits or pour over ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
If you enjoyed Blackcurrant Gin then why not try making Blackberry Gin?
Give Blackcurrant 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 blackcurrants?
There are many different ways to use blackcurrants and they also freeze really well so you can keep them until you need them. I have many recipes on this website and you can find them all together through the link below.
Blackcurrant 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) Blackcurrants
- 60 grams (⅓ cup) sugar
- 200 millilitres (1 cup) gin
Instructions
- Put 100 grams (1 cup) fresh or frozen blackcurrants 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 Blackcurrant Gin into a sterilised bottle. Seal with a tight lid and store in a cool dark place for 3 months before drinking.
- As this blackcurrant gin is sweetened you can drink it as it is neat or over ice. For a long drink, add tonic water, lemonade or Prosecco with ice and lemon or lime.
I love making my own flavoured gin liqueurs and when I saw your recipe I had to try it as blackcurrant is one of my favourite flavours. The balance of sharp blackcurrant and sugar with the gin was perfect.
Good to hear you enjoyed the blackcurrant gin, Lesley.
Had a bunch of blackcurrants in my freezer from last year so I made this for my gin loving friend’s birthday. I’ve had great reports back so thanks!
It does make a good gift for gin lovers, great to hear that your friend enjoyed it.