How to make blackberry gin at home in three easy steps!
Aug 1, 2023
Blackberry gin is having a moment! Yes, made popular by fantastic craft distillers - (have you tried the wonderful Tarquin’s British Blackberry Gin?) - this fabulous flavour is something special!
Why not make your own blackberry gin at home? Our recipe could not be easier; all you need is three ingredients and a little bit of patience! It takes just two minutes to prepare and then a week or two to infuse, after which time you’ll have a beautiful dark purply-red, slightly sweet fruity gin!
Blackberries, of course, come into season in the UK in August (or occasionally, late July, depending on the weather) and continue to ripen into plump, juicy sweetness throughout September and even early October. Whether you’re picking your own from the hedgerows, or using some defrosted frozen berries, the flavour of these fresh fruits infusing your gin is absolutely delicious!
You can keep it simple and just stick to blackberries, or, for an added layer of fruity flavour, why not try adding some ripe damsons, raspberries or even apple? We’ve got some suggestions for easy twists on the recipe below!
Blackberry gin is delicious served with your favourite tonic and a twist of lemon to garnish; alternatively, we’ve included a couple of serving suggestions below, including one for a sparkling Blackberry Gin Fizz, if you’re feeling fancy!
You will need:
Approx. 350g blackberries
120g caster sugar, or to taste
70cl gin
A clean, ideally sterilised jar or bottle with seal
2. Add the sugar and gin, stir or shake well, seal tightly and then leave in a cool dry place to infuse for about a week or two, or longer for a stronger flavour.
3. Every few days, give the gin a little shake. When the gin tastes ready, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or muslin cloth into a fresh bottle.
Alternative 1: Blackberry & Apple Gin: To make blackberry and apple gin, simply slice and cube one or two fresh, ripe apples (any type works) and add to your gin infusion. You don’t need to peel or core them. It might make the colour a little more opaque, but will taste delicious.
Alternative 2: Blackberry & Damson Gin: Damsons are another British fruit that comes into season in late summer or early autumn, and are often at their best in September. Simply substitute some of the blackberries with damsons for a yummy early-autumn gin - perfect for a Bramble cocktail!
Tip: This recipe creates a beautifully infused, flavoured gin. However, if you would like to try making blackberry gin liqueur, simply follow the recipe above but double the quantity of sugar - the more sugar you add, the thicker, sweeter and more syrupy the gin will become! Serve over ice for a sweet, refreshing tipple!
Blackberry gin, being already packed full of flavour, pairs well with classic tonic water. For something a little different, though, you could try a rosemary-infused tonic; the herbal notes really work with the fruity sweetness of the gin!
Alternatively, below are two easy cocktail recipes that you can whip up in under a minute at home using your homemade blackberry gin. All you need is some ice and you’re all set! Chin chin.
40ml homemade blackberry gin (or to taste)
150ml lemonade
Fresh mint leaf and blackberry, to garnish
Fill your gin glass with plenty of ice. Add your homemade blackberry gin and top up with lemonade. Garnish with a few leaves of fresh mint (optional) and/or a couple of juicy, ripe blackberries. Serve!
15ml homemade blackberry gin
10ml Crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur)
100ml prosecco
2 fresh blackberries, to garnish
Chill a champagne flute for 30 minutes before making your cocktail. Add the blackberry gin and liqueur to the glass, top up with prosecco, and garnish with a few fresh berries. Serve!
