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Original poster

Using damson or sloe gin up.

18 replies

larkstar · 14/12/2023 19:38

I have foraged a lot of damsons, bullace(!) and sloes over the last few years and made a lot of jam from the damsons but I've got at least 5L of damson and sloe gin that's a couple of years old that I was thinking I need to try and start using up. Have you got any ideas - I just googled up a Nigel Slater duck breast recipe but it doesn't use more than a few tbspn's. I was wondering about some ice cream or crepe Suzette inspired thing - have you got any ideas?

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/oct/16/nigel-slater-damson-sloe-recipes

Nigel Slater's damson recipes

Steeping damsons or sloes in gin for a couple of months makes a delicious drink – and a great topping for a roast

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/oct/16/nigel-slater-damson-sloe-recipes

OP posts:
Roussette · 14/12/2023 19:45

I have sloe gin I made. It's lovely in fizz. And it does keep?

Kaftankween · 14/12/2023 19:46

if you need a Christmas cocktail, sloe gin topped up with champagne/Prosecco is delicious. I’m afraid it’s called a ‘sloegasm’ but don’t let that put you off!

Kaftankween · 14/12/2023 19:47

Ooh @Roussette snap!

chipshopElvis · 14/12/2023 19:57

I'm feeding the Christmas cake with min. Bit soon to know if this is a good idea though!

NeverDropYourMooncup · 14/12/2023 20:14

Any dessert with lemon, so cheesecake with the gin used for fruit on top. Lemon trifle, lemon gelato.

You could also make a cocktail with limoncello, gin and some chilled fizzy water or prosecco?

Then there's roasting a joint of pork with star anise, five spice, and suchlike. Or lamb/venison with stock, the gin, thyme, juniper, rosemary (so gin botanicals, really) and lots of steamed veg like carrots or courgettes for a change from just roasties or mash.

DingDongBella · 14/12/2023 20:15

Not only does it last it gets better with age. My last batch lasted 15 years and I really missed when I had to make a new batch.

lesdeluges · 14/12/2023 20:15

I don't drink alcohol, but that sounds nice to me. Can it be drunk as a gin and tonic or other mixer? In our family it wouldn't last too long if it could!

OMGitsnotgood · 15/12/2023 14:28

Makes a lovely present if you have some small bottles to decant into.

Unabletomitigate · 15/12/2023 14:30

As above, go with the seasonal cocktails!

Roussette · 15/12/2023 14:36

OMGitsnotgood · 15/12/2023 14:28

Makes a lovely present if you have some small bottles to decant into.

Yes I had it as a wedding favour tied with a ribbon, it was lovely!

Original poster
larkstar · 17/12/2023 09:49

@Kaftankween
@Roussette
I happened to have a bottle of brut in the fridge and that worked out well with the sloe gin in particular - the damson gin was a bit too flavourful by comparison - probably have some on Christmas day. We both had a tiny cracking headache in the morning.

@NeverDropYourMooncup I hadn't thought of combining with lemon but that sounds like a combo I can work with - maybe cream can be thickened up with a dash of damson gin in the same way that brandy does although my instinct is that it will make it watery - no cream in the house to try that with ATM. I know alcohol depresses the freezing point so can't add too much to ice cream - the problem with the ice cream maker is that I've rarely got the space in the freezer for it. I definitely want to try with a joint of meat... I've got litres of the stuff to use - the damson gin isn't as thick and syrupy as some I've tried.

I don't drink much of anything - no spirits bar the odd g&t on the summer - making the damson gin was a just a way to use up a load of wild damsons after Is already made enough jam - bit of an expensive investment TBH.

OP posts:
Original poster
larkstar · 17/12/2023 09:53

@chipshopElvis sounds a bit Heston Blumenthal to me! I've made two different cakes and been feeding them on brandy as per usual - I've probably got some ingredients for a third - I find there's never enough - I'm happy to keep eating it until Easter.

OP posts:
Beamur · 17/12/2023 09:56

Sloe gin is fine with tonic. More like an alcoholic cordial. If you're not keen on drinking this is a nice way to have it and it's not too strong.
Slice of lemon and lots of ice - delicious.

AwkwardSquad · 17/12/2023 10:26

Either would be delicious in homemade chocolate truffles, which would alo make great gifts

Original poster
larkstar · 17/12/2023 11:14

@AwkwardSquad that’s actually a timely idea as I also have some small bottles of Cointreau and Kirsch that I can use - they were only bought for cooking last Christmas and not been touched since.

OP posts:
AwkwardSquad · 17/12/2023 14:22

I'd be very happy to assist with any tasting you might need 😁

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 17/12/2023 18:25

Not quite an answer but related- If you have spare brandy or rum after Christmas, you can pack jars with fruit or sultanas and fill it up with either the brandy or rum. It makes a great fancy pudding to serve a spoonful on vanilla ice cream, with a thin biscuit or similar.

Talipesmum · 17/12/2023 18:27

Beamur · 17/12/2023 09:56

Sloe gin is fine with tonic. More like an alcoholic cordial. If you're not keen on drinking this is a nice way to have it and it's not too strong.
Slice of lemon and lots of ice - delicious.

Yes, this. It took me years before I clocked that it makes a brilliant g&t, and i get through it much faster now! Add orange slices instead of lime. It is lovely and festive, but great all year round too.

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