How to Make Homemade Sloe Gin

Sloe Gin Recipe Using Muckross Irish Gin

Homemade sloe gin has charmed its way into the hearts of gin lovers everywhere — and with this easy sloe gin recipe using Muckross Irish Gin, you can craft your own version steeped in Irish tradition.

A Rich History Rooted in Tradition

Sloe gin may be trending, but its roots go deep. Traditionally made by infusing tart sloe berries with gin and sugar, this deep-red liqueur was beloved for its warming qualities through the colder months.

In Ireland, the cultural significance of sloe berries runs deeper than you might think. The Irish name for Killarney, Cill Airne, translates to “Church of the Sloes” — a poetic nod to the blackthorn bushes that thrive in the region. That’s why blackthorn is one of the core botanicals in Muckross Irish Gin — a spirit inspired by the wild beauty of our surroundings.

Where Do Sloe Berries Come From?

Sloe berries are the fruit of the blackthorn bush (Prunus spinosa), a hardy shrub native to Ireland and found across much of Europe. These blue-black berries are known for their sharp, mouth-puckering taste when raw, which mellows beautifully when steeped in gin. The best time to harvest sloes is just after the first frost, when the skin softens and the juices flow more freely.

How to Make Homemade Sloe Gin

Using Muckross Irish Gin as your base gives your homemade sloe gin an extra layer of herbaceous depth — a perfect pairing for the berries’ tart richness.

Ingredients:

• 450g ripe sloe berries
• 225g caster sugar
• 700ml Muckross Irish Gin
• 1 large sterilised jar

Method:

1. Pick & Prep
   Harvest your sloe berries after the first frost. Wash and dry them, then prick each one with a fork or needle to help release the juices.
2. Combine
   Place the sloes into a sterilised jar. Add the sugar, then pour in the gin until the berries are completely covered.
3. Infuse
   Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar gently every day for the first week, then once a week for at least two months.
4. Strain & Bottle
   Once the infusion period is over, strain your gin through a fine mesh sieve. For a crystal-clear finish, pass it through a muslin cloth or coffee filter. Bottle the liquid into sterilised bottles and seal tightly.

How to Strain Sloe Gin

A clear, ruby-hued finish makes all the difference. Here’s how to get it:

1. Set Up: Place a jug or bowl on a stable surface.
2. Sieve First: Pour the infused liquid through a fine mesh sieve to catch the berries and larger particles.
3. Strain Again: For a cleaner result, strain the liquid through muslin or cheesecloth over a funnel.
4. Bottle: Pour the finished gin into sterilised bottles, seal, and store in a cool spot.

Sloe Gin Calories

A 25ml measure of sloe gin contains approximately 69 calories — slightly higher than standard gin due to the sugar and fruit content. As with any indulgence, moderation is key, especially when pairing with mixers or serving in cocktails.

Serving Suggestions

Sloe gin is versatile, flavourful, and perfect for sipping on a cold evening or mixing into something refreshing.

Sloe Gin Fizz

A light, creamy cocktail with a botanical twist.

Ingredients:

• 50ml Muckross Sloe Gin
• 20ml lemon juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• Soda water
• Lemon slice & rosemary sprig to garnish

Instructions:

1. Dry shake the gin, lemon juice, syrup, and egg white (no ice).
2. Add ice and shake again until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled glass, top with soda water.
4. Garnish and serve.

For more cocktail inspiration, visit our Wild Serves page for seasonal gin drinks and easy recipes.

FAQ

Q: How long should I infuse sloe gin for?

A: Ideally two to three months — though some say it improves even more after four. Taste testing as you go is part of the fun.

Q: Do I need to freeze sloe berries before making sloe gin?

A: If you haven’t picked them post-frost, freezing the berries overnight mimics the effect and helps break down the skin.

Q: What is the best gin to use for sloe gin?

A: A smooth, herbaceous base like Muckross Irish Gin complements the sloe berries perfectly and adds depth to the finished liqueur.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re embracing an old tradition or crafting a seasonal gift, making sloe gin at home is a deeply rewarding process. And by using Muckross Irish Gin, you’re adding a uniquely Irish character to every drop — one inspired by the Church of the Sloes itself.