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Nutrition: per 25ml

  • kcal63
  • fat0g
  • saturates0g
  • carbs5g
  • sugars5g
  • fibre0g
  • protein0g
  • salt0g
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Method

  • step 1

    Rinse and pick over the damsons to remove any leaves and stalks, then pat dry, tip into a freezer bag and freeze overnight. The next day, bash the bag of damsons a couple of times with a rolling pin and then tip the lot into a 2-litre Kilner jar, or divide between 2 smaller jars.

  • step 2

    Pour in the sugar and gin, and put the lid on. Shake well. Each day for a week, give the jar a good shake until all the sugar has dissolved, then put it in a cool, dark place and leave for 2-3 months.

  • step 3

    Line a plastic sieve with a square of muslin (or use a coffee filter in a cone for a really refined gin) and strain the damson gin through it. Decant into clean, dry bottles, seal and label. The gin is now ready to drink, but will improve and mature over time – it will keep for over a year, if you can wait that long.

RECIPE TIPS
AN EASY SHORTCUT

Freezing the damsons and then bashing them will help release the juice and is far less of a faff than pricking each one with a fork. Filter the gin as well as you can – this prevents sediment from settling at the bottom of the bottles.

DAMSON VODKA

Use this quantity of fruit to sugar and gin and make as much as you like. You can also use vodka instead of gin if you prefer, which gives a slightly ‘cleaner’ flavour.

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Comments, questions and tips (18)

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Overall rating

A star rating of 4.7 out of 5.19 ratings

bruno.m.michel04305

question

I am unsure as to whether one bashes the damsons straight off the freezer (i.e. still frozen), of if one has to let them thaw first before bashing them with the rolling pin.

AndytheBruce

question

Just to clarify, I can leave the stones in the damsons, I don't need to de-stone them first?

harrisonkay68

This is so easy to make and delicious. I've decanted some into nice bottles for Christmas presents, but the rest is mine. Don't think it'll last that long though.

Needlenoddlenoo

Dissolve the sugar in the fruit then add the booze. Used 1½ pounds of damsons and 1oz demerara to the gin. Also made a bottle of brandy but without sugar (so far). Roll on Xmas!

boogalooboo

question

Can I use white caster sugar instead? What difference will it make please?

goodfoodteam avatar
goodfoodteam

Hi, thanks for your question. Yes white caster sugar is fine - it will just have a slightly less caramelised flavour. We hope this helps. Best wishes, BBC Good Food Team.

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