Damson Vodka ( or Gin)

Quite a few people recently have asked me how I make the  Damson and the Blackcurrant flavoured Vodkas I give away as Christmas gifts. Anyone who was at the FSA Conference a couple of years ago,  will have tasted some of my Hedgerow vodkas :) 

Well, if you come on one of my Preserving talks, or workshops, you can find out :)

But as it's near ish to Christmas/Yule I thought I would tell you ( and show you!) how *I* do it. 

Take a clean jar, I used a Le Parfait jar, but any wide necked jar will do.

Put in washed, pricked fresh fruit and add spirit of choice. I have found Vodka or Brandy to be good - it doesn't have to be an expensive brand. Gin is also do- able ( but I don't like Gin!) 

If you don't want to have to prick the fruit, freeze the fruit whole, then put it in the jar and pour on the spirit. The liquid will rapidly cause the fruit to split.

Add sugar. It is better to add too little as you can always add more, if you want it sweeter when you taste test it!

Put the jar somewhere you can shake/upend until all the sugar has dissolved.

Put away in a cool, dark place.

Leave for up to a year...I have found if you leave it longer than that it might get a slightly musty taste.On the other hand it might become divine and utterly delish! So it is up to you to keep on tasting the jar occasionally!

Strain (I use one of those permanent coffer filters for this inside a funnel, all sterilised) into a suitable bottle ( I save the small wine bottles one can get (25 or 35 cl) is these are ideal to give as gifts as well!)

Label.

Drink!

Damsons in Vodka and sugar

After a day of shaking/soaking