With blackberries, blueberries, red currants, and autumn-fruiting raspberries in abundance, there is just enough time to use up these berries to make fruit liqueurs in time for Christmas.
Home-made fruit liqueurs may sound complicated but it really is fruit steeped in sugar, and your spirit of choice. They are quick and easy to prepare, taste delicious, and make the perfect homemade tipple to gift over the festive season.
The mixture takes two to three months to mature so you still have time to get some prepared in time for Christmas. The longer you leave the mixture, the deeper the colour and flavour becomes.
Blueberry Vodka - the blueberries will turn the vodka a lovely purple shade
Bramble Whisky - use a good blended whisky with blackberries
Raspberry Brandy - autumn-fruiting raspberries work really well to flavour brandy, and they work equally well with vodka
Sloe Gin - Sloe gin is made with the bitter sloes of the wild blackthorn tree. If you keep the bitter sloes in the freezer for a few weeks before using them, it helps to release their sweetness
Tip: do not use top shelf spirits but do use a good quality spirit as the fruits will enhance but not mask the original taste.