• Self Catering Cottage in Clifden

Connemara pony at play. It's that magical time again at "Cuach Cottage" Clifden, Connemara., County Galway. Snow capped 12 Bens, calling out for walkers, hikers...go and explore. 

I have been collecting some sloes from the hedgerows and have made some Sloe Gin for the New Year. A lovely liqueur and so easy to make.

Jamie's quick recipe:

Tipp: Hedgerow berries are ripe when you can squish them between your fingers.....try it !!

Lets  Go:

Jamie's recipe which I use myself.

"Pick enough to half-fill the bottle of your choice, but if you have loads it’s a really good idea to make a batch of them. The longer you leave your gin the better, so anything you don’t drink this year will be fantastic the following year, and even better the year after that.

Start by sticking them in the freezer overnight. This will simulate the first frost and split the skin on your berries, allowing them to release their natural sweetness.

After sterilising your airtight bottle(s), half fill it with the frozen fruit and top up with gin – a good gin please, Dingle for example Ha ! Ha !, You of course have to keep sampling as you go!!!! Only joking. Cheap ones make cheap sloe gin and will often ruin your hard work. Add two big spoonfuls of caster sugar and shake for a minute. Lay on its side out of direct sunlight and twist it 180 degrees every other day for two months."

I like to add the ready to drink Sloe Gin to our home made fruit salad syrup, ie. equal parts water & sugar bring to the boil and let cool completely then add the secret

ingredient a generous tablespoon of the beautifully coloured Sloe Gin , gives your fruit salad not only a fantastic colour but a little kick.  Serve in a glass bowl to appreciate the Fab colour and flavour... TRY IT ! 

Marian.