Making your own flavoured liqueurs from foraged fruit: the payoff

[nanila]

One of my birthday-related activities way back in September was to forage a big pile of damsons and apples, and stick them in a Kilner jar with a load of sugar and vodka.

This is what it looked like on the day those things were first combined:


And this is what it looked like after three months of being stashed in a dark cupboard, plus a small amount decanted into a glass skull:


I don't know if it is as satisfying as quaffing the blood of your enemies, but it certainly is delicious. Will definitely add to the annual sloe gin manufacturing ritual.

Comments

[ayebydan]

First pic looks vile but I am fascinated by the results!

[nanila]

I agree it did not look promising, heh!

[meepettemu]

I l’ve got crab apple whisky fermenting at Lina’s :)

[nanila]

Ooh, that sounds good too. Must add that to the list!

[meepettemu]

It’s only been in a month and I don’t like whiskey but I tasted it when I stirred it the other day and it was good!

[kaberett]

yssssssss

[nanila]

Foraging is great! We found a new rich seam of sloes for next year. Very exciting.

[hilarita]

Looks pretty convincing, tbh

[nanila]

Heh, I wasn't sure it would work so I'm glad it turned out well.

[hamsterwoman]

That looks great! (well, in the second picture it does :)

I've not experimented with foraged liqueurs myself, but we got to try a friend's parents' black rowan concoction last year, and it was the most delicious alcohol I've ever tasted, so we really should experiment!

[nanila]

If you have access to forageable fruits then Yes, go for it! It turns cheap supermarket booze into something far more quaffable.

[fragilespark]

oooh, sounds like a great and delicious idea. glad it turned out well! I want to try this.

[nanila]

It was a success! I want to try with gin next year as well, as I'm told that's good too.

[angelofthenorth]

We used to make all sorts of country wines and liqueurs when I was a child - they made excellent Christmas presents :)

[nanila]

If I can get up the gumption to make larger quantities next autumn, using this as Xmas gifts sounds like a great idea. Thank you.

[sfred]

Yum! My dad made me some damson vodka a couple of years ago; I drink very slowly and it keeps getting more delicious.

[nanila]

Heh, I'm not sure ours will last long enough to mature like that. Next year: two jars!

[alatefeline]

Coooooool.

[nanila]

It makes very cheap booze into something unique - and far nicer to drink!

[fred_mouse]

What a great idea! Wanders off to investigate guava + vodka...

[nanila]

Oooh now that sounds rather nice. You probably wouldn't have to add much sugar either.

[antisoppist]

I first had sloe gin late at night round a campfire after putting up a new tent for the first time, in the dark, with my ex-husband, when the kids were much much smaller. It has remained nectar of the gods.

[nanila]

Agreed! We found a bottle we had made and managed to forget about for three years. It was rather special. Despite knowing this we've still not managed to repeat the feat.

[telegramsam]

getting a head start on Halloween? XD

[nanila]

Every day is Halloween. #eldergoth