Damson Vodka
1 bottle of non expensive vodka
Damsons
Caster Sugar
- I squish the damsons to break them open, I don't remove skin or stones at this point and I push into either a demi john or a sterilised bottle - a big empty Bombay Sapphire this time as it has a nice wide neck. I put the bottle through the hot dishwasher cycle and then place in a heated oven for a few minutes to sterilise.
- I fill approx a third of the bottle with damsons.
- Then add the sugar to the bottle, I add until there is about 2 inches of sugar on top of the damsons
- Add the vodka until full.
- Seal and place in a cool dark place for 3 months - turning and shaking occasionally. After 3 months strain through muslin to remove the damsons into a jug or bowl, pour back into the bottle.
- It is now ready to drink or you can leave for another 3 months.
- You can make this with gin to make Damson Gin!
Plum Vodka
This is the first time I have made this so I have taken instructions from my Gran in how to make this. I have made my first attempt today and it is a very pleasing pink colour.
You need
Plums
Caster Sugar
Vodka
- Chop plums and remove stones (remove skin if you wish) and add to a large pan
- Add sugar to the equivalent of half the weight of the plums
- Add Vodka - 75cl for every 500g of plums
- Very very very slowly heat the mixture, stirring occasionally until the sugar has melted but before the liquid comes up to simmering point.
- Remove from heat, strain through a muslin into a jug and pour into sterilised bottle.
- Seal and store in a cool dark place for 3 months.
Today I also made jam from the vodka soaked plums (could make for a boozy cream tea, possibly not advisable on your breakfast), I made the jam without pectin.
- Take discarded vodka soaked plums
- add lemon juice and cook slowly for about 15 mins
- add a cup of caster sugar
- Cook slowly to reduce down, skim any scum or stray bits of skin from the jam.
- Pour into sterile jars - allow to cool and seal.
