Strawberry Gin...

 Great gift - Unlike sloe gin, this strawberry version only needs 3 days to stand for the flavours to develop. Strain and decant into a pretty bottle or several smaller ones, then add a handmade label and ribbons for a personalised Christmas gift. Delicious served with ice and chilled tonic.

Makes 1 large bottle

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Standing time: 3 days

You will need

450g (1 lb) strawberries

150g (5oz) caster sugar

700ml bottle gin

Method

1 Very roughly crush the strawberries with a fork or potato masher then spoon into a wide necked glass bottle or le parfait style storage jar. Add the sugar then the gin, seal and give a gentle shake to mix.

2 Leave the jar at room temperature for 3 days, giving the container a gentle shake twice each day to make sure that the sugar dissolves.

3 Strain the mixture then decant into a clean, dry serving bottle. Seal well with a screw topped lid, cork or clip top. Decorate the bottle with a handwritten label tied on with ribbon or raffia. Serve in glasses with ice and tonic or add a splash to chilled sparkling white wine with a halved strawberry for a quick cocktail.

Guest Post Credits - Seasonal Berries