Blackberry Whisky
Created | Updated Jan 9, 2007
Those of you that enjoy making and drinking Sloe Gin should also try the recipe below for Blackberry Whisky.
Blackberries can be picked from mid-summer onwards, once the fruit is ripened on the Brambles. You'll need to be careful of the sharp thorns and should never pick fruit from Brambles at the roadside. Luckily Brambles take hold in most un-managed fields, hedgerows and margins so it is not too hard to find a good source. See Blackberries and Brambling for more information.
Ingredients
You will need:
- 600g Blackberries
- 300g Raw Cane Sugar
- 1 Litre of Scotch Whisky
Blackberry Whisky is most commonly made with Scotch Whisky - although you may like to try Bourbon if you prefer it. There is little value to be gained by using the most expensive Whiskey so go for a cheaper brand, but as for Sloe Gin; if the alcohol content of your Whiskey is lower than 40% your final product will not be as intensely flavoured so aim for a low cost, but not watered down product.
Raw cane (unprocessed) sugar is best because it contains no chemicals and has a natural flavour.
The recipe can be scaled up or down according to the amount of Whisky available. If you picked too much fruit, buy more Whisky!
Method
The method is the same as for Sloe Gin:
- Wash and dry the Blackberries
- Put the Blackberries, Whisky and sugar into a large jar or Demijohn
- Shake until the sugar is disolved.
- Put the lid back on the whiskey bottle and keep it to one side - there's no need to wash it out.
- Keep the container in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
- Shake once or twice a day for two weeks then once a week for six to eight weeks in total.
- You can then decant the liquid back into the original bottle - it is best to strain it through a piece of muslin or kitchen towel using a funnel.
Consumption
BEWARE: This drink will stain worse than red wine! So prepare and drink with care and don't give it to your kids!
The final product has an unexpectedly beautiful rich flavour similar to Port with a slightly woody undertone that is the only remaining hint of the Whisky you started with and is nothing like a Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster. It can be drunk directly from the bottle but in polite company the preference is to serve it neat in small shot-glasses or as a long drink mixed with Lemonade.
It also makes a superb substitute for plain Whisky in a Hot Toddy Cold Remedy.
