While often assumed to be a spirit, sloe gin is actually a liqueur. The name Sloe gin is derived from the berries that grow on blackthorn hedges throughout the United Kingdom. Sloes, which are a small, round fruit related to the plum, are harvested in early winter after the first cold snap, and it is traditional for the berries to be pierced by a blackthorn once they are picked. Sloe gin is made by steeping a high proof gin with sloe fruit and sugar. The result is a lightly sweet and tart fruit-based liqueur that makes for a dreamy summer cocktail but can also be enjoyed all year round.

This ruby-red cordial was first made in Great Britain, and it remains quintessentially English. Sipsmith, a popular brand of gin, attributes the spread of sloe berries to 17th century laws that required division of land, to which sloe hedgerows became an inexpensive natural fencing solution. While the sloe berries on their own are tart and bitter, it seemed like a waste to not to make use of the harvest, so the Brits began infusing it in gin to make “poor man’s port.” It wasn’t until the 20th century that Sloe gin gained popularity through cocktails like the Sloe Gin Fizz and the Charlie Chaplin.

The process for making Sloe gin is straightforward, and it is a great project for home mixologists. Beware, it takes a while, but the end result is worth the effort. To make a batch of Sloe gin, procure a pint of fresh Sloe berries (plums or plum liqueur make a fine substitute, if you can’t make a quick trip across the pond) and place them in a jar with ¼ cup of sugar. Fill the jar to the top with gin, seal it tight, and store it in a cool, dry place. Turn it every day for the first few weeks, and then weekly for an additional three months in order for it to steep thoroughly. The final step is for the Sloe gin to be thoroughly filtered from the berries and decanted into a glass container, where it should rest for another month before the dazzling ruby liqueur can be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail.

Did someone say cocktails? We thought so. Yes, Sloe gin is a certified delight in a cocktail, a well-balanced potable that is a perfect partner with citrus, bitters, and, of course, bubbles. If the process of making your own Sloe gin feels like a bit much, or if you’re in a hurry, fear not. Several brands, including Plymouth Sloe gin, are available in the United States and they draw from tried-and-true traditional recipes for classic cocktails like the Sloe Gin Fizz. 

A throwback favorite, the Sloe Gin Fizz is a refreshing blend of Sloe gin, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice shaken with ice and topped with club soda in a Collins glass. Some recipes also include egg whites, which add a little extra fizz. You can use Sloe Gin in a classic Ramos Gin Fizz recipe to create this yummy cocktail, just reduce the amount of simple syrup. If it’s bubbles you’re after, we recommend The Sun Also Rises. This cocktail combines equal parts Sloe gin, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice with 1 ½ teaspoons absinthe shaken with ice and served in a champagne glass. Top with three dashes of Peychaud’s bitters and three ounces of champagne or prosecco.