Flavoured gins are very much in vogue and when they taste as good as this cranberry and clementine gin it is easy to see why.
I love gin in all forms and while its hard to beat a classic gin with a good juniper flavour it is also rather nice (and fun) to explore flavoured gins as well.
Homemade flavoured gins
The great thing about flavoured gins is that they are not hard to make your own, which means you can experiment with various flavours and strength of flavour.
They are made by infusing the flavourings in the gin and allowing them to steep for several weeks until the flavour is imparted into the gin. Then the gin is strained into clean sterlized bottles and sealed.
Often the gin is sweetened at the same time.
Homemade cranberry and clementine gin
To make this flavoured gin the cranberries are pricked with a pin or skewer several times before adding to the gin. This allows the juice to slowly seep out into the gin to flavour it. Its a bit fiddly but doesn't take too long.
The cranberry flavour is then subtly enhanced with the zest of clementines and sweetened with sugar.
The gin needs to be left in a cool dark place for at least 2 weeks or up to 2 months, before straining into bottles.
How long will the flavoured gin last?
Once strained the gin is best kept for no more than 6 months.
How to serve cranberry and clementine gin
As this gin is sweetened it makes a delicious drink served neat in a shot or liqueur glass or in a larger glass served over ice. Serve as an aperitif or after dinner with dessert course in place of a sweet dessert wine.
I rather like it as a naughty but nice treat with a slice of cake. Try it with a slice of Almond Bizcocho (Almond and orange loaf cake)or Sticky Walnut cake.
Or try with biscotti.
Alternatively serve as a long drink over ice diluted to taste with your favourite tonic. Or with lemonade or soda water.
This Cranberry and clementine gin makes a fabulous festive gift for grown-ups. Last Christmas I made a batch of this gin and homemade Christmas vodka and served them in mini bottles with name labels and used them as table gifts/place markers.
How to make cranberry and clementine gin step by step
Cranberry and clementine gin
Equipment
- skewer or tooth pick
- 1 or 2 large glass jars with lid
- zester
- sieve
- muslin (optional)
- jug
- bottles
Ingredients
- 250 g cranberries
- 2 clementines
- 175 g caster sugar
- 500 ml gin
Instructions
- Prick 250g (9oz) cranberries several times with a skewer so that the juice will be released and place in a large jar.
- Peel thin strips of zest from two clementines and add to the cranberries, then add 175g (6oz)sugar.
- Pour in (17floz) gin. Close the lid and shake well.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place for at least 2 weeks or up to 2 months, shaking the jar every couple of days until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries have released their juice.
- Strain through a sieve lined with muslin if into a jug and then pour into sterilised bottles. Seal and label.
- Serve as a liqueur, over ice or with tonic, soda water or lemonade.
monica mcguiness says
I made this recipe with vodka because that's all I had. It has a wonderful color already and it's only been a few days. I can't weait to try this on Christmas morning. Thank you for the recipe.
monica mcguiness says
I have only just made this but it has a beautiful red color already. I am excited to try it at Christmas. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Oh yes it is a lovely colour and Im sure you will absolutely love the flavour too. Cheers!
Wendy Boyden says
I’ve made and just tested the cranberry and clementine gin. Very good!! I think the flavours are complex and compliment each other perfectly! Thank you for this easy to make recipe.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Ahh very good that you tested it, That's very important lol. Seriously glad you liked it and i agree the flavours work very well togther. Thank you for commenting if you get a chance to rate as well that would be fab it sends a message to google that its a good recipe which in turn helps me. Have a lovely Christmas Jacqui x
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says
Such a fab idea - yes please! Eb 🙂
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
You had me at gin! This sounds absolutely delicious. I've only made my own rhubarb gin before and that was really nice so I would definitely like to try this.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Do it is easily as nice as rhubarb gin
Rebecca - Glutarama says
I love a good homemade gin and these flavours are perfect for my palate. I've already made Quince Gin this year so think I'll be giving this one a go too. Also, thank you for linking up a recipe I can actually try myself hahaha.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Thank you Rebecca You will love this one for sure a
Kat (The Baking Explorer) says
This looks gorgeous and such a lovely festive flavour!
Midge @ Peachicks' Bakery says
Flavoured gins are always a winner with me! One of the few treats I get to myself 🙂
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I like your way of thinking! If I put my name on all the bottles in my next batch maybe I could do the same 🙂