🍸 Blackcurrant Gin Recipe (UK): How to Make Your Own Fruity Summer Spirit

🌿 Introduction: A Bold and Beautiful Twist on Classic Gin

Looking for a homemade spirit that captures the taste of summer? Blackcurrant gin is the perfect combination of tangy fruit and smooth alcohol—deeply coloured, delightfully aromatic, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying it with tonic, sipping it over ice, or gifting it to friends, this fruity gin is guaranteed to impress.

In this complete UK guide, you’ll learn:

• How to make blackcurrant gin at home
• Best blackcurrants to use (fresh or frozen)
• Infusion tips for maximum flavour
• How to store, serve, and gift your gin
• The top FAQs and variations

Let’s turn your harvest (or supermarket berries) into something special.

🫐 Why Blackcurrants Work So Well in Gin

Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum) are small, tart berries loaded with antioxidants, flavour, and natural colour. Their sharp profile pairs beautifully with the botanicals in gin, especially juniper, coriander, and citrus.

Why it’s ideal for infusion:

• High natural acidity to balance sweetness
• Deep colour gives a stunning purple hue
• Rich aroma that enhances gin’s complexity
• Pairs well with herbs and spices (rosemary, star anise, etc.)

This makes blackcurrant gin more than just a liqueur—it’s a flavour experience.

📆 When Are Blackcurrants in Season in the UK?

Frozen blackcurrants work perfectly too—just rinse and use from frozen.

🍶 Ingredients for Homemade Blackcurrant Gin

Tip: Use a mid-quality London Dry Gin for the best results—you want the botanicals to shine but not overpower the fruit.

🍸 How to Make Blackcurrant Gin (Step-by-Step)

🫙 Step 1: Sterilise Your Jar or Bottle

• Use a large glass Kilner jar or bottle with a tight seal
• Wash in hot soapy water and sterilise by rinsing with boiling water
• Allow to dry completely before use

🍇 Step 2: Prepare the Fruit

1. Rinse blackcurrants thoroughly
2. Remove stems and discard any mouldy or unripe berries
3. Prick each berry gently with a fork or rolling pin (helps release juices)

🍬 Step 3: Add Sugar and Gin

1. Place the blackcurrants into your jar
2. Add sugar
3. Pour gin over the berries to cover
4. Add any optional extras (citrus zest, herbs, spices)
5. Seal the jar and give it a good shake

⏳ Step 4: Infuse and Wait

• Store the jar in a cool, dark cupboard
• Shake daily for the first week
• Leave to infuse for 2–4 weeks (or up to 3 months for deeper flavour)
• Taste weekly until it reaches your desired strength and sweetness

🫧 Step 5: Strain and Bottle

1. Strain through a fine sieve or muslin cloth
2. Funnel into sterilised bottles
3. Label with date and enjoy!

❄️ How Long Will It Keep?

🍹 Serving Suggestions: How to Drink Blackcurrant Gin

Classic Blackcurrant G&T:

• 50ml blackcurrant gin
• Premium tonic water
• Ice & fresh blackcurrants or mint to garnish

Summer Bramble:

• 50ml blackcurrant gin
• 25ml lemon juice
• 10ml sugar syrup
• Shake and serve over crushed ice

Blackcurrant Fizz:

• 25ml blackcurrant gin
• Top with prosecco or English sparkling wine
• Garnish with lemon peel

Warming Winter Serve:

• Mix with mulled wine or hot apple juice for a seasonal twist

🧪 Flavour Variations to Try

🎁 Gifting Idea: Blackcurrant Gin Bottles

Blackcurrant gin makes a beautiful homemade gift for birthdays, Christmas, or host presents.

How to Present:

• Bottle in 250ml swing-top bottles
• Tie with rustic twine and a handwritten label
• Add a “Serve with tonic and lemon” tag

It’s a thoughtful, seasonal gift that never goes to waste!

💬 Top 10 FAQs About Blackcurrant Gin

1. Can I use frozen blackcurrants?
Yes! They’re perfect—just rinse before using.

2. Do I have to use caster sugar?
Caster sugar dissolves quickly, but you can also use granulated. Avoid brown sugar unless you want a molasses undertone.

3. What gin works best?
Any good-quality London Dry Gin or supermarket brand. Save the expensive gins for sipping plain.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes—taste after 1 week and adjust by adding more if needed.

5. Can I leave it longer than 4 weeks?
Absolutely. Up to 3 months gives a deeper, richer infusion.

6. Will it go off?
No—alcohol preserves it well. Just store in a cool, dark place.

7. Can I reuse the berries?
Yes—use in a boozy crumble, ice cream topping, or even jam.

8. Can I make a sugar-free version?
You can skip the sugar and sweeten when serving. It will be sharper.

9. What’s the alcohol content?
Roughly 35–40%, depending on your base gin and sugar content.

10. Is it the same as crème de cassis?
Similar, but crème de cassis is sweeter and thicker. Blackcurrant gin is lighter and more botanical.

🌱 Growing Your Own Blackcurrants for Gin

Growing your own makes the process even more satisfying—and cost-effective.

🌟 Conclusion: A Seasonal Spirit That’s as Fun to Make as It Is to Drink

There’s something magical about turning a handful of tart blackcurrants into a deep, aromatic bottle of homemade gin. Whether you enjoy it in summer cocktails or winter warmers, blackcurrant gin is one of the simplest and most rewarding infusions you can make.

Ready in just a few weeks, beautifully vibrant, and perfect for sharing, it’s the ultimate garden-to-glass treat.