Product Focus: Sloe Gin

Sloe Gin is strongly associated with the autumn, probably because that’s when sloes, the dark bitter fruit of the blackthorn bush, are usually ripe for picking. However, a good sloe gin is a beautiful thing to behold and should be enjoyed all the year round.

For those of you who like sloe gin but forgot or couldn’t be bothered to go foraging or just don’t like getting scratched (it’s not called the blackthorn bush for nothing – it was originally planted to keep cattle from straying), you might be interested in Sacred Organic Sloe Gin. It is made with organic sloe berries from Bulgaria and has an extra kick of juniper added just before bottling.

It’s delicious just to sip neat but for a more summery take, try pouring 25ml into a champagne flute and topping it up with sparkling wine.  One of our favourite serves at the Sacred Bar is the Scarlett Sloehansson, created by Craig Robertson, manager of The Strait and Narrow, a rather wonderful drinking establishment in the heart of historic Lincoln. Craig named this cocktail after the famous Hollywood actress, Scarlett Johansson (obvs)  – with whom, I think it is fair to say, he is a little smitten – in the hope that she might hear about it and get in touch with him. Let’s just hope she reads the Sacred blog, Craig!

Scarlett Sloehansson
Add a double shot of Sacred Organic Sloe Gin, 10ml Sacred Rosehip Cup and 10ml Solerno (Blood Orange Liqueur) to a mixing glass, fill with ice and stir until well chilled. Take a chilled glass, add a couple of dashes of absinthe, tilt and coat the glass, and strain from the mixing glass. Garnish with a long pared lemon zest, twisted over the glass to express the oils.