DIY Gin

Source: “The Little Book of Gin” published bu “OH!” in 2020 (ISBN 978-1-91161-098-4)

Gin is one of the most popular spirts made at home. “Bathtub gin” is really nothing more than flavoured or infused vodka. It’s easy to make.

What you need:

• A bottle of decent vodka (715ml)
• 2 tbs of juniper berries
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 2 peppercorns
• Dried orange and lemon peels (remove the pith)
•  2 sterilized bottles

Make your gin:

1. Sterilize your bottle with boiling water. Allow to cool.
2. Pour half of the vodka into the bottle.
3. Add the botanicals: juniper, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon and peppercorns, and top with vodka.
4. Keep the bottle in a cool dark place and leave for 24 hours. This is the infusion period.
5. Taste the infusion. It should already be gin-esque. Add the lemon and orange peels.
6. Shake the bottle gently.
7. Leave for another 24 hours.
8. Return and strain out the botanicals using a sieve or a sheet of kitchen roll. your gin will be yellow-brownish colour.
9. leave the gin to sit for a couple of days; strain out any further sediment.
10. Serve with thick ice, decent tonic and a garnish of your choice.