Sloes are the fruit of the blackthorn plant - a shrub with long sharp thorns which is traditionally used in Britain to make cattle-proof hedges. Centuries ago the berries were reputed to have ...

Making sloe gin is slow but not laborious. There's no cooking required, just patience as the sloes steep in the gin. Sloes are too bitter and sour to eat raw, but taste superb when preserved.

Making sloe gin is slow but not laborious. There's no cooking required, just patience as the sloes steep in the gin. Prick the tough skin of the sloes all over with a clean needle and put in a ...