Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g damson plums
- 500ml gin
- 250ml ginger ale
- 100g granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 orange peel
- Ice cubes
Special equipment needed:
- Large jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid
- Funnel
- Strainer
- Glasses for serving
Step-by-step instructions:
a. Wash and dry the damson plums. Prick each plum with a fork or toothpick.
b. In a large jar or bottle, combine the damson plums, gin, sugar, cinnamon stick, and orange peel.
c. Close the jar or bottle tightly and shake well to mix the ingredients.
d. Store the mixture in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months, shaking the jar or bottle occasionally.
e. After 3 months, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar or bottle.
f. To serve, fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in 50ml of the damson gin mixture.
g. Top up with 25ml of ginger ale and stir gently.
h. Garnish with a slice of orange or a sprig of mint, if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 3 months (for the gin mixture to mature)
5. Temperature:
- No specific temperature needed.
Serving size:
- This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150 per serving
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Damson plums can be substituted with other types of plums or even berries.
- Gin can be substituted with vodka or other clear spirits.
- Ginger ale can be substituted with lemonade or soda water.
- Cinnamon stick can be substituted with a pinch of ground cinnamon.
- Orange peel can be substituted with lemon or lime peel.
Variations:
- Add a splash of lime juice for a more citrusy flavor.
- Substitute the ginger ale with tonic water for a more bitter taste.
- Add a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
- Use honey instead of sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid to prevent air from getting in.
- Shake the jar or bottle occasionally to ensure that the ingredients are well-mixed.
- Taste the mixture after 3 months and adjust the sweetness or flavor as needed.
Storage instructions:
- Store the damson gin mixture in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Reheating instructions:
- This recipe does not require reheating.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Damson Gin and Ginger Ale in a tall glass with a slice of orange or a sprig of mint on top.
- Use a vintage-style bottle or jar for a more rustic look.
Garnishes:
- Orange or lemon slices
- Mint leaves
- Cinnamon sticks
Pairings:
- Cheese platter
- Charcuterie board
- Grilled meats
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread
- Salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the damson gin mixture is too sweet, add more gin to balance it out.
- If the mixture is too strong, dilute it with more ginger ale or soda water.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the damson plums thoroughly before using them.
- Store the damson gin mixture in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
- Damson gin is a traditional British drink that dates back to the 18th century.
Flavor profiles:
- The damson gin has a sweet and fruity flavor, while the ginger ale adds a spicy kick.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Damson Gin and Ginger Ale as an aperitif or after-dinner drink.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: British
Taste: Fruity, Tart, Sweet, Refreshing