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What is Sloe Gin? Sloe Gin is a Red Liqueur made with Gin and Sloes.
What is the best Sloe Gin for your money? We recommend Gordon’s Sloe Gin.
Have you ever seen Sloe Gin in the booze aisle and thought: what is Sloe Gin? What’s the difference between Gin and Sloe Gin? What’s going on?
Don’t worry – we’ve got ya covered. In this article, we’re going to answering the what is Sloe Gin question and a whole lot more.
We’re gonna cover:
- The history of Sloe Gin.
- Quick & easy Sloe Gin cocktail recipes.
- What we consider to be the best Sloe Gin you can buy today.
Let’s dive right in.
What is Sloe Gin?
Sloe Gin is a British-made red liqueur. It’s made using a Gin and ripe Sloes.
Wait…Sloes? What are they? You might be asking yourself. And it’s a great question.
What are Sloes?
Sloes, otherwise known as Prunus spinosa, are small fruits that are relatives of the plum family.
Sloes can found growing wild in British hedgerows across the country, but they aren’t cultivated and so remain a little obscure as a fruit. The reason for this is a simple one: they don’t taste very nice.
Other Variations of Sloe Gin
Because Sloes are native to the UK, different fruit is often used in other countries to produce the “Sloe” Gin.
For example, some US distilleries use Aronia Berries or Beach Plum to produce a domestic version of the Sloe Gin.
The Origin of Sloe Gin
Our story starts in Britain in the 17th century. Parliament passed a series of Enclosure Acts that transformed common land into individual farms.
As a result, the government opted to use hedgerows in order to separate the land. This led to a bumper crop of Sloe Berries.
However, the Sloe berries were rarely eaten. Their taste is described as “tart and astringent”, so not exactly appetising to the palette.
It wasn’t long before people figured out that Sloe Berries mixed with Gin was a winning combination.
In the early days of Sloe Gin brewing, the drink was an outlaw concoction made at home and was liable to put you in a 3-day hangover.
This was evident in a poem dating back to 1717 about the ills of British culture. The poem was a little…disparaging towards Sloe Gin. It suggests it was “… made at Home … of Sugar, Sloes, and Grocer’s Trash”.
Okay, it may seem a little tame compared to a scathing attack from Eminem or somesuch, but at the time it was written it was scathing enough.
A Port Substitute
The next account of Sloe Gin comes in the 19th century, where the manufacturing of the red liqueur had obviously reached beyond its rural roots.
In 1838 accounts of Sloe Gin had reached the cloudy heights of London. Accounts at the time suggest Sloe Gin was a mixture “which the inhabitants of London swallow for Port.”
A Change in Reputation
So, Sloe Gin didn’t have the best of reputations back in the early days. Certainly, not like it does now.
But when did that change?
The change began in the late 19th Century. Due to the popularity of Sloe Gin amongst the drinkers, major distilleries decided to get in on the action. And why wouldn’t they? It was a good way to make more money in a relatively untapped market.
And it was a good thing for Sloe Gin.
The distilleries knew how to produce great gin and so the quality of Sloe Gin increased. Dramatically.
In the early 20th Century, the reputation of Sloe Gin was about to increase even more.
Sloe Gin Fizz
One reason for the increase in popularity could be the inclusion of Sloe Gin in popular cocktails.
At the beginning of the 20th Centruy, arguably one of the most famous Sloe Gin cocktails was invented: the Sloe Gin fizz.
This cocktail combines Sloe Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup and Champagne for a sweet and decadent mixture that’s very pleasing to the palate. You can view the full Sloe Gin Fizz recipe here.
But this wasn’t the end of the Sloe Gin’s upward trend in popularity – it was only the beginning.
The Charlie Chaplin
What really made Sloe Gin popular was the invention of The Charlie Chaplin. The Charlie Chaplin was a cocktail invented in the Waldorf Astoria sometime between 1910-1919.
The cocktail is named after arguably the most popular celebrity of the time. Do I really have to say it?
Charlie Chaplin.
The Charlie Chaplin cocktail is made using Apricot Brandy, Sloe Gin, and Lime Juice. You can check out the full recipe details here.
Gin Popularity
Sloe Gin has been a staple of the Gin Liqueur world ever since, but recently the popularity has increased again.
Why? Because the popularity of Gin has soared in the UK over the last couple of years.
Experts believe that Gin yearly sales may soon Exceed £3 billion in the UK alone. Now those are some serious numbers.
Now there are dozens, if not hundreds, of different Gin brands available on the market. Also, you can pretty much buy a Gin Liqueur in any flavour you could possibly imagine.
(Yes, that includes Lime and Coconut, Lemon Sherbert, Turkish Delight and even Iron Bru flavours).
Sloe Gin fits right in as a more established flavour of Gin Liqueur.
Now let’s get to the What is Sloe Gin FAQs.
What is Sloe Gin FAQs
What is the Difference between Gin and Sloe Gin?
Gin is Gin, but Sloe Gin is a Gin Liqueur. It’s made by mixing Gin and Sloes.
What is the Flavour of Sloe Gin?
The flavour of Sloe Gin can vary depending on the brand. Most good Sloe gins will be sweet to the taste, whilst maintaining the base Gib botanicals and Juniper flavours.
What is a Good Sloe Gin?
Since the popularity of Gin has exploded, the amount of great quality Sloe Gins available to buy has too.
So what is a good Sloe Gin? Great question. Firstly, you need to decide what you’re looking for in a Sloe Gin.
If you’re looking for a cheap Sloe Gin to try in a couple of cocktail recipes, then you might want to consider the following options:
Gordon’s Sloe Gin is rated very highly on Amazon for its price (5 stars out of 5, with 210 reviews).
One reviewer says: “This bottle of Sloe Gin is remarkable value for money. There is no pretension; it is exactly as advertised; a wondrous colour and excellent on the tongue. A treat awaiting the end of a full, busy day.! Thanks go to management and staff.”
Greenalls Sloe Gin is also rated highly, but perhaps not as well-received as Gordon’s (4 stars out of 5, with 11 reviews).
One reviewer says: “Very good quality for the price, drink neat too.”
If you’re looking for a good Sloe Gin to throw in a couple of cocktail recipes AND to drink neat when you fancy it, then let’s consider a couple of the slightly more expensive Sloe Gins on the market.
These two choices aren’t that much more expensive than the cheaper versions and honestly – the reviews are equally as good.
The Sipsmith Sloe Gin has an average of 4.7 stars out of 5, but that’s out of a massive 552 reviews.
One reviewer says: “Although Sipsmith hasn’t been around for as long as their competitors, they have certainly taken the gin world by a storm and they most certainly deserve the praise! This a beautifully balanced gin, and a must-have in your home bar (or any bar, really). The contrast of the juniper with the rest of the botanicals makes this gin masterpiece for you and your taste buds. And any other gin they have is also something worthy of trying and enjoying, ultimately falling in love with it. There’s always a bottle of Sipsmith lying around.”
Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin, however, boasts 4.6 stars out of 5 stars after just 52 reviews.
One reviewer says: “Lovely flavour, smooth and a little syrupy. Similar to Sipsmith in quality but more unusual, so good when you are hosting. Lots of quality gins have a silly price tag but this one is tasty, distinctive and good value. Have bought this for a friend and will be buying again!”
Our Verdict
With these four Sloe Gin considered, I don’t think you can beat Gordon’s Sloe Gin. The price is unbeatable at £14.50 (at the time of writing this article) and the quality of the Sloe Gin is very high.
Great mixed for a cocktail recipe or to sip neat, Gordon’s Sloe Gin is the one to beat.
Can You Drink Sloe Gin By Itself?
Yes, you absolutely can. It’s sweet and it tastes great either hot or chilled.
Sloe Gin Cocktails
Now let’s take a look at tasty some cocktails we can make with Sloe Gin.
Sloe Gin Fizz Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- Sloe Gin 40ml / 1.4oz.
- Lemon Juice 40ml / 1.4oz.
- Simple Syrup 15ml / 0.5oz.
- Champagne 100ml / 3.4oz.
- a slice of lemon
Recipe
- Add Ice, Sloe Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, and Champagne to a Highball Glass.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon.
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Email to a FriendThe Charlie Chaplin Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- Apricot Brandy 25ml / 0.8oz.
- Sloe Gin 25ml / 0.8oz.
- Lime Juice 25ml / 0.8oz.
- a slice of lime
Recipe
- Add Ice, Apricot Brandy, Sloe Gin, and Lime Juice to a Coupe Glass.
- Garnish with a slice of lime.
Tweet This RecipeShare on FacebookEmail to a FriendSloe Gin Negroni
Ingredients
- Sloe Gin 25ml / 0.8oz.
- Gin 5ml / 0.2oz.
- Aperol 25ml / 0.8oz.
- Vermouth 25ml / 0.8oz.
- slice of orange
Recipe
- Add Ice, Sloe Gin, Gin, Aperol, and Vermouth to a Coupe Glass.
- Garnish with slice of orange.
Tweet This RecipeShare on FacebookEmail to a FriendWhat is Sloe Gin? – The Summary
- What is Sloe Gin? Sloe Gin is a British-made red liqueur. It’s made using a Gin and ripe Sloes.
- Sloes, otherwise known as Prunus spinosa, are small fruits that are relatives of the plum family.
- Sloe berries are rarely eaten. Their taste is described as “tart and astringent”, so not exactly appetising to the palette.
- The difference between Gin and Sloe Gin is: Gin is Gin, but Sloe Gin is a Gin Liqueur. It’s made by mixing Gin and Sloes.
- Most good Sloe gins will be sweet to the taste, whilst maintaining the base Gib botanicals and Juniper flavours.
- The best Sloe Gin for your money is Gordon’s Sloe Gin.
- Sloe Gin can be used in cocktail recipes or sipped on its own.
Want More Cocktail Information on Cocktail Ingredients?
Now that we’ve answered the “what is Sloe Gin?” question, do you want more information on cocktail ingredients? If so, check out our cocktail ingredients hub page for more information.
Further Reading
- https://www.thekitchn.com/history-of-drink-what-exactly-154148
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sloe_gin
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_spinosa
- https://www.thrillist.com/spirits/liqueur/how-sloe-gin-is-made
- https://sipsmith.com/exploring-the-history-of-sloe-gin/
- https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/oct/12/how-to-make-sloe-gin
- https://1806.com.au/cocktail/charlie-chaplin/
- https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2018/09/sales-of-uk-gin-double-in-value-in-five-years-to-hit-2-2-billion/
