Did You Know Sloe Gin Isn't Actually Gin?

Sloe gin's origins lie in 1700s Britain, where hedges of sloe berry bushes were plentiful. The berries were steeped in gin, which technically makes sloe gin a liqueur, not gin.

In this case, gin, which is made by fermenting grains and juniper berries, is a liquor. Sloe gin is a liqueur because it has sloe berries added to the base spirit of gin.

This has a significant impact on the flavor, color, and alcohol content of the drink. Sloe gin is made with three ingredients: sloe berries, sugar, and plain old regular gin.

Sloe gin must be steeped for about three months before it's ready to use. During this time, the sloe berries infuse the gin with their tart flavor and give it a bright pink hue.

Sloe gin offers a very different drinking experience from regular gin. The tartness of the sloe berries and the sweetness of the sugar adds an additional layer of fruitiness.

It also has a lower alcohol content at about 30-60 U.S. proof. You can swap sloe gin for regular gin in many cocktails, especially if you want to give it a fruity twist.