Books down, computers off – now is the time to get out and pick some sloes. Sloe gin is an excellent preventer of colds over the winter, so you are only helping the health economy by making and drinking lots of it.
1 litre (2 pints) sloes
1 litre (2 pints) gin (the cheapest you can find will be fine)
375g (12oz) sugar
Prick the sloes – nb, with a silver fork (reason unknown) – mix with the other ingredients. Cover tightly. Shake from time to time to dissolve the sugar. After a couple of months, strain, bottle, cork tightly and keep as long as you can (though if made now will be perfectly drinkable over the festive).
