Carry on reading for instructions on how to make a completely delicious Damson and Orange Gin recipe, from the comfort of your own home.
Homemade Gins
There’s something quite wholesome and rewarding about creating your own gin infusions at home. While it is a process that doesn’t require much effort, the results are deeply gratifying, especially when experimenting with rich seasonal flavours. Damson and Orange Gin recipe provides a beautiful infusion for colder months. Combining the deep, tart sweetness of damson plums with orange’s bright zest, it is a wonderful evening tipple and can be bottled up to make a charming and thoughtful homemade gift.
Damson and Orange Flavour Profile
Damsons are smaller, dark-skinned plums that bring a rich, slightly tart flavour to infusions, which works beautifully with gin’s botanical notes. Their deep plum colour also gives this gin a gorgeous, jewel-toned hue. Combined with orange zest, which adds a warm, citrusy brightness, this gin becomes a well-balanced, aromatic drink that works fantastically neat or as a gin and tonic, and, if you’re clever, it’s versatile enough to enjoy among in cocktails or with mixers.
Damson and Orange Gin Recipe
To get started, you’ll need:
Ingredients
- Damsons – 500g (fresh or frozen, if out of season)
- Orange zest – from one large orange (use a peeler to avoid the bitter white pith)
- Gin – 750ml (choose a smooth, mid-range gin as the base)
- Sugar – 100g (optional, to taste)
Equipment
- Large glass jar or bottle with a tight-sealing lid
- Zester or vegetable peeler
- Strainer and muslin cloth
- Funnel (for bottling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and drying the damsons. Use a fork or knife to pierce each one a few times—this helps release their juice and flavour. Peel the orange carefully, using a peeler or knife to remove just the orange skin (avoid the white pith, as it can add bitterness).
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Place the damsons and orange zest into a clean glass jar. Pour in the gin, fully submerging the fruit. If you prefer a sweeter gin, add about 100g of sugar at this stage. Seal the jar tightly.
Step 3: Infuse
Store the jar in a cool, dark place and let it infuse for 4–6 weeks. Every few days, give the jar a gentle shake to help the flavours blend. This slow infusion is key to developing that deep, delicious flavour.
Step 4: Strain and Bottle
After infusing for at least one month, strain out the solids by straining the gin mixture through a muslin cloth into a bowl. Finally, use the funnel to pour the strained gin into a bottle, ready to use.
Tips for the Perfect Damson Orange Gin
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you’re unsure how sweet you want it, add sugar gradually and taste along the way, as sugar can always be added later.
- Infusion Time: For a stronger, richer flavour, let the gin infuse for up to 8 weeks. The flavours will deepen over time.
- Storage: Store your gin in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality. It should last several months, and its flavours may continue to mellow nicely.
How to Serve
Now that you have your delicious homemade gin, here are a few ways to enjoy it.
- On the Rocks: Simply pour over ice to savour the pure damson and orange flavours.
- Damson Orange Gin & Tonic: Mix with tonic water and garnish with a twist of orange zest for a refreshing drink. Classic tonic works well but we also think Mediterranean tonic, with hints of rosemary and thyme, adds a herbal note that works to balance out the fruity gin. Or opt for a blood orange tonic for a citrusy and vibrant drink.
- Damson Fizz: Combine with a splash of prosecco or sparkling water for a seasonal apéritif.
- Cozy Cocktail: Pair with ginger ale and a cinnamon stick for a warm and spiced twist.
- Gifting: This gin also makes a fantastic gift! Simply pour it into small bottles and add a festive ribbon, for the perfect homemade gift for friends and family.
