How to make rhubarb and ginger gin
If you’re looking for a way to jazz up your usual gin and tonic, why not try making your own rhubarb and ginger gin? This delightful twist on a classic cocktail is not only easy to make, but also offers a vibrant and refreshing flavor that is sure to impress your guests.
The first step in making rhubarb and ginger gin is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need fresh rhubarb stalks, ginger, sugar, and of course, your favorite gin. Make sure to choose a good quality gin that will complement the flavors you will be adding.
To begin, wash and chop the rhubarb into small chunks, discarding any leaves as they can be toxic. Then, peel and grate a piece of ginger to infuse your gin with its warm and spicy notes. In a large sterilized jar, combine the rhubarb, ginger, and sugar, making sure the ingredients are well mixed.
Next, pour your favorite gin into the jar, enough to completely cover the rhubarb and ginger mixture. Give the jar a gentle shake to allow the flavors to blend together. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks, gently shaking it every few days.
After 4 weeks, strain the gin using a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove any pulp or sediment. The result will be a beautiful, pink-hued gin infused with the tangy sweetness of rhubarb and the subtle spiciness of ginger. This homemade rhubarb and ginger gin is best enjoyed over ice, mixed with tonic or as the base for a wonderfully refreshing gin cocktail. So why not give it a try? Cheers!
Preparing the ingredients
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Before starting the process of making rhubarb and ginger gin, it is essential to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. The main ingredients for this recipe include fresh rhubarb, ginger root, sugar, and gin. Here are the steps to prepare the ingredients:
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Choosing fresh rhubarb stalks and ginger roots
When making rhubarb and ginger gin, it’s important to start with fresh and high-quality rhubarb stalks and ginger roots. Here are some tips for selecting the best ingredients:
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Rhubarb stalks:
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Ginger roots:
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It’s important to note that using fresh and high-quality ingredients will greatly enhance the flavor of your homemade rhubarb and ginger gin. So, take your time during the selection process and choose the best rhubarb stalks and ginger roots you can find!
Infusing the gin
To make rhubarb and ginger-infused gin, you will need:
- 500ml of gin
- 250g of rhubarb stalks, washed and trimmed
- 50g of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 50g of caster sugar
- A sterilized glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid
- A fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth
Here’s how you can infuse the gin:
- Start by preparing the rhubarb and ginger. Cut the rhubarb stalks into small pieces and slice the ginger thinly.
- In a large sterilized glass jar or bottle, add the rhubarb, ginger, and caster sugar.
- Pour the gin over the ingredients until they are completely covered.
- Seal the jar tightly with the lid and give it a gentle shake to mix the ingredients.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking it gently every few days to ensure the flavors are well combined.
- After 2 weeks, strain the infused gin through a fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth into a clean bottle or jar.
- Your rhubarb and ginger gin is now ready to be enjoyed!
Remember to label your bottle or jar with the date it was infused, as the flavors may change over time. This gin can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or mixed in various cocktails. Cheers!
Cutting the rhubarb and ginger into small pieces
Before you can infuse your gin with the delicious flavors of rhubarb and ginger, you’ll need to prepare these ingredients by cutting them into small pieces. This step is important to ensure that the flavors are extracted efficiently and evenly distributed throughout the gin.
To start, gather fresh rhubarb stalks and ginger. You’ll need around 500g of rhubarb and a thumb-sized piece of ginger for every 700ml of gin. Wash the rhubarb stalks thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Using a sharp kitchen knife, remove the leafy ends and tough outer layer of the rhubarb stalks. Cut the stalks into small, bite-sized pieces, aiming for around 1-inch in length. If the stalks are particularly thick, you may want to slice them in half lengthways before cutting them into pieces.
Next, using a peeler or the edge of a spoon, peel the skin off the ginger. Then, slice the ginger into thin rounds or small cubes. This will help release the spicy, aromatic flavors into the gin.
After cutting both the rhubarb and ginger, you’re ready to proceed with infusing your gin. Remember to handle the ingredients carefully and avoid any contact with your eyes or skin, as ginger can be quite potent.
Mixing and Storing
Once the rhubarb and ginger have infused with the gin for at least a week, it’s time to mix and store your homemade rhubarb and ginger gin.
To mix the gin, strain out the rhubarb and ginger pieces using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Discard the solids and transfer the infused gin to a clean, sterilized bottle or jar.
Your rhubarb and ginger gin is now ready to enjoy or store. If you’d like, you can add a little extra sweetness to your gin by making a simple syrup and adding it to taste. Rhubarb and ginger gin can be enjoyed on its own over ice or used as a flavorful base for cocktails, such as a rhubarb and ginger gin fizz.
Be sure to label your bottle or jar with the date it was made, as the flavors will continue to evolve over time. Stored in a cool, dark place, rhubarb and ginger gin can keep for several months, if not longer. However, do keep in mind that homemade infusions may have a shorter shelf life than commercially produced spirits, so it’s best to consume within a reasonable timeframe.
Placing the rhubarb and ginger in a sterilized jar
Before you can start infusing the gin with the delicious flavors of rhubarb and ginger, you’ll need to prepare a sterilized jar to ensure optimal freshness and hygiene of your homemade gin.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to preparing your sterilized jar:
What you’ll need:
- A glass jar with a lid
- Boiling water
- Clean kitchen towel or paper towels
Instructions:
- Start by thoroughly cleaning the glass jar and its lid with warm soapy water. Rinse well to remove any soap residue.
- Submerge the jar and lid in a large pot of boiling water. Make sure they are fully immersed and leave them for about 10 minutes to sterilize.
- Using kitchen tongs or heat-resistant gloves, carefully remove the jar and lid from the boiling water and set them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Allow them to air dry completely.
Your sterilized jar is now ready to be filled with the perfect combination of rhubarb and ginger, along with gin, for an exquisite homemade infusion. Remember to always use clean utensils while handling your ingredients to maintain hygiene and prolong the shelf life of your rhubarb and ginger gin.
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