CREATE YOUR OWN INFUSION

Capture early summer in a bottle by making your own flavoured gin. It’s easier than you think – simply follow these tips to create a deliciously fruity infusion.

1 CHOOSE A BASE GIN

Pick a clean-tasting, uncomplicated gin for infusion. One with strong botanical flavours might not mix well with extra additions, but a classic London Dry gin that has neutral notes can take on fruity flavours more easily.

2 PICK YOUR FLAVOURS

Most gins traditionally contain juniper, coriander and cardamom, so choose ingredients that will complement these. Be inspired by seasonal flavours: this month, sharp and sweet rhubarb is a great choice, as well as berries, fresh herbs and even veg like celery and chillies.

3 THE BOTTLING TECHNIQUE

Pour the gin into a sterilised bottle or other sealable container (find out how to sterilise bottles at bbcgoodfood.com).

Then, add your chosen ingredients and a little sugar, if you’ve added fruit (sugar helps draw the juice out of berries and other fruits). Seal, then swirl the bottle to combine the ingredients and dissolve the sugar, if using. Leave the bottle to infuse in a cool, dark place. Berries and strong fruits will impart their flavour in three to four weeks, while milder ingredients can take up to a month. When you’re happy with the flavour, sieve to remove any solids, then pass through fine muslin or a co…ee filter to get rid of any sediment before bottling.

4 HOW TO STORE YOUR SPIRITS

If your bottles or jars are well sealed, strained correctly and stored in a cool, dark place, they should keep for a year.

For more on making your own flavoured spirits, visit bbcgoodfood.com/drinks.