Homemade Plum Gin

Name: Homemade Plum Gin
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American

Photo: Photos by Stuart Mullenberg

September 06, 2023

Come late summer, when plums peak in juicy ripeness, there’s no better time to gather them for infusing into a spirited sipper. Inspired by fruit-forward, sugar-kissed sloe and damson-plum gins, this spirited sipper uses easy-to-find dessert plums, with lemon zest for a burst of citrus and cinnamon for a hint of spice. It comes together in just a few minutes, and after a month spent patiently stirring and waiting, you’ll be rewarded with a jewel-toned plum gin that sips as well solo as it does mixed in variations on cocktails like the Diablo or Singapore Sling.

Ingredients

1 lb. ripe plums, washed
1 750 ml bottle gin
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 lemon, washed
1 cinnamon stick

Tools:cookie sheet, half-gallon glass jar with lid, vegetable peeler, spoon, cheesecloth or jelly bag, funnel

Preparation

Step 1Spread the plums out on a cookie sheet and freeze overnight (for at least 12 hours).

frozen plums

Step 2Place the frozen plums and 1 cinnamon stick in a large jar. Add the sugar, then top with the gin, making sure the plums are fully submerged.

DIY plum gin

Step 3Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest from 1 washed lemon, taking care to avoid the white pith. Add the lemon zest to the jar, stir with a spoon (it’s okay if the sugar doesn’t dissolve) and cover.

diy plum gin

Step 4After 24 hours, remove the cinnamon stick and stir the mixture. Place in a cool, dark spot for 1 month, stirring every few days.

diy plum gin

Step 5After 1 month, fine-strain the liquid through multiple layers of cheesecloth (or use a jelly bag or a coffee filter) while funneling into a clean glass bottle. Cap (or cork) and store at room temperature for up to 6 months.

DIY plum gin