How to Make Sloe Gin Using a Clip Top Bottle
By Kilner® - Iconic Glass Jars, Bottles & Equipment | Kilner® | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to make sloe gin at home with a clip top bottle. Simple steps, key tips, and a reliable recipe for a smooth homemade liqueur.
Quick answer
To make sloe gin at home, fill a clip top bottle with sloes, sugar, and gin, then steep for at least two months. The Kilner® Clip Top Sloe Gin Bottle is ideal for small batches.
Why a clip top bottle works well
A clip top bottle gives you a secure, airtight seal that keeps the gin and fruit in contact while preventing evaporation. The Kilner® Clip Top Sloe Gin Bottle is designed for infusions, so it’s a practical choice for this recipe.
The 0.3 litre size is perfect for small batches—enough to test a recipe or make a gift without committing to a large quantity. If you plan to make more, scale up the ingredients and use a larger jar, but the method stays the same.
Choosing your sloes and gin
Pick sloes that are ripe but still firm. They should be dark purple and slightly soft to the touch. Avoid bruised or moldy fruit, as it can spoil the infusion.
Use a gin you enjoy drinking. The gin’s flavor will come through, so a mid-range gin works well. There’s no need for an expensive bottle, but avoid anything too harsh.
How to make sloe gin: step by step
- Prepare the sloes: Wash the sloes and remove any stems or leaves. Prick each sloe with a clean needle or fork. This helps the gin extract flavor and color. Alternatively, freeze the sloes overnight—the freezing breaks the skins and makes pricking easier. Pricking or freezing is essential; skipping it slows down the infusion.
- Fill the clip top bottle: Place the prepared sloes in the Kilner® Clip Top Sloe Gin Bottle, filling it about half to two-thirds full. Add sugar to taste—typically 50-100g per 0.3 litre, depending on how sweet you like it. Then pour gin over the fruit, leaving a small gap at the top. Don’t overfill; leave room for the gin to move and the flavors to mingle.
- Seal and store: Close the clip top securely. Shake the bottle gently to mix the sugar and gin. Store in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard. Shake the bottle once a week for the first month to help the sugar dissolve. A dark, cool spot prevents sunlight from degrading the gin’s flavor.
- Steep and taste: Leave the mixture to steep for at least two months. Taste it after two months—if it’s not strong enough, leave it longer. The longer it steeps, the smoother and more complex the flavor becomes. Patience pays off; don’t rush the process.
- Strain and bottle: Once satisfied, strain the sloe gin through a fine sieve or muslin to remove the fruit and any sediment. Pour the finished liqueur into a clean bottle or decanter. It will keep for up to a year when stored properly. Straining removes solids that can make the gin cloudy or bitter over time.
Product facts
- Kilner® Clip Top Sloe Gin Bottle 0.3 Litre: The Kilner® Clip Top Sloe Gin Bottle has a 0.3 litre capacity and a clip top closure for a secure seal. It’s sized for small-batch infusions and the clip top keeps the mixture sealed while it steeps.
Kilner® Clip Top Sloe Gin Bottle 0.3 Litre
