Collection: Sloe gin

Some sloe gin brands are distinguished by particularly gentle production methods and the deliberate use of natural ingredients. Brands such as Elephant Sloe Gin use hand-picked wild sloes and completely avoid artificial flavours or colourings. Hayman’s also stands out for its traditional recipes and slow maceration, which brings out the natural fruit flavour.

Other producers combine regional ingredients with innovative techniques – such as using locally harvested sloes, herbs or spices to create a distinctive, deep flavour profile. These quality characteristics make all the difference and demonstrate just how diverse and authentic sloe gin can be.

The production of sloe gin traditionally begins with the harvesting of fully ripe sloe berries, usually after the first frost – this allows the fruit to develop more natural sweetness. The berries are steeped in gin for several months; during this maceration process, their fruity, slightly tart flavours, as well as notes of bitter almond from the stones, are released into the gin. This process gives sloe gin its characteristic colour and complex flavour.

After maceration, the mixture is carefully filtered and refined with sugar or spices, depending on the recipe. The finished sloe gin has a lower alcohol content than classic gin – usually between 25% and 30% ABV. 

In the industrial production of sloe liqueur, ripe sloe berries are macerated in neutral alcohol to extract their intense flavours. During this process, small amounts of hydrocyanic acid are also released from the stones, giving the liqueur its characteristic, slightly bitter almond-like flavour. After maceration, the mixture is filtered, sweetened with sugar and, depending on the manufacturer, rounded off with spices or fruit extracts.

Unlike artisanal sloe gin, which is made using gin as a base, industrial production often uses pure alcohol to ensure consistent quality and a longer shelf life. This method allows for larger production volumes and consistent flavour results – a crucial factor in the widespread availability of sloe gin in shops.

Sloe gin is a versatile liqueur that is enjoyed both neat and in cocktails. Traditionally, it is enjoyed in winter as a digestif or over ice, but its fruity, tangy flavour also makes it ideal for creative drinks – all year round. Thanks to its lower alcohol content and balanced sweetness, sloe gin is a popular alternative to traditional gin in many cocktail recipes.

Popular Sloe Gin cocktails include:

• Sloe Gin Fizz: Fresh and tangy with lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda water.
• Sloe Gin Negroni: A fruity twist on the classic, with red vermouth and Campari.
• Sloe Gin and Tonic: The fruitier alternative to the classic gin and tonic – served with lime.
• Sloe Gin Sour: Refreshing with lemon juice, sugar syrup and optional egg white for a creamy texture.

Sloe liqueur is not only popular in Germany, but is also known internationally under various names – and often has a regional character. In Italy, this aromatic liqueur is enjoyed as ‘Bargnolino’, usually made with grappa and enhanced with additional spices such as cinnamon or cloves. In France, the variant is called ‘Prunelle’, often milder in flavour and traditionally made with fruit brandy or brandy.

Despite sharing a common base – the sloe – these liqueurs differ from country to country in terms of alcohol content, sweetness and flavour profile. Regional ingredients and production methods give each variant its own distinct identity. 

In our online shop, you’ll find a hand-picked selection of high-quality sloe gins from renowned brands. Particularly popular are producers such as Plymouth Gin, Hayman’s and Elephant Gin, which impress with their traditional maceration, balanced sweetness and intense sloe flavours. Whether classic or modern in style, our range offers the perfect choice for every taste and budget.

Sloe gin and sloe liqueur are both made from sloes, but differ significantly in composition and taste. Sloe gin is a gin-based infusion of sloes with a typical alcohol content of between 25 and 30 %. It is less sweet, has a subtle juniper note and is ideal for cocktails or drinking neat.

Sloe liqueur, on the other hand, is usually made from neutral alcohol or fruit brandy, has a lower alcohol content and significantly more sugar. It has a more intense sweet and fruity flavour, making it more popular as a digestif or dessert liqueur. In terms of taste, sloe gin is therefore closer to gin, whilst sloe liqueur falls more into the classic liqueur category.

Sloe gin offers an unrivalled taste experience, combining fruity sloe flavours with the crisp notes of gin. This spirit is ideal for creative cocktails or enjoying neat, adding a special touch to your moments of indulgence.

Sloe gin is a fruity and slightly sweet spirit made from gin and sloe berries (also known as blackthorn berries). These berries, which grow wild on blackthorn bushes, are harvested in autumn and macerated in gin together with sugar. The result is an aromatic liqueur with a deep red colour and a distinctive sweet-and-sour flavour that sets it apart from other types of gin.