Gordon's Sloe Gin is a lower-strength, ruby-coloured gin liqueur style bottled at 26% ABV. It is made by steeping wild sloe berries before Gordon's gin is added, bringing together the dark-fruit character of the berries with the familiar dry juniper core of the brand.

Sloe berries recall damson plum, blackcurrant and almond-like stone-fruit notes. Their fruit depth softens the dry edge of the gin, while juniper stops the profile from becoming purely sweet. The aroma is rich and autumnal, with berry skin, gentle tartness and a restrained botanical lift.

The mouthfeel is fuller and rounder than a London Dry Gin, yet the finish keeps a useful bitterness from the sloes and a dry gin line beneath the fruit. It can be enjoyed neat over ice, used in a Sloe Gin Fizz, or lengthened for a lighter aperitif-style serve.

For a bright long drink, pour 5 cl over clear ice, top with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water and add an orange wedge. Orange gives a fresh citrus contrast to the dark fruit, while tonic opens the sloe character without hiding the juniper.

Sloe Gin belongs to a different rhythm from dry gin. Its fruit, lower strength and gentle sweetness make it particularly suited to cooler weather, an aperitif over ice, or a simple sparkling serve. Fresh orange is more useful than an elaborate garnish here: it adds perfume and brightness while respecting the quiet plum-like depth of the sloes.

It also works in a flute with chilled sparkling wine for a seasonal aperitif, where the sloe fruit gives colour and softness while the bubbles keep the finish light.