Red currant shrub

One for those with a large crop that they were wondering what to do with.  It comes from the River Cottage preserves book.

Start with a redcurrant jelly recipe and use some of the juice here.  Makes about 1L.  If the mixture forms a pectin gel lump at first, don't worry.  That will go when you add the sugar.

Mix 300ml red currant juice, 600ml rum or brandy, the finely grated zest of an orange and 1tsp grated or ground nutmeg in a large jar.  Seal and leave in a cool dark place for 7-10 days.

Transfer to a pan, add 300g granulated sugar and heat gently to 60 degrees C to dissolve the sugar.  Strain through muslin or a jelly bag and bottle.

Put back in that cool dark place for a few months to mature, open and enjoy either on its own or mixed half and half into dry martini with a splash of orange juice.  I recommend the martini cocktail 

I made redcurrant wine last year as well as redcurrant ice cream. Eyeing up the neighbours crop again.

Thank you New Shoot... I shall try that one!

News, I wish Reading was closer to Hawkhurst, like by about a few yards...

Our reds are now due, and I bought a straining bag to make jelly, and here you are suggesting superb drinks, which we normally do every evening, and lunchtime if we're happy enough, so forget being retired, think of England...

Must go and check them tomorrow, although Mrs Growster has booked me for strimming so they may need another day on the bush!

and correctly you identified my street, New Shoot!

I am going to create a Rum and Jostaberry version!!And to make sure I have all the required cocktail ingredients to hand when we are ready to partake, I bought some dry vermouth in Asda just now as it was on special offer...
 a "sign" if there ever was one 🤣

Oh, and should you be around this street at the special time New Shoot, you will be welcome to partake of a snifter... best get someone to drive you over and back though lol