How to make blackberry vodka

Freeze your blackberries in a bag or Tupperware box overnight. This will mimic the first frost, which will make them sweet and juicy. The next morning, mix the frozen berries with the caster sugar in a bowl.

Pour the berries and sugar into a sterilised jar (or distribute evenly between your bottles). I've also seen recipes that add a sprinkle of cloves (four or five) at this stage, or a star anise, but that is dependent on your own taste.

Top up with vodka, seal securely and give a gentle shake.

Pop your vodka in a cool, dry cupboard somewhere and shake it a few times in the first couple of weeks. Then forget about it for around three months. If you're harvesting in the autumn, this will make your vodka perfect for Christmas.

Strain the contents of the jar or bottles through a muslin cloth and into a bowl, leaving the rich, dark purple liquid free from bits of fruit.

Decant into clean sterilised jars or bottles and serve as a Christmas drink, either straight or with a mixer like soda water or lemonade.