Step 1

Put the blackberries in a large glass or ceramic bowl and pour over the red wine. Use a potato masher to mash the berries and release the berries.

Step 2

Cover with a clean towel and leave to macerate for 48 hours in a cool place* - give the berries a little mash every now and then if you remember!

Step 3

Strain through a wire mesh sieve to remove the berries, then strain again through cheese cloth to ensure all seeds etc are out.

Step 4

Pour into a large saucepan and add the sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer on a medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Simmer for 8 minutes.

Step 5

Remove from heat and stir in the vodka or gin, and then leave to cool completely.

Step 6

Pour into clean, preferably sterilised, bottles.

Step 7

Store in cool, dark place. It can be enjoyed immediately, but will keep almost indefinitely if in sterilised bottles - if not, then about a year.