Invented from gin and berries of the blackthorn (English "Sloe" or "Blackthorn"), the "Sloe Liqueur" was once composed in England. It then conquered Europe. In Switzerland, however, blackthorn spirits were considered an "insider tip" - until the noble distillery Macardo from Strohwilen in Thurgau launched the "Sloe Gin" in 2016. With this uniquely fruity-fresh spirit, sloe gin also began its triumphant advance in this country. But not only here: even in the country of the inventors, in London, Macardo Sloe Gin was awarded "Silver" - at the International Wine and Spirits Competition IWSC 2017. 

Sloe Gin is a creation of an already distilled gin and the bluish colored sloe berry. The wild fruit, which is actually inedible raw and is harvested and processed only after the first frost, gives Macardo Sloe Gin its distinctive red color. It has a dry, berry, bittersweet and fruity aroma. In addition, because sloe berries are naturally high in sugar, the red gin tastes slightly sweet, setting it apart from the classic in taste. So you don't have to be a gin lover to like the Sloe Gin. And compared to the classic, the sloe gin officially falls into the liqueur category due to its lower alcohol content of 28 percent, making it the perfect base for cocktails and aperitifs. 

Sloe gin is also traditionally drunk at Christmas in England. Hot, as mulled wine or cold as a wintry cocktail "Mulled Sloe Gin" - mixed from sloe gin, apple juice, orange zest and cinnamon and, according to preference, some star anise and vanilla bean. For those who like it a little simpler, ice, tonic water, juniper berries, a sprig of rosemary or coriander - and the Christmas aperitif is ready. In trendy restaurants and cocktail bars, sloe gin is served in many other variations: for example, as sloe gin "Eixir," "Neora," "Bramble" or "Rickey" - but also as "Sloesecco.

Zurich freshness paradise

The sloe gin recipes for the coming festive season can be found at www.macardo.ch and the sloe gin required for them is available at Frischeparadies in Zurich. The company stands for the highest quality for professionals, hobby chefs and gourmets and is an ideal enjoyment partner for Macardo. In the fresh food market at Hardgutstrasse 11, you can expect to find more than 3,000 of the finest foods - from fish and seafood to meat and poultry as well as cheese and ham to the finest chocolate and exquisite wines. The delicacies can be sampled directly in the bistro.