Sloe Gin or Sloe Vodka
(for Sloe vodka simply substitute the gin with vodka)

Bruise or prick 8 oz sloes
Cover with 12 oz sugar
Leave for 7 days

Then add 1 pint gin - at this point it can be tricky to put the sloes into a narrow necked bottle, but I've not worked out an alternative. Maybe use a large wide mouthed kilner-type jar?

Keep well corked for several months, shaking occasionally

Add some more gin (about a third of a pint)

Leave for another month.
Strain off and bottle.
If too sweet, increase the gin by up to 1 pint

Leave for at least 2 years before drinking - if you get into an anual routine you will have suffient each year