Sloe Gin substitutes
The closest substitute for Sloe Gin is Crème de Mûre, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Blackberry instead of sloe; sweeter. Crème de Cassis also works. In a pinch, use Cherry Heering.
What to use instead of Sloe Gin
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Crème de MûreWorks, tastes different Blackberry instead of sloe; sweeter. Same amount | Same amount | 16–20% ABV | −1 point |
Crème de CassisWorks, tastes different Blackcurrant instead of sloe; sweeter. Same amount | Same amount | 15–22% ABV | −1 point |
Cherry HeeringLast resort Same amount | Same amount | 24% ABV | About the same |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Sloe Gin, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Alabama Slammer
15ml (½ oz) Sloe Gin → 15ml (½ oz) Crème de Mûre
About 13% ABV → about 12% ABV−1 point
- Charlie Chaplin
30ml (1 oz) Sloe Gin → 30ml (1 oz) Crème de Mûre
About 13% ABV → about 10% ABV−3 points
- Sloe Gin Fizz
45ml (1½ oz) Sloe Gin → 45ml (1½ oz) Crème de Mûre
About 4% ABV → about 3% ABV−1 point
- Winter Spritz
30ml (1 oz) Sloe Gin → 30ml (1 oz) Crème de Mûre
About 9% ABV → about 8% ABV−1 point
How they compare
| Property | Sloe Gin | Crème de Mûre |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 25–30% ABV | 16–20% ABV |
| Taste | Tart berry, Almond, Sweet, Hint of gin | Sweet blackberry, Tart, Berry, Fruity |
| Aroma | Berry, Almond, Plum, Gin botanicals | Blackberry, Ripe berry, Jammy, Sweet |
| Finish | Fruity, Almond, Slightly tart | Berry, Sweet, Slightly tart |
| Property | Sloe Gin | Crème de Cassis |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 25–30% ABV | 15–22% ABV |
| Taste | Tart berry, Almond, Sweet, Hint of gin | Intense blackcurrant, Sweet, Tart, Rich berry |
| Aroma | Berry, Almond, Plum, Gin botanicals | Blackcurrant, Berry, Sweet, Jammy |
| Finish | Fruity, Almond, Slightly tart | Fruity, Sweet, Lingering berry |
Already have one of these?
If you have Plymouth Sloe Gin, Sipsmith Sloe Gin or Hayman's Sloe Gin, you don't need a substitute: they are all Sloe Gin. How they differ
What is Sloe Gin?
Sloe gin is a British liqueur made from sloe berries (blackthorn fruit) steeped in gin. Red in color with tart, almond-like flavor, used in the Sloe Gin Fizz.
Questions about Sloe Gin substitutes
What is the best substitute for Sloe Gin?
Crème de Mûre is the closest substitute for Sloe Gin, though the drink will taste a little different. Blackberry instead of sloe; sweeter. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Sloe Gin in a Charlie Chaplin?
Crème de Mûre: swap 30ml (1 oz) of Sloe Gin for 30ml (1 oz) of Crème de Mûre. It ends up about 10% ABV instead of about 13%.
Which Sloe Gin brands can I use?
If you have Plymouth Sloe Gin, Sipsmith Sloe Gin or Hayman's Sloe Gin, you don't need a substitute: they are all Sloe Gin. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Crème de Mûre instead of Sloe Gin change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Charlie Chaplin, which goes from about 13% to about 10% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Sloe Gin?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.