Several weeks ago, I noticed that the local markets were selling kiwi berries, which just look like miniaturized kiwi fruit. Usually, I’m quick to try a new fruit, but I’d purchased some gooseberries early in the season and then let them linger in the fridge until they were unusable. I was hesitant to jump on the kiwi berry bandwagon until I knew what I could actually do with them.
But if you linger too long…I finally bought one little pint of fruit and fell instantly in love. It turns out that kiwi berries can be eaten as is – skin and all. They really are just little kiwis, with a slightly sweeter taste. They were so lovely, I went back to the store the next day to get more (because they also looked very photogenic, but I ate/used all of them before I got a good photo for the blog) and they were all gone. I searched around town and couldn’t find any more.
Fortunately, I’d split about half the berries and infused them in some gin, which means I do get to enjoy the kiwi berry season for a little longer than they are available. If you can’t find kiwi berries in your market, you can definitely use regular kiwis for this recipe. The kiwi infuses a slightly sweet tart tone to the gin.
If you live in a mild climate, you can grow your own kiwi berries. I think I see a garden project coming on for next year. In the meantime, I’m going to sit back and enjoy a kiwi berry infused gin and tonic.
The front picture is the kiwi berry infused gin. The back picture is fig infused brandy – I’m sure you’ll be seeing a cocktail inspired by this in October. I love this photo, as it seems a bit mad-scientist-about-to-go-awry.
Kiwi Berry Gin and Tonic
Serves 1
2 ounces kiwi berry infused gin (recipe below)
1/2 lime
tonic water
1 kiwi to garnish (or a few kiwi berries)
Pour the lime juice and infused gin over ice cubes in a cocktail glass. Add the tonic water and stir. Garnish with kiwi slices or kiwi berries. Enjoy!
Kiwi Berry Infused Gin
5 to 7 kiwi berries, sliced in half (or 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced)
Gin to cover the berries or kiwi slices
In a pint jar or similar container with a lid, cover the kiwi berries or kiwi with gin. Refrigerate for at least a week. When the flavor is to your liking, strain the fruit out using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Refrigerate and enjoy!
