African Horned Cucumber Liqueur

An African cucumber plant produces so much fruit you will have plenty to make this delicious liqueur. Drink it alone as a liqueur, over ice, or with soda water.

500g African cucumber flesh (you can leave the seeds in)

5 whole cloves

5 cardamom seeds, crushed slightly

5 cm piece whole cinnamon

750ml cane or vodka

750ml sugar

750ml water

Place the African cucumber, spices and cane into a clean glass jar with a lid.

Close tightly and shake well.

Leave in a warm place (not in the sun) for 2 months, shaking once a day for the first week and then once a week

Strain through a mesh sieve and then through a fine muslin cloth.

Mix the water and sugar in a pot and bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.

Boil for 20 minutes .

Remove from the stove and leave to cool.

When it is cold combine it with the flavoured cane.

Pour into a dry, sterlised bottle. Seal and label.

Store for one month before drinking.