Q. I am a recovering alcoholic and do not want to do anything to jeopardize my sobriety (since 2001). Is there any way you can find out the alcoholic content of the raisins after they're soaked for a week? I know the alcohol evaporates, but is there any left in the raisins?
A. Gin-soaked raisins are a popular remedy for arthritis but we recommend you look for another approach. We had the alcohol content of the raisins analyzed and it is low–about one drop in 9 raisins.
Preparing them, however, might pose too great a temptation, especially if there were gin left over. Sticking to just 9 a day might also be a challenge. Plant pectin (Certo) dissolved in grape juice might be a safer bet for you.