Photography by Tori Stipcak
The beauty of a shrub drink is that it can be concocted from any seasonal fruit. Different fruits can be combined for a layering of flavoring and various vinegars can be utilized to enhance the shrub drink—but steer clear from pungent plain white vinegar. By incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients, shrubs instantly take on the taste of the season and satisfy your tastebuds.
Shrub drinks are simple to construct and the instructions are easy to remember. The ratio for the vinegar-based syrup consists of 1:1:1. The three parts include fruit, sugar, and the already mentioned vinegar.
The syrupy tart drink hits the spot on a humid summer night and is a crowd pleaser at pool parties. For a kid friendly version, add seltzer or club soda to the shrub syrup. Add Champagne or Asti for a little sparkle in the adult version of the beverage.
Below I tried two combinations of seasonal fruits for two different shrubs. The first variation consists of raspberries and blackberries with an apple cider vinegar. The second variations is made with ginger, peaches, apple cider vinegar and a splash of white balsamic vinegar.
INGREDIENTS
Ginger Peach Shrub Syrup
1 cup of white sugar
1 cup of water
1/4 cup ginger, roughly chopped
4 peaches, sliced and halved
A teaspoon of white balsamic vinegar
1 cup of apple cider vinegar
Raspberry and Blackberry Shrub Syrup
1 cup of white sugar
1 cup of water
1 heaping cup of raspberries, halved
1 heaping cup blackberries, halved
1 cup of apple cider vinegar
Shrub Drink
Ice
Champagne or seltzer
Mint
Extra fruit for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
Shrub Syrup
1) Combine water and sugar over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved and a syrup remains.
2) Add sliced fruit and let simmer for 10 minutes.
3) Stir in the vinegar(s) and let simmer for another 10 minutes.
4) Strain out the fruit by pressing the fruit mixture against the sieve and refrigerate the shrub mixture until it cools.
Shrub Drink Construction
1) Fill a cup with half full of ice.
2) Pour 3-4 tablespoons of the shrub syrup into the glass of ice.
3) Top with champagne or seltzer.
4) Add fresh fruit and mint.
I can’t wait to try apples and cinnamon this fall. Inspired to make your own shrub drink? Tell us all about your fruit combinations by tweeting @LitDarling!
