How To Drink A Shrub

What is a Shrub?

If you’re not familiar with shrubs, you might be picturing a small, leafy plant. However, in the world of beverages, a shrub is something entirely different. A shrub is a type of drink that dates back to the colonial era, and it’s made by mixing fruit, sugar, and vinegar. The result is a tangy, sweet, and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a mixer in cocktails.

Choosing Your Ingredients

When it comes to making a shrub, the possibilities are endless. You can use just about any type of fruit, from berries to citrus to stone fruits. The key is to choose ripe, flavorful fruit that will infuse your shrub with delicious natural sweetness. In addition to fruit, you’ll need sugar and vinegar. For sugar, you can use white sugar, brown sugar, or even honey for a different flavor profile. As for vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with other types like balsamic or red wine vinegar.

Making the Shrub

Making a shrub is a simple process that involves macerating the fruit with sugar, then mixing in the vinegar. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

1. Start by washing and chopping your fruit into small pieces.
2. Place the fruit in a bowl and add sugar, using about equal parts fruit and sugar.
3. Mix the fruit and sugar together, then cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. This will allow the fruit to release its juices and create a sweet syrup.
4. After the fruit has macerated, strain out the fruit solids and mix the syrup with an equal amount of vinegar.
5. Transfer the shrub to a clean bottle or jar and store it in the refrigerator. Your shrub will be ready to drink right away, but the flavors will continue to develop over time.

Enjoying Your Shrub

There are many ways to enjoy a shrub. You can simply mix it with sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, or get creative and use it as a mixer in cocktails. The tangy sweetness of the shrub pairs well with spirits like vodka, gin, or rum, and you can add herbs, spices, or other mixers to create unique and flavorful drinks.

Final Thoughts

Drinking a shrub is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fresh fruit in a unique and versatile beverage. Whether you’re sipping it on a hot summer day or using it to craft inventive cocktails, a homemade shrub is sure to impress your taste buds and those of your friends and family. So, why not give it a try and start experimenting with your own shrub creations?