Shrubs are the best, especially in the colder months. Perfectly tart, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying, shrubs help any occasion shine—especially if you’re trying to choose nonalcoholic options that are still delicious. Plus, they’re a great way to drink more vinegar for probiotic goodness!
Shrubs are essentially drinking vinegars sweetened with fruit juice. They are deceivingly complex and delicious for how simple they are to make. And just like any simple recipe, the quality of the ingredients makes all the difference. Get creative with seasonal fruit, local honey, and quality drinking vinegars (even better raw). At Onggi Ferments in Portland, we serve our shrub using delicious and local Quincannon apple cider vinegar.
This recipe is featured in our story: Are You Afraid to Pickle?
Makes
4 servingsIngredients
- 3 ounces apple cider vinegar
- 3 ounces spiced apple cider
- 2 ounces honey
- Ice
- 6 ounces brandy rum, or gin (optional)
- 40 ounces sparkling water
- Garnish: Cinnamon sticks or nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix apple cider vinegar, spiced apple cider, and honey in a carafe until fully incorporated.
- Prepare 4 (12-ounce) glasses with ice and split the shrub mixture evenly between them, about 2 ounces each. Optionally, if including spirits, add 1.5 ounces of spirits into each glass.
- Top each glass with 10 ounces sparkling water (less if you’ve added spirits) and stir vigorously. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or nutmeg and serve. Enjoy!
