Be Inspired Blog - Arizona

How to Make a Fruit Shrub: A Refreshing Twist for Your Drinks

We’re all familiar with the traditional definition of a shrub that you might enjoy in your garden landscape, but did you know that a tangy, sweetened syrup made from a combination of fresh fruit, sugar, and vinegar, that is used as a base for refreshing drinks is also called a shrub.

Here's a basic recipe for a fruit shrub:

Basic Fruit Shrub Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fruit (berries, peaches, or any fruit of your choice)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or another vinegar, like white wine vinegar or balsamic for different flavor profiles)

Instructions:

• 1. Prepare the fruit: Wash and chop the fruit into small pieces if needed.
• 2. Mix with sugar: Combine the fruit and sugar in a bowl, stirring to mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 days to let the fruit macerate and release its juices.

• 3. Strain the mixture: Once the fruit has macerated, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing the fruit to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard or save the leftover fruit pulp for another use.
• 4. Add vinegar: Mix the strained syrup with the vinegar and stir well.
• 5. Bottle the shrub: Pour the shrub into a clean glass jar or bottle and let it rest in the fridge for at least a few days to mellow the flavors. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will develop (usually up to a week).
• 6. Serve: To serve, mix a small amount of shrub (about 1-2 tablespoons) with sparkling water, still water, or even a splash of alcohol like vodka or gin. Adjust to taste.

Optional Additions:

• Add herbs like basil, mint, or thyme during the maceration process for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use citrus zest or spices such as cinnamon or ginger for more complexity.

Enjoy experimenting with different fruits and vinegars to create your very own unique flavors!