When I first learned what the term “shrub” meant in the wonderful world of mixology—not too long ago, I must confess—I immediately saw the draw it could have for produce lovers. A shrub is a vinegar-based syrup that can be used to infuse more flavor into cocktails and other drinks.
As a shopper already adding a variety of fruit to my basket, my main goal is to use it all within its shelf-life. A preserved combination of the season’s freshest fruits (and sometimes even veggies) provides the perfect opportunity to minimize food waste at home while indulging in winter’s most craveable flavors.
The addition of this shrub to sparkling water or seltzers makes for a refreshing sip that is perfectly complemented by the crisp and flavorful bites of chopped fruit floating within. One of my favorite things about this recipe is the level of creativity it brings consumers—and thus, merchandisers. Shoppers can experiment with different fruit combinations to create their shrub or “sipping vinegar,” resulting in a unique but delicious concoction each time. While this recipe calls for the simple and classic combo of apples and pears, I’m very curious to see how peaches, apricots, or even blackberries can elevate the drink in terms of flavor.
½ cup apple, freshly chopped
½ cup pear, freshly chopped
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1½ cups granulated sugar
1½ oz apple pear shrub
4 oz sparkling water or seltzer, preferably chilled
1 apple, diced
1 pear, diced
Rosemary, for garnish (optional)
Prep Time: 15 mins
Rest Time: Overnight
Servings: 1
1. Make the shrub by placing apple cider vinegar and chopped fruit in a blender. Cover and let sit at room temperature overnight.
2. The following day, blend the mixture until smooth. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the contents of the strainer. Pour the fruit vinegar back into a clean blender.
3. To complete the shrub, add granulated sugar and blend until the sugar is dissolved. (The shrub can be kept in a mason jar or resealable container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.)
4. To make the drink, fill a cocktail glass of your choice with ice, add about 1½ oz of the apple pear shrub, then top with 4 oz of sparkling water or seltzer and stir to combine.
5. Garnish with as much freshly diced fruit as you desire, along with a sprig of rosemary or other herbs. Enjoy!
Recipe inspired by The Kitchn 
