Call your friends, fill a pretty pitcher and set about to do absolutely nothing. If you’re like us, you’ve got friends that drink and those that don’t. Meet the shrub – a sparkling drink that can do it all. We’ll let Kitchen Matters author, Pamela Salzman explain with an old-fashioned shrub should be your new go-to summer cocktail!
Shrubs are very refreshing drinks made with fruit and vinegar, with or without sparkling water, and with or without alcohol. Here’s my favorite version with summer berries, raw apple cider vinegar and gut-friendly ginger…
STRAWBERRY-GINGER SHRUB
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients:
For the shrub syrup:
1 cup roughly chopped hulled strawberries (about 6 large)
1-in piece of fresh peeled ginger, grated (I use a large microplane to do this)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 cup apple cider vinegar, preferably raw or unpasteurized
For the shrub:
60 oz chilled sparkling water (5 oz per serving)
optional: sub an ounce or two with hard liquor such as vodka
Directions:
For the syrup:
In a medium bowl, mash the strawberries with the ginger and maple syrup, using a fork. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the mixture to get juicy.
Stir in the vinegar. Cover and chill for at least 24 hours (a few days is even better), to allow the flavors to meld.
Transfer the vinegar syrup into a jar. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 month.
For the shrubs:
For each serving, add 1 ounce shrub syrup to 5 ounces of sparkling water or sparkling water and alcohol. Add ice, if desired.
Garnish with sliced strawberries, mint sprigs, edible flowers or candied ginger, if desired.
