Drinking flavored vinegar or what some call shrubs or tonics is not a new trend, in fact, “shrubs” which by definition is “a beverage made by adding acidulated fruit juice to water” have been around since the pre-refrigeration days of the colonial era. Fruit was preserved in vinegar and mixed with sugar or honey, essentially creating a juice or cordial that could be used to mix in water or alcohol for a simple drink or cocktail.
Whole Fruits and Aromatic Spices Infused in Non GMO Apple Cider Vinegar For A Healthy Tonic
We started making our finishing vinegars back in 2010 and we follow the same process, we slow infuse fresh whole fruit ingredients in apple cider vinegar, add a bit of sweetness, herbs and aromatic spices and then we patiently wait and allow all the flavors to combine before we bottle. Its a labor of love but the process is worth it. The resulting vinegars have a slightly thicker consistency, rich natural fresh flavor, vibrant color and just enough sweetness to balance the acidity. Our vinegars are not only served as a tonic for cocktails and seltzer but can be used as a healthy salad dressing for your everyday lunch greens.
We use real non gmo USA sourced apple cider vinegar in our line so when you taste our vinegars or “shrubs”, you will notice the difference – they have a wonderfully refreshing vinegar kick which is what you want in a shrub, you dont want it to taste like kool-aid or a sugar laden cordial. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have a number of health benefits including:
With the infusion of whole fresh fruits, aromatics and herbs in our drinking vinegars, you are not only gaining the benefits of apple cider vinegar but you benefit from all the vitamins and antioxidant properties in the spices we use. For example, take our Spiced Strawberry Rhubarb Vinegar – made with farm fresh strawberries, local garden rhubarb and spices including cinnamon, bay leaf, star anise and orange peel. All those wonderful herbs, spices and fresh fruit ingredients are packed with vitamins and minerals. Mix this in your seltzer water instead of chemical flavorings for a refreshing summer mocktail and know you are getting a variety of antioxidant benefits. Did you know cinammon has the highest antioxidant property of all the spices and that star anise is known to fight off influenza? Bay leaf is packed with Vitamin A, C, manganese, potassium and iron and strawberries are full of anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties! I say, drink up!
We have created a number of recipes that use our drinking vinegars in both cocktails and mocktails but they are easily enjoyed by mixing 1 part drinking vinegar to 3 parts seltzer water or adjust to your desired taste. You can choose from a variety of seltzer flavors and just serve over ice. Our newest addition to our vinegar line is our Grapefruit Juniper and Honey Vinegar made with whole juicy Texas grapefruit, juniper berries and orange blossom honey – its just perfect on a hot summers day over ice with seltzer water or mixed in a tequila paloma. For a quick health boost, you can take a shot of it!
You can make your own drinking vinegars at home quite easily but the process isnt quick. We infuse our vinegars for up to 12 weeks, but if you got time on your side, its actually quite easy and fun, especially during the summer months when fresh fruits and berries are at their peak of ripeness. You can cook the ingredients on the stove top by combining fresh cut fruits and spices together in a honey or sugar syrup, strain off your spices and fruit pulp and then add your apple cider vinegar. You can also infuse the ingredients cold, let steep and keep in the refrigerator. You dont have to use apple cider vinegar, I dont recommend white vinegar but some people use champagne vinegar, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, etc. You can experiment with whatever flavor combinations intrigue you and you can play around with a variety of wild herbs to create your own health benefiting tonics. Its actually a great hobby and will put your herb garden to good use!
If you dont have the time to create your own, take a chance and try ours! You wont be disappointed and like I said earlier, you can mix them into a variety of drinks or simply drizzle over your favorite salad greens.
1. Spiced Strawberry Rhubarb Vinegar Shrub – the taste of grandmas strawberry pie in a bottle! Fresh picked strawberries and local garden rhubarb infused in apple cider vinegar with warm aromatic spices including cinnamon, star anise and orange peel.
2. Grapefruit Juniper & Honey Vinegar Shrub – fresh juicy Texas grapefruit packed with vitamin c infused in apple cider vinegar with floral orange blossom honey and juniper berries. A complex refreshing and vibrant vinegar perfect over ice with seltzer water or drizzled over an arugula and goats cheese salad!
3. Spiced Pear Ginger Vinegar Shrub – fresh handcut pears are infused in apple cider vinegar with fresh peppery ginger and spices. This is one of my favorite drinking vinegars when mixed with vanilla seltzer! It also makes a delicious white rum cocktail and is fantastic drizzled over a salad of spinach, grilled chicken, gorgonzola and candied walnuts.
4. Cranberry Saffron Vinegar Shrub – New England cranberries infused in apple cider vinegar with cinnamon, orange peel, bay leaf and velvety saffron. This antioxidant packed shrub is just perfect in winter drinks and holiday sparklers. Try with seltzer water and a splash of fresh orange juice for a cranberry orange fizz. Drizzle over a salad of spinach, candied pecans and goats cheese for a delicious fall salad.
Studies have shown that shrub drinks containing apple cider vinegar can help you control weight better. This is because it helps to balance the stomach by introducing beneficial bacteria and giving your body the necessary substances to increase the metabolism and boost fat burning.
Long ago, the Romans and Babylonians were mixing vinegar with water. The word “shrub” is derived from the Arabic word “sharbah,” which translates as “drink.” Even sailors from the 16th-18th centuries drank shrubs to prevent scurvy! Today, they are infused with every flavor one can imagine and lauded for their health benefits, some even claiming weight loss.
Once you’ve prepared your shrub, you can serve it as a nonalcoholic spritzer—combine equal parts shrub and seltzer, and add more seltzer or shrub to taste. Or, better yet, you can use the shrub as the base for a cocktail.
I also love to infuse other flavors into my shrubs. Vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns or any other flavor that infuses easily into a liquid are a great option. Herbs, freshly grated ginger or turmeric root are also knockout alternatives.
A good rule of thumb is two ounces of shrub, two ounces of your choice of alcohol and two ounces of seltzer. From there you can doctor your cocktail to taste. Don’t forget to garnish either version with some fresh herbs or slices of fresh fruit. Here is a peach shrub recipe I recently concocted for a mixology demo performed at ICE for Spoon University.
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1. Spiced Strawberry Rhubarb Vinegar Shrub – the taste of grandmas strawberry pie in a bottle! Fresh picked strawberries and local garden rhubarb infused in apple cider vinegar with warm aromatic spices including cinnamon, star anise and orange peel.
You can make your own drinking vinegars at home quite easily but the process isnt quick. We infuse our vinegars for up to 12 weeks, but if you got time on your side, its actually quite easy and fun, especially during the summer months when fresh fruits and berries are at their peak of ripeness. You can cook the ingredients on the stove top by combining fresh cut fruits and spices together in a honey or sugar syrup, strain off your spices and fruit pulp and then add your apple cider vinegar. You can also infuse the ingredients cold, let steep and keep in the refrigerator. You dont have to use apple cider vinegar, I dont recommend white vinegar but some people use champagne vinegar, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, etc. You can experiment with whatever flavor combinations intrigue you and you can play around with a variety of wild herbs to create your own health benefiting tonics. Its actually a great hobby and will put your herb garden to good use!
4. Cranberry Saffron Vinegar Shrub – New England cranberries infused in apple cider vinegar with cinnamon, orange peel, bay leaf and velvety saffron. This antioxidant packed shrub is just perfect in winter drinks and holiday sparklers. Try with seltzer water and a splash of fresh orange juice for a cranberry orange fizz. Drizzle over a salad of spinach, candied pecans and goats cheese for a delicious fall salad.
2. Grapefruit Juniper & Honey Vinegar Shrub – fresh juicy Texas grapefruit packed with vitamin c infused in apple cider vinegar with floral orange blossom honey and juniper berries. A complex refreshing and vibrant vinegar perfect over ice with seltzer water or drizzled over an arugula and goats cheese salad!
We started making our finishing vinegars back in 2010 and we follow the same process, we slow infuse fresh whole fruit ingredients in apple cider vinegar, add a bit of sweetness, herbs and aromatic spices and then we patiently wait and allow all the flavors to combine before we bottle. Its a labor of love but the process is worth it. The resulting vinegars have a slightly thicker consistency, rich natural fresh flavor, vibrant color and just enough sweetness to balance the acidity. Our vinegars are not only served as a tonic for cocktails and seltzer but can be used as a healthy salad dressing for your everyday lunch greens.
Raspberry Shrub – How to Drink Vinegar
FAQ
Are shrubs good for gut health?
Can you drink shrub by itself?
How much alcohol is in shrub?
Why is drinking vinegar called a shrub?
What can you drink with a shrub?
Shrubs are often seen on cocktail menus but also make refreshing mocktails or zero proof drinks. Using a shrub can be as easy as mixing it with still water, tonic, sparkling water, and juice to make a thirst-quenching drink on a hot day or after working out.
What are the health benefits of jujube?
Jujubes are used in alternative medicine to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. They are particularly rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, giving jujubes a potent antioxidant action.
What is a shrub in a drink?
In the drink world, a shrub (or drinking vinegar) is a concentrated syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is the most common base for shrubs, and herbs and spices are often added to create interesting flavor combinations. This sweet, acidic mixer can be enjoyed with still water or soda or used in various mixed drinks.
Are shrubs a good cocktail ingredient?
Shrubs have become a popular cocktail ingredient and add a fresh zing to mixed drinks. Bartenders are crafting their own and using them in creative new cocktail recipes. With one exception, they’re quite versatile: Since shrubs are acidic, it’s best to avoid mixing them with citrus and other highly acidic fruits.