A Strawberry Shrub Recipe offers a refreshing twist on traditional fruit-based beverages. A shrub is a tangy-sweet syrup made from fruit, vinegar, and sugar, commonly used in drinks and cocktails. To make a strawberry shrub, start by combining fresh strawberries with sugar in a jar and let it macerate for a few hours. Afterward, add apple cider vinegar and stir well. The vinegar adds a pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a complex flavor profile. Once the mixture is well combined, strain out the fruit solids and store the liquid in a sealed jar. To enjoy your strawberry shrub, mix it with sparkling water or use it as a base for mocktails or cocktails. It’s a perfect summer refreshment, packed with antioxidants and a great way to preserve the fresh taste of strawberries throughout the year.
Strawberry Shrub Recipe: Refreshing Vinegar-Based Drink
Strawberry Shrub is a tangy, refreshing, and fruity vinegar-based drink that blends the natural sweetness of strawberries with the sharpness of vinegar. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the fresh flavors of strawberries in a more sophisticated way, combining fruit, vinegar, and sugar. The drink is both a treat for your taste buds and a wonderful homemade alternative to store-bought beverages. Known for its unique combination of flavors, Strawberry Shrub can be enjoyed in cocktails, mocktails, or even as a refreshing mixer. This recipe is 100% vegetarian and offers a great way to incorporate more fruits into your diet.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 40-60 kcal (depending on sugar content)
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9-11g
Strawberry Shrub is a low-calorie beverage and a great way to enjoy the health benefits of strawberries, such as vitamin C, antioxidants, and hydration, while also benefiting from the digestive properties of apple cider vinegar.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes (for macerating the strawberries)
Resting Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 24 hours, 35 minutes
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Servings: 4-6
Calories: 40-60 kcal per serving
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Mason jar or glass bottle for storing
- Small saucepan (optional for heating vinegar)
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or any vinegar of choice)
- 1 cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1-2 whole cloves (optional, for flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for spice)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly and removing the stems. Cut the strawberries into thin slices to increase the surface area, which helps them release more juice during the maceration process.
2. Macerate the Strawberries
Place the sliced strawberries into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of sugar and stir well to combine. Allow the strawberries and sugar to sit for about 30 minutes. The sugar will draw out the natural juices of the strawberries, and they will start to soften and release their flavor into the sugar.
3. Add Vinegar
After the strawberries have softened and released their juice, pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar (or any vinegar you prefer) over the mixture. The vinegar adds the tangy, acidic element that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and sugar. You can also add a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and ground ginger for extra flavor at this point. Stir everything together.
4. Let It Rest
Transfer the strawberry and vinegar mixture into a mason jar or a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Seal it tightly and leave the mixture to rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating the unique shrub taste.
5. Strain the Mixture
After the resting period, strain the strawberry shrub through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container, discarding the solids. The result is a beautifully vibrant and aromatic strawberry vinegar syrup. You can store this syrup in a glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
6. Serve the Strawberry Shrub
To enjoy the strawberry shrub, you can dilute it with water, sparkling water, or soda. For a more complex drink, mix it with a spirit of choice, like gin, rum, or vodka. For a non-alcoholic version, it works wonderfully with tonic water, sparkling lemonade, or even as a unique base for a fruit punch.
Tips for Best Results
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet shrub, you can reduce the amount of sugar used. You can also try using natural sweeteners like stevia or maple syrup for a healthier alternative.
- Infuse Additional Flavors: To add more depth, consider infusing the shrub with additional flavors like basil, mint, or even a splash of lime juice.
- Make it Fizzy: When serving, top your strawberry shrub with sparkling water or soda for a fizzy, refreshing twist.
Variations of Strawberry Shrub
- Strawberry-Basil Shrub: Add a few fresh basil leaves while macerating the strawberries to infuse the shrub with a delightful herbaceous note.
- Strawberry-Lime Shrub: Add lime zest and lime juice to the mixture for a citrusy twist.
- Spiced Strawberry Shrub: Add spices like cardamom, star anise, or cloves during the maceration process for a more complex, aromatic flavor.
Health Benefits
Strawberries are known for their high vitamin C content, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a great addition to your diet. Apple cider vinegar, a key component of this shrub, is celebrated for its potential health benefits, such as improving digestion, balancing blood sugar levels, and supporting heart health. By combining these ingredients, strawberry shrub offers a refreshing and healthful alternative to sugary sodas and other processed beverages.
Why You Should Make Strawberry Shrub at Home
Making Strawberry Shrub at home allows you to control the sweetness, adjust flavors to your liking, and create a healthy, natural beverage without any artificial additives. It’s a fantastic way to use fresh seasonal fruits and enjoy a one-of-a-kind drink that’s perfect for any occasion—whether as a cocktail mixer, a non-alcoholic refresher, or a creative addition to your brunch menu.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shrub is an easy-to-make, delightful, and versatile drink that packs a punch of fruity flavors and health benefits. Whether you enjoy it on its own, mixed into mocktails or cocktails, or diluted with sparkling water, this tangy drink is sure to refresh and invigorate your taste buds. Enjoy the delicious blend of strawberries and vinegar in every sip, and experiment with different variations to find the perfect combination for you.
Let us know how you like your strawberry shrub, and share your unique twists on this recipe with us!