A shrub is an old fashioned, fruit infused vinegar that is sweetened. It can be used in cocktails or added to carbonated water. It's the perfect sweet-tart beverage to serve with brunch and a refreshing summertime thirst quencher! It's best to start the strawberry shrub when strawberries are in peak season — then, you'll have plenty to enjoy all summer long.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups organic strawberries* or other fruit, washed, quartered and lightly crushed
2 cups sugar
2 cups red wine vinegar
METHOD:
Place berries or fruit in a large mason jar. Cover with sugar and stir.
Place plastic lid on the jar and store in the refrigerator until juice exudes from fruit and starts to combine with sugar to form syrup. Maceration may take a few hours or it may need a day or so. Turn the jar several times to combine fruit and sugar.
Add red vinegar to the jar and shake gently to combine. Store in refrigerator. There may be some residual sugar at the bottom (which is okay). Shake and invert jar several times each day to combine sugar over the next week.
Strain spent fruit from syrup. Pour syrup through a funnel into a clean bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator.
To serve, add a few tablespoons to an ice-filled glass and fill with carbonated water. Add a splash to green iced tea for added flavor or use in vodka cocktails.
NOTES:
* I use P&K Farm's organic strawberries exclusively in all of my products. The berry flavor is incredible and strawberries have a high brix (natural sweetness). Use the best tasting berries you can find.