DIY Fruit Shrubs: Drinking Vinegar
A vibrant and healthful drinking vinegar, or shrub, made by infusing fresh fruit with tangy apple cider vinegar and sweet honey. This versatile base is perfect for creating refreshing sodas or unique cocktails, offering a delicious boost to gut health.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh fruit berries like strawberries or raspberries
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar with the mother (e.g.
- 0.5 cup honey or granulated sugar
Instructions
- Wash and prepare your chosen fresh fruit. If using berries, slice larger ones or lightly muddle them to release juices.
- In a clean glass jar, combine the prepared fruit, apple cider vinegar, and honey (or sugar). Stir well to ensure the honey or sugar dissolves.
- Cover the jar loosely with a lid or cheesecloth and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days, stirring once daily. For a stronger flavor, you can infuse for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- After infusion, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another clean jar, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the fruit solids.
- Seal the jar tightly and store your finished fruit shrub in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2-3 weeks.
- To enjoy, mix 1-2 tablespoons of the shrub concentrate with 6-8 ounces of sparkling water or club soda over ice for a refreshing beverage. It can also be used as a unique cocktail mixer.
Notes
Experiment with different fruits like peaches, raspberries, or ginger. For a vegan option, substitute honey with an equal amount of granulated sugar or maple syrup. Store the strained shrub in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. To serve, mix 1-2 tablespoons of shrub with sparkling water, club soda, or use as a mixer in cocktails.