Shrubs are a refreshing combination of sour and sweet. Also known as drinking vinegars, these beverages date back centuries. They are traditionally made with vinegar, fruit, spices, and sugar. Shrubs likely started as a way to preserve summer harvest but they have medicinal benefits as well. Read all about it in my article, "The Health Benefits of Shrubs."
I like to drink this shrub with sparkling water and garnish with a wedge of lime. If you plan to mix it with juice, it goes particularly well with cranberry juice. For a cocktail, you could also add a splash of vodka.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups red wine vinegar
- 12 ounces frozen raspberries
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
- 1 cup honey
Directions:
- Add the honey and frozen raspberries to a clean glass jar and allow them to thaw to room temperature.
- Once the berries have thawed, add the vinegar. Mash and stir the mixture until the honey is fully incorporated, then stir in the lavender flowers.
- Cover and set the mixture aside in a dark, cool spot at room temperature for two days. Stir or shake occasionally.
- Transfer the shrub to the fridge for a week or more, until it develops a flavor you like. The tangy flavor from the vinegar should mellow and the shrub should develop a fruity aroma.
- When you are satisfied with the flavor, strain and discard the solids. Transfer the liquid to a clean glass bottle with an air-tight cover. Label with the date and contents and store in the fridge for up to one year.
References
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