Seasons’ Spring Shrubs
What is a shrub?
For those not well-versed in the art of mixology, the concept of cocktail shrubs may be unfamiliar. However, we assure you that you'll be eager to add these delectable tinctures to your beverage-making repertoire after today.
Simply put, a shrub is a drinking vinegar used in cocktail or mocktail creations. It is a non-alcoholic syrup composed of a blend of fruit, sugar, and vinegar. This sweet and acidic mixer is traditionally incorporated into mixed drinks or enjoyed with sparkling water or seltzer.
Shrubs follow a straightforward recipe of 1 part macerated fruit, 1 part sugar, and 1 part vinegar. Fresh fruit and sugar are combined, allowed to steep, and refrigerated for several days to extract fruity juices. Once the mixture is strained, vinegar is added to create the final shrub. This versatile mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for several months.
Enjoying your Shrub with Booze
When it comes to cocktails, shrubs can complement a variety of spirits. Conventional pairings involve fruity shrubs with clear liquors such as gin, vodka, tequila, or rum. However, depending on the fruit and vinegar blend, young whiskey, pisco, or even sparkling wine can be delightful choices.
Strawberry Watermelon Rosé Shrub
We combined fresh strawberries with our Watermelon Rosé Fruit Vinegar for this very refreshing shrub. The juicy sweetness of unfiltered Italian watermelon pulp and the balanced tartness of rosé balsamic vinegar pair beautifully. We love partnering this shrub with gin or vodka, along with either plain seltzer or lime-flavored seltzer, for a super simple cocktail.
Get tropical with this fresh pineapple and Coconut Infused White Balsamic shrub. Infused with the creamy sweetness of natural coconut, this crisp vinegar is truly unique. Try this shrub with rum or tequila and a lime or orange-flavored seltzer for a refreshing afternoon sipper. We also love this shrub paired with sparkling wine for a twist on brunch mimosas.
This shrub will soothe whatever ails you. Fresh cucumber and mint leaves are combined with our super fruity Peach Infused White Balsamic Vinegar for a bright and vibrant cocktail mixer. Try this shrub with gin or vodka and some plain seltzer water for a fun and fizzy libation.
We adore the way tangy and juicy blackberries perfectly complement the sweet and aromatic Mango Fruit Vinegar. Our Mango Vinegar, made with a delightful combination of white balsamic, Pinot Grigio wine vinegar, and fresh mango puree, is heavenly in this shrub recipe. Mix it with your favorite rum or vodka and a neutral or citrusy seltzer for a fun and invigorating cocktail that will leave your taste buds joyful!
Show us how you Shrub!
Have you discovered some new-found cocktail inspiration? Share your shrub combinations and pairings with us! We'd love to see what you're sipping on. You can tag us on any of our social sites. On Facebook, we’re @SeasonsOliveOil and on Instagram, we’re @seasons_olive_oil