If you’re looking for a go-to drink this summer, look no further than these three balsamic summer shrubs perfect for sipping on a summer afternoon. No, we aren’t talking about a small bush, we are talking about a mixed drink consisting of a spirit, water, or carbonated water mixed with a shrub syrup.
Shrub syrup is a vanguard syrup often infused with fruit juice, herbs, or spices. Shrub syrups were popular before we had refrigeration in order to preserve fresh fruits. They have steadily gained in popularity with the rise of mixologists as they provide new and interesting flavour profiles for cocktails. Balsamic shrubs are super refreshing and you’ll be going back to them all summer long. We’ve picked out three for you to try that sound extra delicious!
Strawberry Balsamic Shrub with Rosemary
This shrub is slightly sweet but well balanced with some tanginess. To make this shrub you’ll need fresh strawberries, sugar, water, raw apple cider vinegar, rosemary, club soda, and balsamic vinegar. We recommend our Strawberry Balsamic to kick up the strawberry flavor. If you want to make it into a cocktail instead of water/club soda, mix the syrup with vodka, gin, white wine, or sparkling wine.
Summer Fruits
For this summery and fruity shrub, you’ll need plums, apricots, peaches, sugar, and white wine vinegar. Make a mocktail mix with 1 part shrub, chilled for 24 hours, and then add 2-3 parts seltzer. Gently stir and enjoy. If you’re up for an enlivening cocktail, mix the same ratio with one part ginger beer and one part vodka.
Rhubarb & Pomegranate
This shrub is a great use for rhubarb which can sometimes be tricky to find recipes for. All you’ll need to do for this shrub is to dice 2 cups of rhubarb and mix it with sugar and we recommend our Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar. With our range of balsamic vinegar, you can make a wide variety of shrubs and can always be trying something new. Let us know what flavoured shrubs you come up with and share your recipes with us!
