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!
How to Make a Shrub Syrup
Before we get to the good part—how do you actually make a shrub syrup?
Thankfully, it’s simple. All you need are some leftover fruits, a couple of pantry staples, and one of our balsamic vinegars. Prepping is quick and easy, too.
There are two methods: the long method and the short method. For the long method, you can use just about any fresh or frozen fruit. However, juicy, flavorful ones like berries or peaches tend to work best.
Step 1: Wash and chop your fruit into quarters. Optional: Add herbs to deepen or balance the flavor. Place everything in a clean, resealable jar.
Step 2: Mix in sugar equal to half the fruit’s weight. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 24 hours to draw out the juices.
Step 3: Strain out the solids and stir in a balsamic vinegar that complements the fruit (more on that below). Add just enough to balance the sweetness and give it a tangy kick. Seal, refrigerate, and let it sit for a week before using.
However, what do you need to do when you need it fast — say, 20 minutes?
In a saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, then add your fruit and cook for 15 minutes, or until syrupy. Remove from heat, let it cool, strain, then stir in vinegar for 1–2 minutes. Seal, refrigerate, and it’ll be ready the same day.
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!
