As the seasons change, our cravings for refreshment and excitement do too. And what better way to quench your thirst than with a delicious and unique shrub recipe? Shrub, for those who may not know, is a flavorful and fizzy drink made from fruits, herbs, and spices mixed with water or soda water. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the seasons, showcasing 18 refreshing shrub recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
From sweet and fruity to tangy and herbaceous, these shrubs are perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re looking for a summer pick-me-up or a cozy winter warmer, we’ve got you covered. So grab a glass, get ready to shake (or stir) things up, and let’s dive into the world of refreshing shrubs!
Strawberry Basil Shrub Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on a classic shrub, featuring sweet strawberries and fragrant basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon freshly chopped basil leaves
– 2 ounces gin or vodka
– Sparkling water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
2. Remove from heat and stir in white wine vinegar and water.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.
4. Stir in chopped basil leaves.
5. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1 ounce of the strawberry-basil shrub and 1 ounce of gin or vodka. Shake until chilled.
6. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water.
Cooking Time: None required, as this is a mixology recipe!
Blueberry Lavender Shrub Soda
This refreshing soda combines the sweetness of blueberries with the subtle charm of lavender, creating a unique and delightful beverage. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional)
– Soda water
Instructions:
1. Combine blueberries and sugar in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.
3. Add water, lavender buds, lemon juice, and citric acid (if using) to the strained mixture. Stir well.
4. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, stir in soda water. Adjust sweetness and flavor to taste.
Cooking Time: None
Raspberry Mint Shrub Spritzer
Elevate your summer gatherings with this unique and delicious Raspberry Mint Shrub Spritzer. Made with fresh raspberries, mint leaves, and a hint of citrus, this refreshing drink is perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine raspberries and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture has reduced slightly.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract juice. Discard seeds and solids.
3. Add fresh mint leaves to the raspberry juice and let it steep for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. Just before serving, stir in honey until dissolved.
5. Fill glasses with ice, add 2-3 oz of the Raspberry Mint Shrub mixture, and top with sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge (if desired).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Peach Ginger Shrub Lemonade
Combine the sweetness of peaches with the spiciness of ginger and the tanginess of lemonade for a unique summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups peach puree
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed ginger juice
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cups sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Sliced peaches and fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine peach puree, ginger juice, and lemon juice.
2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Add water and stir to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with sliced peaches and fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (simply mix and chill)
Blackberry Thyme Shrub Mocktail
Elevate your mocktail game with this unique and flavorful combination of blackberries, thyme, and sparkling water. Perfect for a warm day or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
– Sparkling water
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine blackberries and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is syrupy.
2. Remove from heat and stir in water and thyme leaves. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Strain the shrub through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pitcher. Discard solids.
4. Chill the shrub in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
5. To serve, pour the chilled shrub over ice (if desired) and top with sparkling water.
Cooking Time: None
Pineapple Coconut Shrub Smoothie
Pineapple Coconut Shrub Smoothie: A refreshing blend of tropical flavors!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup coconut water
– 1/4 cup shrub (a tangy, sweet, and sour syrup made from fruit, vinegar, and spices)
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pineapple chunks, coconut water, shrub, and banana slices.
2. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add honey to taste and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This smoothie is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your Pineapple Coconut Shrub Smoothie, perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a tropical treat!
Cherry Vanilla Shrub Fizz
Elevate your beverage game with this refreshing Cherry Vanilla Shrub Fizz! This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup vanilla extract
– 1 liter sparkling water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the cherries and sugar until smooth.
2. Combine the cherry mixture with water in a large bowl. Stir to dissolve sugar.
3. Add vinegar and vanilla extract. Stir well.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the Cherry Vanilla Shrub Fizz over the ice.
6. Top each glass off with sparkling water.
7. Garnish with a cherry, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes.
Apple Cinnamon Shrub Hot Toddy
As the seasons change, a soothing hot toddy is just what you need to cozy up by the fire. This Apple Cinnamon Shrub Hot Toddy combines the comfort of cinnamon and apple with a hint of shrub’s tanginess.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– 2 slices fresh apple (such as Granny Smith)
– 1 tablespoon Apple Cinnamon Shrub (see note)
– Whiskey or bourbon (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider and water.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add honey, cinnamon stick, and apple slices. Stir until the honey dissolves.
4. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors meld together.
5. Stir in Apple Cinnamon Shrub.
6. Strain into mugs or cups. If desired, add a shot of whiskey or bourbon.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Note: You can find Apple Cinnamon Shrub at most grocery stores or online. If you prefer to make your own, combine 1 cup apple cider, 1/2 cup water, and 2 tablespoons honey in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the flavors meld together.
Orange Cardamom Shrub Tea
As the seasons change, there’s nothing like a comforting cup of tea to soothe the soul. This unique blend of orange, cardamom, and shrub combines the brightness of citrus with the warmth of spice for a truly cozy brew.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon loose-leaf black tea
– 1 tablespoon dried orange peel
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 cup boiling water
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine tea leaves, orange peel, and cardamom in a teapot.
2. Pour in boiling water and let steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on desired strength.
3. Strain the tea into cups and discard solids.
4. Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Watermelon Lime Shrub Slushie
Beat the heat with this vibrant and revitalizing slushie, perfect for hot summer days. This unique blend of watermelon, lime, and shrub combines sweet and tangy flavors in a refreshing treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup shrub (flavorful fermented fruit syrup)
– 1 cup ice
– Sparkling water, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine watermelon cubes and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Add shrub and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
4. Pour the mixture into glasses filled with ice.
5. Top with sparkling water to taste.
6. Garnish with a slice of watermelon, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time), 0 minutes (cooking time)
Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Lime Shrub Slushie!
Grapefruit Rosemary Shrub Spritz
Brighten up your cocktail game with this citrusy and herbaceous spritz, perfect for warm weather gatherings. The combination of grapefruit juice, rosemary syrup, and Prosecco creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grapefruit juice
– 1 cup rosemary syrup (see note)
– 1 bottle Prosecco
– Sparkling water
– Ice
– Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pitcher with ice.
2. Pour in the grapefruit juice and rosemary syrup.
3. Top with Prosecco.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Add sparkling water to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh rosemary leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This spritz is ready to serve immediately.
Note: To make rosemary syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup chopped rosemary in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and let cool before using.
Pomegranate Sage Shrub Punch
Elevate your gatherings with this refreshing and flavorful drink, perfect for warm weather or any celebration. This pomegranate sage shrub punch combines the sweetness of pomegranates with the earthy notes of sage, creating a unique and delicious beverage.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pomegranate juice
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– Sparkling water (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, water, and sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and add the dried sage leaves. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the sage leaves.
4. Add lemon juice and stir well.
5. Chill the shrub punch in the refrigerator before serving. To add some fizz, top with sparkling water just before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Kiwi Cucumber Shrub Cooler
Beat the heat with this unique and revitalizing drink, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up on a hot day. This flavorful shrub cooler combines the sweetness of kiwi with the refreshing zing of cucumber.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup kiwi, peeled and pureed
– 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine kiwi puree, cucumber slices, and vinegar.
2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Add water and stir well to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
– Use this shrub cooler as a base and add your favorite sparkling water or juice for added fizz and flavor.
Plum Clove Shrub Sangria
This recipe combines the sweetness of plums with the warmth of cloves and the tanginess of shrub, creating a unique and refreshing sangria perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plum shrub (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 bottle white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
– 1/2 cup freshly sliced plums
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (optional)
– Sliced citrus fruits and ice for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine plum shrub and white wine. Stir to combine.
2. Add sliced plums, chopped mint leaves, and ground cloves to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in simple syrup if desired (optional).
5. Serve sangria over ice with sliced citrus fruits.
Cooking Time: None
Mango Chili Shrub Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this unique fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, featuring the tangy goodness of mango chili shrub. Perfect for adventurous palates!
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz mango chili shrub
– 1/2 oz agave nectar
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, mango chili shrub, and agave nectar.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and optional fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and serve.
Pear Elderflower Shrub Collins
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing recipe that combines the sweetness of pears, the subtle flavor of elderflowers, and the tanginess of shrub.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), diced
– 1 cup elderflower syrup (or substitute with elderflower liqueur)
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Sparkling water
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the diced pears until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, combine the pear puree, elderflower syrup (or liqueur), apple cider vinegar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let mixture steep for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the shrub through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard solids.
5. Add honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
6. Fill glasses with ice, add 1-2 ounces of the shrub, top with sparkling water, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Lemon Honey Shrub Iced Tea
Brighten up your day with this refreshing twist on classic iced tea! This recipe combines the tanginess of lemon, the sweetness of honey, and the tartness of shrub (a mixture of fruit juice and vinegar) to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup honey, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
– 1/4 cup shrub (homemade or store-bought)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Brew the tea bags in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bags and add the lemon juice, honey mixture, and shrub to the tea.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Cranberry Orange Shrub Mule
Elevate your happy hour game with this unique and tangy twist on the classic Moscow Mule. The combination of cranberries, orange, and ginger beer adds a delightful complexity to the traditional vodka and lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz cranberry shrub (see note)
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Slice of orange, for garnish
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka and lime juice.
3. Top with cranberry shrub and ginger beer.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and lime wheel.
Note: Cranberry shrub can be made by simmering 1 cup of cranberries with 1 cup of sugar and 2 cups of water until the berries pop, then straining and mixing with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Summary
Are you looking for a refreshing twist on classic drinks and recipes? Look no further! This article presents 18 shrub recipes, each one tailored to a specific season or occasion. From sweet treats like Strawberry Basil Shrub Cocktail and Peach Ginger Shrub Lemonade, to fruity sippers like Raspberry Mint Shrub Spritzer and Kiwi Cucumber Shrub Cooler, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm Apple Cinnamon Shrub Hot Toddy or a cool Watermelon Lime Shrub Slushie, these recipes are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
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