Cherry Shrub
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar for deeper flavor)
- Optional: 1 small piece of fresh ginger (for warmth)
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick (for a wintery version)
- Optional: A few black peppercorns (for subtle spice)
INSTRUCTIONS
Macerate the Cherries: Combine the cherries and sugar in a non-reactive bowl (glass or stainless steel). Mash the cherries lightly with a fork or muddler to help release their juices. Cover and refrigerate for 24–48 hours, stirring occasionally. The sugar will draw out the cherries’ natural juices, creating a rich syrup.
Strain the Syrup: Once the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture looks syrupy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl. Press lightly to extract as much liquid as possible without forcing solids through.
Add the Vinegar: Stir in the vinegar of your choice and mix until fully blended. Taste and adjust the ratio — add more sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tang, depending on your preference.
Bottle and Rest: Pour the finished shrub into a clean glass bottle or jar, seal tightly, and refrigerate for 2–3 days to let the flavors meld.
VIDEO HOW-TO
NOTES
Here’s a delicious and versatile Cherry Shrub recipe — perfectly tart, deeply fruity, and ideal for both cocktails and mocktails. The natural balance of sweet cherries, sugar, and vinegar gives this shrub a bold flavor that shines in drinks like a Cherry Shrub Sour or even with sparkling water for a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Cherry Shrub Soda: Mix 1–2 oz shrub with sparkling water or tonic for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
- Cherry Shrub Sour: Combine 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz cherry shrub, and a dash of bitters (plus an egg white if desired). Shake and strain into a coupe glass.
- Cherry Shrub & Rum: Try it with dark rum or spiced rum for a rich, fruity twist.
Shelf Life: Refrigerated, your shrub will keep for up to 6 months — and the flavor will deepen over time as the vinegar and cherry meld together.
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