About the Recipe
When we say shrub, we aren’t talking about a bush. No, we’re referring to the old-school mixer made from aromatic plants, sugar, and vinegar.
In this recipe, we make a shrub using fresh strawberries, apple cider vinegar, and sugar (along with fresh ginger and lemon zest). After a two-day rest in the refrigerator, the ingredients meld to create a tangy and refreshing base for a Strawberry Spritzer.
This flavorful non-alcoholic drink is easy to make once the shrub is ready; all you’ll need is ice, seltzer, and a glass. Plus, a few extra berries for garnish.
Ingredients
3 Tbsp. Strawberry Shrub (recipe below)
1/2-3/4 cup chilled sparkling mineral water (such as Topo Chico)
1 strawberry half, for garnish
The Shrub
1 qt. fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
2 cups unfiltered apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. sliced fresh ginger
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
Preparation
Step 1 The Shrub
Place 1 qt. fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced), 2 cups unfiltered apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 2 Tbsp. sliced fresh ginger, and 2 tsp. grated lemon zest in a large bowl or resealable container. Stir until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until flavors have infused, about 2 days. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a 1-qt. container with a lid, discarding solids. Secure lid, and refrigerate shrub for up to 3 months.
Step 2 The Spritzer
Pour 3 tablespoons Strawberry Shrub into an ice-filled glass; top with 1/2 to 3/4 cup seltzer water, or desired amount. Garnish with a strawberry half.