Are you tired of only having “virgin” versions of cocktails if you’re abstaining from alcohol? They’re typically high in sugar, and it can feel like an afterthought if you want a sober option. Shrubs (I’ll explain more about what they are next, if you’re unfamiliar) are a great alternative to sugary mocktails, and guess what? They even have some health benefits.
What is a “shrub”?
If you’ve noticed more menus featuring “shrubs” lately, you’re not alone. Once a centuries-old preservation method, shrubs have made a modern comeback as a flavorful, alcohol-free alternative to cocktails — and health-conscious drinkers are taking notice.
So what exactly is a shrub? At its simplest, a shrub is a concentrated drink made from fruit, sugar, and vinegar. The mixture creates a sweet-tart syrup that’s typically mixed with sparkling water, tonic, or even tea. While it may sound unusual, the flavor is bright, refreshing, and far more complex than soda, juice, or a sugary mocktail.
How to make a shrub
Shrubs are incredibly easy to make at home. To prepare a basic shrub, combine chopped fruit (I personally thaw frozen fruit for mine – it’s cheaper and is less prep to chop) with sugar and let it sit for a day to draw out the juices
You then strain the mixture (you can save the solid parts of the fruit pulp/sugar as a homemade jam if you don’t want to be wasteful) and then mix the strained juice with vinegar. Recipes often call for white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, the latter being my personal preference.
You can find tons of recipes for shrubs online, but the ratio I personally use and like is:
- 12 ounces of fruit (again, I use thawed frozen fruit, but fresh is also fine)
- 1 ½ cups of sugar
- 1 cup of vinegar or more (I usually add an extra ¼-½ cup of vinegar to make my shrub less sweet and more tart)
The finished product – shrub mocktail
The finished shrub syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks, and will likely last you many weeks, if not longer, depending on how often you enjoy it.
To use the shrub syrup, mix one to two tablespoons with sparkling water over ice. You can garnish it with herbs like mint or other complementary flavors, or leave it as is. Experiment with different flavor combos!
(A quick word of caution – if you’re prone to reflux (heartburn), vinegar might worsen symptoms.)
Nutrition perks of shrubs
Vinegar — especially apple cider vinegar — has promising research supporting its role in aiding digestion, helping regulate blood sugar, and acting as an antibacterial agent when consumed in moderation. Unlike many mocktails, shrubs can be much lower in sugar and free from artificial ingredients, making them a smarter choice for people cutting back on alcohol or sugary drinks.
Cheers to a healthier New Year!
As more people look for flavorful, functional drinks without alcohol, shrubs are proving that sometimes the oldest recipes make the freshest trends. Whether you’re looking to just cut back on alcohol or already lead a sober lifestyle, shrubs can be a great choice this New Year’s.
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