Refreshing Shrub
**Refreshing Shrub** This shrub is a delightful blend of tart apple cider vinegar, fragrant mint leaves, and a touch of sweetness. It makes a refreshing and invigorating drink when diluted with sparkling water or club soda. You can also use it to add a burst of flavor to cocktails or mocktails. Shrubs are a type of vinegar-based syrup that were popular in colonial America. They were used as a way to preserve fruit and herbs, and they also provided a refreshing and tangy drink. Today, shrubs are making a comeback as people rediscover their unique flavor and versatility. This shrub is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of sweetness to your liking, and you can also add other herbs or spices to create different flavor combinations. **Ingredients** - 1 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 cup fresh mint leaves - 1/2 cup water - 1/4 cup maple syrup or granulated monk fruit sweetener (for paleo) - Optional: additional sweetener to taste **Instructions** 1. Combine the apple cider vinegar, mint leaves, and water in a saucepan. 2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. 3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes. (The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.) 4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar. 5. Stir in the maple syrup or granulated monk fruit sweetener. 6. Taste and add additional sweetener if desired. 7. Store the shrub in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
**The Backstory** Shrubs have a long and storied history. They were first developed in the Middle East centuries ago, and they were brought to the Americas by European colonists in the 17th century. In colonial America, shrubs were a popular way to preserve fruit and herbs. They were also used as a refreshing and tangy drink. Shrubs were often made with vinegar, which helped to preserve the fruit and herbs and also gave them a unique flavor. As refrigeration became more common in the 19th century, shrubs began to fall out of favor. However, they have recently made a comeback as people rediscover their unique flavor and versatility. **Why It Works** - The combination of tart apple cider vinegar and fragrant mint leaves creates a refreshing and invigorating drink. - The maple syrup or granulated monk fruit sweetener adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the tartness of the vinegar. - The shrub can be diluted with sparkling water or club soda to create a refreshing and flavorful beverage. - The shrub can also be used to add a burst of flavor to cocktails or mocktails.
Refreshing Shrub Refreshing Shrub Refreshing Shrub Refreshing Shrub
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 5 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup OR granulated monk fruit sweetener (for paleo)
  • Optional: additional sweetener to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine the apple cider vinegar, mint leaves, and water in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes. (The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.)
  4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar.
  5. Stir in the maple syrup OR granulated monk fruit sweetener.
  6. Taste and add additional sweetener if desired.
  7. Store the shrub in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Why It Works
  • The combination of tart apple cider vinegar and fragrant mint leaves creates a refreshing and invigorating drink.
  • The maple syrup or granulated monk fruit sweetener adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the tartness of the vinegar.
  • The shrub can be diluted with sparkling water or club soda to create a refreshing and flavorful beverage.
  • The shrub can also be used to add a burst of flavor to cocktails or mocktails.