Summer was made for Balsamic Shrubs

What exactly is a shrub? A shrub is a drink made from vinegar and fruit along with other ingredients such as alcohol or sparkling water, the flavor possibilities are endless! Vinegar has a way of both infusing and pulling out the flavor from ingredients which are steeped in it. This maceration process is simple and delightfully tasty. It's also a healthy alternative to store bought sweetened drinks. With spring's abundance of produce imminent, use your imagination to create delightful combinations of seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables, berries, and vinegar to make all manner of mixers and spritzers.

Here are a few of our favorite combinations just to get those creative juices flowing! 

Blueberry Lemon-Thyme Balsamic Sparkling Shrub
2 cups lemon white balsamic
1 cup fresh blueberries crushed
2” sprig fresh thyme (optional)
8 cups chilled sparkling water

Strawberry – Peach Balsamic Sparkling Shrub
2 cups Peach white balsamic
1 cup fresh strawberries coarsely chopped and steeped in
8 cups chilled sparkling water

Fresh Kiwi & Mango White Balsamic Sparkling Shrub
2 Cups Mango White Balsamic
1 cup peeled sliced kiwi fruit
8 cups chilled sparkling water

Lemon, Cucumber, & Grapefruit White Balsamic Shrub
2 cups of Grapefruit White Balsamic 
1 medium cucumber thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
1/2 lemon thinly sliced
8 cups seltzer water or sparkling water

Ingredients
2 cups of your choice of white balsamic
1 cup fruit, herb, berry, or vegetable of your choice
8 cups chilled seltzer water or sparkling water (without sodium added)

Directions
In a one liter mason jar or container add the fresh botanical ingredients. Pour the balsamic over the fruit and allow to "infuse" for at least one hour or up to four hours under refrigeration. The longer it sits, the more pronounced the flavor of the fruit infusion. Strain and keep refrigerated and tightly covered for up to one month.

To serve, add 1-2 tablespoons of infused drinking vinegar (shrub) depending on your preference for sweetness to 8 oz. of chilled sparkling water. Serve over ice if desired.