How to Make a Cocktail Shrub: Fruit, Sugar and Vinegar
Updated: 7 days ago
Shrub is a sweet and tart syrup made with fruit, sugar, and vinegar. It is used like a flavor concentrate. Add a small amount to soda for an instant non-alcoholic drink, or use it in cocktails as a fast way to build fruit, acidity, and aroma in one ingredient.
Unlike fresh juice, shrub can be prepared ahead and held in the refrigerator, which makes it useful for service. The key is balance: enough sugar to round the vinegar, and enough acid to keep the fruit bright instead of jammy.
Cocktail shrub: a quick starting guide
Shrub is fruit + sugar + vinegar, used as a concentrated mixer
Start with a cold method for the freshest fruit flavor
Choose vinegar like choosing a spirit: each type has a distinct taste
A reliable serving start point is 15 to 30 ml shrub per drink
For soda, try 30 ml shrub plus 120 to 150 ml chilled sparkling water
Keep shrubs refrigerated and clearly labeled with prep date
Do not judge safety by tasting, use clean tools and discard if mold appears
Make small test batches first, then scale once the ratio fits the menu
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