Shrubs are fruit, herb and spice-infused drinking vinegars that can add a dose of flavor to plain sparkling water or cocktails and may aid your digestion. Sweetened with honey instead of the more traditional sugar, this sweet-tart spiced apple shrub mocktail tastes like a refreshing sip of autumn in a glass.
Active time: 10 minutes Total time: 2–3 days
Ingredients Directions Thinly slice the apples and discard the core. Place apples in a large, non-reactive bowl. Add the vinegar and ginger. Using a sharp peeler, peel long strips of the zest from the orange (without the white pith underneath) and add to the bowl, reserve the orange for another use. Lightly smash the ingredients together using a cocktail muddler or potato masher. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (237ml) of water with the honey, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Pour over the apple mixture in the bowl. Let cool to room temperature. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 2–3 days. Strain off the solids and pour the liquid into a 24-ounce glass bottle or Mason jar. Store in the refrigerator indefinitely. To make a non-alcoholic spritzer, fill an 8-ounce (237ml) glass with ice and plain carbonated water. Add 2 tablespoons shrub to the glass and stir to combine. Makes 2 1/4 cups. Serves: 18 | Serving Size: 2 tablespoons Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 61; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 4mg; Carbohydrate: 16g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 14g; Protein: 0g Nutritional bonus: Just 2 tablespoons of shrub contain 22% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.Spiced Apple Shrub Mocktail
Originally published October 2020, updated October 2023
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