Shrub Cocktails
Shrubs are a wonderful blend of fruit, sugar and vinegar, originally created during the Colonial Era to preserve fruit long after harvest. The vinegar provides a distinct tangy bite that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the fresh fruit; similar to citrus in drinks, vinegar quenches thirst, cleanses the palate and is very refreshing.
You can make a basic shrub cocktail by mixing 1 part shrub with 4 parts sparkling water, adjusting the intensity to your taste. Shrubs also pair well with a variety of spirits; a good rule of thumb is to pair ½ ounce shrub with 1 ½ – 2 ounces of your favorite spirit, pour over ice and splash with club soda. You can get creative by adding other ingredients like bitters.
Shrub & Co. Shrubs, available at our Wines & Spirits locations, come in a variety of flavors, including Apple, Cranberry with Douglas Fir, Blood-orange Cardamom, Grapefruit, Spicy Ginger and Wildflower Honey. Use the Shrub & Co. Spicy Ginger to make this wonderful twist on a Moscow Mule:
Spicy Ginger Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- ¾ ounce Shrub & Co. Spicy Ginger
- 3-4 ounces club soda
Directions
- Pour vodka, lime juice and shrub into a shaker, then fill with ice.
- Shake and strain into an ice-filled mule mug. Top with club soda and stir.
- Add crushed ice over the top of the drink. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Source: Shrub and Co.