Citrus Free Classic Apple Shrub
Shrubs — those old-fashioned drinking vinegars — are having a serious comeback, and this apple version is one of the most satisfying to make from scratch. Diced apples slowly macerate in sugar until they release a gorgeous, syrupy juice, then apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger are stirred in for a second long rest in the fridge. The result is a deeply complex, tangy-sweet concentrate that tastes like autumn in a bottle. So many flavored syrups and cocktail mixers sneak in citrus juice or citric acid as a preservative or brightener, which makes store-bought options a minefield — this one skips all of that entirely, relying on vinegar for its tartness and preservation instead. Stirred into sparkling water over ice, it delivers a genuinely refreshing drink with warm spice notes and a pleasant bite. It keeps in the fridge for up to three months, so one batch goes a long way for everyday sipping or entertaining.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 2 medium apples (about 12 oz), cored and finely diced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For serving
- sparkling water, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the diced apples and granulated sugar in a medium bowl and stir well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, until the sugar has fully dissolved into the apple juices and a syrupy liquid has pooled at the bottom of the bowl.
- 2
Add the apple cider vinegar, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and ground ginger to the bowl and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for another 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
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