Gluten Free Classic Apple Shrub
Tart, spiced, and quietly complex, this apple shrub is the kind of homemade pantry staple that makes every drink feel a little more intentional. The process is mostly hands-off — diced apples macerate in sugar until they release a gorgeous, fragrant syrup, then apple cider vinegar and warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger are stirred in for a second long rest in the fridge. The result is a concentrated drinking vinegar that tastes bright and layered in a way that's genuinely hard to stop sipping. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of gluten, so there's no label-checking or substitution gymnastics required — just real fruit, pantry spices, and time doing the work. Splash it over sparkling water and ice for an effortless non-alcoholic drink that feels far more sophisticated than its short ingredient list suggests. It also keeps in the fridge for up to three months, which means one batch goes a long way.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!