Macadamia Free Classic Apple Shrub
Tart, spiced, and quietly complex, this apple shrub is the kind of homemade pantry staple that makes you feel like a serious home cook. Fresh diced apples slowly macerate in sugar until they release a gorgeous, syrupy juice, then apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger join the party for a second long rest in the fridge — no heat required, just patience. The result is a concentrated drinking syrup with bright acidity and warm spice that transforms a simple glass of sparkling water into something genuinely special. Because it's built entirely from whole fruits, pantry spices, and vinegar, there's zero concern about hidden nut-based additives or cross-contamination from processed ingredients. It keeps in the fridge for up to three months, so you can batch it once and enjoy it for weeks. Stir a couple of tablespoons into sparkling water over ice and you've got a sophisticated, refreshing drink that feels far fancier than the effort involved.
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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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