MSG Free Classic Apple Shrub
Tart, sweet, and lightly spiced, this apple shrub is the kind of old-fashioned drinking vinegar that makes plain sparkling water feel like a craft cocktail. Fresh diced apples slowly macerate in sugar until they release their natural juices, then cinnamon, cloves, and ginger join the mix for a second long steep that builds serious depth. The result is a concentrated syrup with a bright, tangy backbone that wakes up your palate in the best way. Because every ingredient here is whole and unprocessed — real fruit, spices, vinegar, and sugar — there's zero concern about hidden additives or flavor enhancers sneaking into your glass. Store-bought sodas and flavored syrups are notorious for containing unwanted extras, so making your own from scratch puts you completely in control. A batch keeps in the fridge for up to three months, meaning you'll have a refreshing, clean-ingredient mixer on hand whenever the mood strikes.
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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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