Pecan Free Classic Apple Shrub

Total time48 hr 15 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time0 min

4.6

(29)

Tart, spiced, and quietly sophisticated, this apple shrub is the kind of homemade pantry staple that makes you feel like you really have your act together. It starts with fresh diced apples slow-macerated in sugar until they release a gorgeous, jewel-like syrup, then gets layered with apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger for a flavor that's bright and complex all at once. The two-day fridge process is almost entirely hands-off — you're mostly just waiting, and the reward is absolutely worth it. Stirred into sparkling water over ice, it delivers a refreshing, lightly sweet-tangy drink that feels far more special than anything you'd pull off a store shelf. Because it's built entirely from whole fruits, spices, and pantry staples, there's zero concern about hidden nut ingredients or cross-contamination from processed snack foods. It keeps in the fridge for up to three months, so one batch goes a long way for cocktails, mocktails, or even a splash into salad dressings.

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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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