Tart, spiced, and quietly complex, this apple shrub is the kind of homemade pantry staple that makes every drink feel a little more special. Fresh 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 — no cooking required, just patience. The result is a concentrated drinking syrup with bright fruit flavor, warm spice, and a pleasant tang that plays beautifully with sparkling water over ice. Every single ingredient here is naturally grain-free, so there's no need to scan labels or second-guess anything on the list. Shrubs have a long history as a way to preserve fruit flavor, and this one proves the technique is just as relevant today as it ever was. Make a batch on the weekend and you'll have a ready-to-pour mixer in the fridge for up to three months — perfect for elevating everything from mocktails to cocktail hour.
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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.
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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