Sesame 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. The process is mostly hands-off — diced apples macerate in sugar until they release a gorgeous 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 syrup with real depth, bright acidity, and just enough sweetness to balance it out. Stirred into sparkling water over ice, it delivers something far more interesting than anything you'd pull off a store shelf. Because it's built entirely from whole fruits, pantry spices, and vinegar, there's nothing hidden to worry about — no sauces, no blends, no processed shortcuts that might sneak in unwanted ingredients. It keeps in the fridge for up to three months, so one batch goes a long way for cocktails, mocktails, or even a splash over salad dressings.
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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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