Walnut Free Classic Apple Shrub
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, then mingle with apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ground ginger over two days — no cooking required, just patience and a good refrigerator. The result is a concentrated syrup with a bright, tangy backbone and warm spice notes that play beautifully over ice with sparkling water. Because it's built entirely from whole fruits, spices, and pantry basics, there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden additives sneaking in. A couple tablespoons stirred into a glass transforms plain sparkling water into something that feels genuinely craft-cocktail worthy. It keeps in the fridge for up to three months, so you can batch it once and enjoy it well into the season.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!