Artificial Flavors Free Classic Berry Shrub
Shrubs are one of those old-fashioned drinking vinegars that have made a serious comeback, and this berry version is a perfect reminder of why. The flavor is bright, tangy, and deeply fruity — the kind of complexity that usually makes people assume something fancy went into the bottle. What makes this recipe so satisfying is that every bit of that flavor comes from real ingredients: fresh mixed berries, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of kosher salt. There are no extracts, no "natural flavors" hiding on a label, and nothing that requires a second glance at the ingredient list. The two-day maceration process does all the heavy lifting, coaxing a rich, jewel-toned syrup out of the fruit before the vinegar ever enters the picture. Splashed into sparkling water over ice, it delivers a refreshing, sophisticated drink that tastes like it came from a craft cocktail bar. Keep a jar in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it all week.
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 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries), hulled and halved if large
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
For serving
- sparkling water, for serving
- ice, for serving
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the berries and sugar in a medium bowl. Use a muddler or the back of a fork to crush the berries thoroughly, releasing their juice and working the sugar into the fruit until a wet, jammy mixture forms.
- 2
Stir in the kosher salt, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a glass jar. Refrigerate for at least 48 hours, stirring or shaking once or twice, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture has released a deep, syrupy liquid.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!