Beef Free Classic Berry Shrub
Tart, fruity, and just a little funky in the best possible way, this berry shrub is a drinking vinegar syrup that turns a simple glass of sparkling water into something genuinely special. Mixed berries are crushed with sugar and left to macerate in the fridge for a couple of days, drawing out a gorgeous, jewel-toned syrup before apple cider vinegar is stirred in to add that signature bright tang. The whole process is hands-off and deeply satisfying — patience does most of the work for you. Since this recipe is built entirely from fruit, sugar, vinegar, and salt, it's naturally free from any animal-derived ingredients, making it a clean and crowd-pleasing option for a wide range of guests. Served over ice with sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint, it looks like something you'd pay too much for at a fancy cocktail bar. Keep a jar in the fridge and you've got a sophisticated, refreshing drink ready to go for up to four weeks.
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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.
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