Black Pepper Free Classic Berry Shrub
Shrubs — those old-fashioned drinking vinegars — are having a serious moment, and this berry version is one of the most vibrant, refreshing ways to enjoy them. Fresh mixed berries get muddled with sugar and left to macerate in the fridge for 48 hours, slowly releasing a jewel-toned, deeply fruity syrup that tastes like summer in a jar. A splash of apple cider vinegar brings a bright, tangy backbone that balances all that sweetness beautifully. The whole thing comes together with just four simple pantry ingredients, no heat required, and no hidden spice blends to worry about — just clean, straightforward flavors from start to finish. Once your shrub is ready, a couple of tablespoons stirred into sparkling water over ice makes a sophisticated, non-alcoholic sipper that feels genuinely special. A sprig of fresh mint on top adds a cool, aromatic finish that makes it look as good as it tastes. Keep a jar in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it all week long.
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!