Carrageenan Free Classic Berry Shrub
Shrubs — the old-fashioned drinking vinegar syrups that bartenders and home cooks have been rediscovering — are one of those pantry staples that feel almost magical once you make them yourself. This berry version is bright, tangy, and deeply fruity, with a gorgeous jewel-toned color that looks stunning over ice. The process is refreshingly hands-off: crush the berries with sugar, let time do the work in the fridge, strain, and stir in apple cider vinegar. That's genuinely it. For anyone navigating carrageenan concerns, store-bought flavored sodas, juice drinks, and even some sparkling beverages can be surprisingly tricky territory — thickeners and stabilizers have a way of sneaking into the ingredient list. Making your own shrub syrup from whole berries, sugar, vinegar, and a pinch of salt means you know exactly what's in your glass. Topped with plain sparkling water, this is a clean, satisfying drink with zero guesswork. The finished syrup keeps in the fridge for up to four weeks, so you can mix up a refreshing glass whenever the mood strikes.
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!