Coconut Free Classic Berry Shrub
Tart, fruity, and just a little funky in the best way, this berry shrub is a drinking vinegar syrup that turns a simple glass of sparkling water into something genuinely special. The process is old-fashioned and almost meditative — you crush fresh berries with sugar, let time do the heavy lifting in the fridge, then strain everything into a glossy, jewel-toned concentrate. Apple cider vinegar brings a bright, tangy backbone that balances the sweetness of the fruit without overpowering it. The whole thing comes together with just four pantry-friendly ingredients, none of which involve coconut in any form, so there's no label-scanning or substitution stress involved. Served over ice with sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint, it's the kind of drink that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough to keep stocked in the fridge all week. The shrub also keeps for up to four weeks, meaning you can batch it once and enjoy it long after the berries are gone.
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!