Lactose Free Classic Berry Shrub
Tart, fruity, and endlessly refreshing, this berry shrub is a drinking vinegar syrup that transforms a simple glass of sparkling water into something genuinely special. The whole process is beautifully low-tech — fresh mixed berries get crushed with sugar, left to macerate in the fridge for a couple of days, then strained and finished with apple cider vinegar for that signature bright, tangy depth. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of dairy, so there's no swapping or substituting required — it just works as written. The result is a concentrated syrup that keeps in the fridge for up to four weeks, meaning you can mix up a glass whenever the craving hits. Poured over ice and topped with sparkling water, it's the kind of drink that feels fancy without any real effort. A sprig of fresh mint on top makes it look like something from a craft cocktail bar, even if you made it in your kitchen on a Tuesday.
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!