Carrageenan Free Classic Ginger Shrub
Shrubs — the old-fashioned drinking vinegars — are having a serious comeback, and this ginger version is one of the most versatile you can make at home. Fresh ginger, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt are all you need to build something bright, spicy, and deeply aromatic. Many bottled mixers and flavored sparkling drinks sneak in stabilizers and thickeners that can be hard to spot on a label, so making your own from scratch puts you completely in control of what goes into the glass. The cold-process method here is key: bruising the ginger into the sugar and letting it rest in the fridge for 48 hours coaxes out every bit of that fiery, fragrant juice before the vinegar ever touches it. The result is a concentrated syrup with real depth — tangy, a little sweet, and warming in the best way. Stir a tablespoon into sparkling water for an instant grown-up soda, or use it to sharpen a cocktail. Once you have a jar of this in the fridge, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
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
16 servings
- 4 oz fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black peppercorns, lightly crushed (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sliced ginger and sugar in a medium bowl. Use a muddler or the back of a fork to press and bruise the ginger pieces firmly against the sugar, until the sugar begins to look wet and the ginger is fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- 2
Stir in the fine sea salt and the black peppercorns, if using. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 48 hours, stirring once after the first 24 hours, until the sugar has fully dissolved into a syrup and the ginger has released its juice.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!