Legume Free Classic Ginger Shrub
Sharp, tangy, and alive with warmth, this drinking vinegar is the kind of pantry staple that quietly transforms everything it touches — from a simple glass of sparkling water to a well-crafted cocktail. Fresh ginger is bruised directly into sugar, coaxing out its natural juices over a slow 48-hour rest in the fridge before apple cider vinegar brings the whole thing together with bright, mellow acidity. The process is mostly hands-off, and the payoff is a complex, layered syrup that tastes like something you'd find at a fancy craft beverage bar. For anyone navigating legume-free eating, this recipe is naturally in the clear — every ingredient here is clean and straightforward, with zero hidden additives to second-guess. A pinch of sea salt and optional cracked black pepper add just enough depth to keep it from being one-note. Stir a tablespoon into sparkling water over ice and you've got a genuinely refreshing drink that feels intentional and a little special. It keeps in the fridge for up to three months, so one batch goes a very long way.
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!