Yeast Free Classic Ginger Shrub
Shrubs — the old-fashioned drinking vinegars that bartenders and home cooks are rediscovering — are naturally free of yeast, and this ginger version is a perfect example of how simple and satisfying they can be. Fresh ginger is bruised directly into granulated sugar, coaxed into a fragrant syrup over 48 hours in the fridge, then married with apple cider vinegar for a bright, spicy concentrate that keeps for up to three months. There's no fermentation happening here, just a slow cold-process infusion, so you get all the bold, zingy complexity without any of the yeast activity that can make other homemade beverages off-limits. The optional black peppercorns add a subtle warmth that makes the whole thing feel a little more grown-up and layered. Stir a tablespoon into sparkling water over ice and you've got a genuinely refreshing drink that feels special without requiring much effort at all. It also works beautifully as a cocktail mixer, giving you a versatile pantry staple that earns its fridge space every single week.
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!