This Refreshing Spiced Citrus Shrub is a vibrant and tangy syrup made with fresh citrus fruits, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices. Perfect for adding a zesty kick to sparkling water, mocktails, or cocktails, it’s a versatile and easy-to-make drink enhancer that lasts for weeks in the fridge.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 oranges, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
• 3 cloves
• ½ cup water

Directions

1. Slice the Citrus: Thinly slice the oranges, lemon, and lime. Remove any seeds.
2. Simmer the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the sliced citrus, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, peppercorns, cloves, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cooking for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Vinegar & Let It Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Strain & Store: Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a glass jar. Discard the solids. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (approx.)

• Calories: 30
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin C: 25% of the Daily Value (from citrus)

What Is a Shrub?

Before diving into the specifics of the Refreshing Spiced Citrus Shrub, it’s important to understand what a shrub is. A shrub, also known as a drinking vinegar, is a sweetened fruit and vinegar syrup that has been used for centuries to preserve fruits and create complex, flavorful beverages. The combination of fruit, vinegar, and sugar creates a balance of sweet, sour, and tart, which is why shrubs have long been cherished by bartenders and home mixologists alike.

Shrubs date back to the colonial period and even earlier in other cultures, where vinegar was used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. In the modern world, shrubs are gaining popularity due to their versatility and ability to bring a refreshing zing to cocktails, sodas, or even salad dressings. The Refreshing Spiced Citrus Shrub is a fantastic example of how a shrub can modernize classic flavors and appeal to those looking for a healthy, flavorful alternative to sugary sodas or alcohol-heavy drinks.

Why You Should Try the Refreshing Spiced Citrus Shrub

There are plenty of reasons to add the Refreshing Spiced Citrus Shrub to your pantry. First and foremost, it’s an incredibly easy way to make your drinks come alive with vibrant, natural flavors. The citrus fruits—such as oranges, lemons, and limes—are packed with vitamin C, providing you with a refreshing boost to your immune system.

The apple cider vinegar base adds another layer of depth to the shrub, with its well-known health benefits. Apple cider vinegar has long been touted for its digestive properties, and when paired with the natural sweetness of honey (or maple syrup), it creates a balanced and deliciously tangy syrup. This shrub can be used to replace sugary sodas or syrups, making it a healthier option for those seeking a more mindful approach to their beverage choices.

The inclusion of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger also offers a warm, comforting layer of flavor, making this shrub perfect for all seasons. In the summer, it can be used to create refreshing spritzers, and in the colder months, the spices add a cozy, spiced twist to your drinks.

How to Use the Refreshing Spiced Citrus Shrub

One of the best things about this shrub is its versatility. Whether you are making a refreshing spritz or an invigorating mocktail, this shrub can be mixed into virtually any drink. Below are a few ways to incorporate it into your beverage repertoire:

1. Shrub Soda: Add 1-2 tablespoons of the spiced citrus shrub to a glass of sparkling water for a simple, refreshing drink. The shrub will dissolve effortlessly, infusing the water with a zesty citrus flavor and a touch of sweetness.
2. Mocktails: Combine the shrub with soda water, tonic water, or club soda, and garnish with a few slices of fresh fruit or herbs such as mint. This creates an alcohol-free option that still has complexity and depth of flavor.
3. Cocktails: The spiced citrus shrub is an excellent addition to cocktails. It pairs well with spirits like gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey, providing an additional layer of flavor that balances the alcohol. For instance, a gin and shrub cocktail could be made by mixing gin, a dash of the shrub, and a splash of tonic water.
4. Salad Dressings: The tangy vinegar and citrus notes in the shrub can also be used as the base for a unique salad dressing. Mix with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of mustard to create a bold dressing that will complement any salad, particularly those with fresh greens or roasted vegetables.
5. Cooking & Marinades: The shrub’s unique flavor makes it a wonderful addition to marinades for meats, particularly chicken and pork. The acidity from the vinegar helps to tenderize the meat while infusing it with the citrus and spice flavors. You can also add it to stir-fries or drizzle over roasted vegetables for an added kick.

Health Benefits of the Refreshing Spiced Citrus Shrub

While this refreshing spiced citrus shrub is a treat for your taste buds, it also offers a number of health benefits, thanks to its main ingredients: apple cider vinegar, citrus fruits, and spices.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Known for its potential digestive benefits, apple cider vinegar has been linked to improved gut health. It’s believed to aid digestion, promote healthy blood sugar levels, and support weight management. Additionally, it contains acetic acid, which is thought to have antimicrobial properties.
2. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and limes are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Vitamin C helps protect the body against free radicals, supports collagen production for skin health, and aids in the absorption of iron.
3. Spices: The warm spices included in the shrub—such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves—are not only aromatic and flavorful but also have potential health benefits. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Ginger has long been used to soothe digestive issues and may reduce nausea. Cloves are rich in antioxidants and have been used traditionally for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Storing Your Refreshing Spiced Citrus Shrub

One of the major advantages of making your own shrub is that it can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. This makes it an ideal make-ahead ingredient for when you want to quickly craft a flavorful drink or use it as a marinade. Simply store the shrub in a clean glass jar or bottle and keep it refrigerated. It will last for up to 2 weeks, but it’s so delicious, it will likely be used up long before then.

The Versatility of the Shrub

As mentioned earlier, the spiced citrus shrub is incredibly versatile. It can be used in an endless number of ways to suit any occasion. If you’re entertaining guests, you can create a DIY drink station where people can mix their own drinks using the shrub. Alternatively, you can serve it in a signature cocktail at a party, impressing your guests with the complex flavors of the shrub.

The versatility of the shrub extends beyond just drinks. It can be added to a variety of recipes in the kitchen, making it a multi-purpose ingredient. From savory dishes to sweet treats, this spiced citrus syrup can enhance the flavors in a wide range of meals.

Conclusion: A Must-Have for Flavor Enthusiasts

The Refreshing Spiced Citrus Shrub is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your drink game, adding both complexity and a healthful boost to your beverages. Its combination of tangy citrus, sweet honey, and warming spices offers something unique that will appeal to a wide variety of taste preferences. Whether you’re looking to craft refreshing summer drinks, add depth to cocktails, or find a healthy alternative to sugary sodas, the spiced citrus shrub is a must-try.