Apple Shrub
This traditional Apple Shrub combines the tartness of apple cider vinegar with the natural sweetness of fresh apples to create a versatile drinking vinegar concentrate. Perfect for elevating beverages from sparkling water to cocktails, this preservation method dates back to Colonial America and creates a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and fruity notes.
Equipment
- Glass or Ceramic Bowl
- Fine-Mesh Strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Glass Bottles with Tight-fitting Lids
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh apples Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala (approximately 5-6 medium apples)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar or 1¼ cups honey for a deeper flavor profile
- 1 1/2 cups raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with "the mother" for added probiotic benefits
Optional Spices
- 1 cinnamon stick optional
- 3-4 whole cloves optional
- 1 star anise pod optional
- 1 inch fresh ginger sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the apples thoroughly under cold running water. Core them and cut into small ½-inch cubes—no need to peel unless you prefer a clearer final product.
- In a large glass or ceramic bowl, combine the diced apples with the sugar. Using clean hands or a wooden spoon, thoroughly mix until every apple piece is coated with sugar.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth (not plastic wrap). Let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours, stirring occasionally. If using spices, add them during this phase.
- After the maceration period, add the apple cider vinegar and stir thoroughly to dissolve any remaining sugar crystals.
- Using a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth, strain the mixture into a clean bowl, pressing gently on the solids to extract maximum flavor.
- Transfer your shrub to sterilized glass bottles with tight-fitting lids.
- Store your bottled shrub in the refrigerator and allow the flavors to meld for at least a week before using for optimal flavor.
Notes
- For a lower glycemic impact, replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol (adjust quantities to taste)
- White wine vinegar can substitute for apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor profile
- Pears can replace apples for a different seasonal variation
- For a spicy kick, add one small jalapeño, seeded and sliced
- Don't discard those apple solids! They make an excellent addition to morning oatmeal or yogurt
- The shrub will keep for 6-8 months when properly stored in the refrigerator
- White wine vinegar can substitute for apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor profile
- Pears can replace apples for a different seasonal variation
- For a spicy kick, add one small jalapeño, seeded and sliced
- Don't discard those apple solids! They make an excellent addition to morning oatmeal or yogurt
- The shrub will keep for 6-8 months when properly stored in the refrigerator
Nutrition
Calories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0.2gSugar: 8g
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