Cherry Shrub Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 csweet cherries)
(pitted and halved
- 2 tbspfresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbspblack peppercorns
- 1 cred wine vinegar
- 1 cunrefined cane sugar
Directions
Muddle the fruit and herbs.
- 1
Spoon the cherries, thyme, and black pepper into a quart-sized jar and mash them together with a wooden spoon or muddler until the cherries begin to soften without losing their form.
Infusing the vinegar.
- 1
Pour the vinegar over the fruit and herbs, and then seal the jar with a nonmetal lid. Shake the jar daily, and let the vinegar sit in a dark cupboard for 2 weeks.
Straining and sweetening.
- 1
After 2 weeks, strain the infused vinegar into a clean through a fine-mesh strainer, discarding the solids. Stir in the sugar, and allow it to dissolve.
Serving and storing.
- 1
Store the shrub syrup at room temperature for up to 8 weeks or in the fridge for up to 6 months. To serve the shrub, fill a glass with ice and then pour up to two tablespoons of the syrup into the jar, filling the remaining space with mineral water.
Cherry Shrub Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving a sophisticated, tangy drink that goes beyond the ordinary? This Cherry Shrub Recipe delivers a vibrant, complex beverage with a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and savory notes, perfect for elevating your sparkling water or crafting unique cocktails.
What sets this Cherry Shrub apart is its thoughtful combination of robust flavors. The inherent sweetness of dark red cherries is expertly cut by the sharp tang of red wine vinegar, creating a bold and refreshing base. Aromatic fresh thyme leaves and a subtle warmth from black peppercorns weave through the fruit, providing an unexpected herbal and spicy undertone that makes each sip intriguing and deeply satisfying.
Expect a beautifully deep red liquid, hinting at the rich cherry flavor within. On the palate, it's sharply tart yet smoothly balanced by the sweetness of unrefined cane sugar, with the robust, almost wine-like notes of the vinegar shining through. The subtle complexity from the thyme and peppercorns prevents it from being overly fruity, lending it a gourmet feel. This concentrated shrub is designed to be diluted, offering a crisp, invigorating experience. Plus, at just 30 calories per serving, it's a guilt-free indulgence.
Customization & Serving
While sweet cherries are called for, you could experiment with a blend of sweet and tart varieties for an even bolder profile, if you're comfortable with adjusting the sweetness to taste. If red wine vinegar isn't on hand, a high-quality apple cider vinegar can offer a different, but equally delicious, tang. For those who enjoy an extra layer of spice, a small piece of star anise could be added to complement the peppercorns.
This versatile cherry shrub shines when simply stirred into sparkling water or soda. It also makes an exceptional base for mocktails or a complex mixer for cocktails, especially with gin, bourbon, or vodka. Serve it well-chilled in an elegant glass to fully appreciate its vibrant color and intricate flavors.