No, I am not talking about going outside and chewing on the shrubs in your yard, let’s not get carried away! I am actually talking about drinking vinegars—one of my favourite ways of enjoying herbs and fruit in season. Drinking vinegar helps to keep us hydrated during the summer months and they are quite versatile. Let’s explore more.
In the realm of culinary delights, few creations offer a journey through time and taste quite like shrubs. These tangy and refreshing drinking vinegars have a rich history that dates back centuries, originating as a method of preserving fruits in the absence of refrigeration. Today, we embark on a flavorful adventure, delving into the history of shrubs while exploring the process of creating a delightful strawberry and rose petal shrub. Join us as we uncover the past, blend it with the present, and savor the unique flavors that await.
The Historical Roots of Shrubs
Shrubs derive their name from the Arabic word “sharāb,” meaning “to drink,” and were popularized in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in England and America. During colonial times, shrubs served as a means of preserving fruit flavors year-round. The combination of fruits, sugar, and vinegar allowed individuals to enjoy the essence of seasonal fruits long after their harvest. With vinegar acting as a natural preservative, these concoctions stood the test of time, becoming cherished staples in households across the land.
Shrubs During Prohibition
Fast forward to the early 20th century, during the Temperance movement and Prohibition era in America, when shrubs experienced a resurgence in popularity. With the ban on alcohol, people sought alternatives to imbibe and turned to non-alcoholic beverages like shrubs. This led to their prominence as a flavorful addition to homemade sodas and mocktails, ensuring that the pleasure of sipping something delightful was not lost during these dry times.
The Revival of Shrubs
As the tides of time continued to shift, commercial soft drinks and modern refrigeration overshadowed the art of shrub-making. However, recent years have witnessed a revival of interest in these tangy elixirs, thanks to the craft cocktail movement and the quest for artisanal flavors. Mixologists and home bartenders alike have embraced shrubs as a means to elevate their libations with unique and captivating profiles. With their distinctive combination of sweet and tart notes, shrubs have not only found their place in beverages but have also become sought-after flavorings in marinades, salad dressings, and desserts.
Shrubs, with their centuries-old legacy, have carved a unique place in the world of culinary delights. From their humble beginnings as a preservation method to their revival as a cherished ingredient in the modern mixology scene, shrubs embody the spirit of exploration and innovation. By crafting shrubs, we have witnessed the convergence of history and flavor, yielding a truly exceptional drinking experience. So, raise a glass, sip slowly, and savor the journey that shrubs offer—a delightful bridge between the past and present, allowing us to celebrate the timeless beauty of taste.
To make a strawberry and rose petal shrub, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup thinly sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup rose petals (make sure they are food-safe and free from pesticides)
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- Honey to taste (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
Here’s how to make the shrub:
- In a clean glass jar or container, combine the sliced strawberries, rose petals, and apple cider vinegar.
- Seal the jar tightly and give it a gentle shake to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark place and let it sit for about two weeks. Shake the jar daily to help infuse the flavors.
- After the two-week period, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Discard the strawberry slices and rose petals.
- Measure the liquid and transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Remember if using a metal lid place a cover of wax paper to stop the lid from Corroding.
- Add honey to the strained liquid, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing to taste. Stir well to dissolve the honey completely.
- Seal the jar or bottle and return it to the refrigerator. Can be stored in the fridge for 6 weeks
- Your strawberry and rose petal shrub is now ready to be enjoyed!
To serve the shrub, you can mix it with sparkling water, club soda, or even use it as a flavouring agent in cocktails. The amount of shrub you use will depend on your personal taste preference. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Remember that homemade shrubs are a great way to experiment with flavours, so feel free to adjust the ingredients or ratios to suit your liking. Enjoy the unique combination of strawberries, rose petals, and apple cider vinegar in this delightful shrub recipe!
Indulge in the delightful harmony of flavours with this enchanting Mixed Fruit and Lavender Shrub recipe. Bursting with the sweetness of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, coupled with the soothing essence of fresh lavender, this refreshing shrub is a true celebration of summer. Prepare to embark on a journey of taste and aroma, as we guide you through the steps to create this exquisite beverage.”
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries
- 1/4 cup fresh lavender flowers
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ to 1 cup honey
- Instructions: In a clean glass jar or container, combine mixed berries, and apple cider vinegar.
- Seal the jar tightly and give it a gentle shake to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place and let it sit for about two weeks. Shake the jar daily to help infuse the flavors.
- After the two-week period, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids.
- Measure the liquid and transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Remember if using a metal lid place a cover of wax paper to stop the lid from Corroding.
- Add honey to the strained liquid, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing to taste. Stir well to dissolve the honey completely.
- Seal the jar or bottle and return it to the refrigerator. Can be stored in the fridge for 6 weeks
To serve, mix the shrub with sparkling water or club soda in a 1:1 ratio, and enjoy your refreshing mixed fruit and lavender shrub!
Remember to store the shrub in the refrigerator, and it should last for several weeks. Happy sipping!
As you take a sip of your freshly crafted Mixed Fruit and Lavender Shrub, let the tangy notes of berries dance on your palate, followed by the gentle floral whispers of lavender. The mingling of flavours and the zing of vinegar bring a delightful balance to each sip. We hope this delightful shrub becomes a new favourite in your repertoire, perfect for savouring warm afternoons or sharing with loved ones. Cheers to a summer filled with delicious moments!