Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Fine mesh strainer
- Glass jar or bottle with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the honey is dissolved.
2. Add fresh cranberries, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, whole allspice, orange slices, and lemon slices to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the liquid has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a glass jar or bottle with a lid. Discard the solids.
5. Seal the jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for boiling, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
Makes about 2 cups of shrub
Nutritional information:
Calories: 80
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey.
- Frozen cranberries can be used instead of fresh cranberries.
Variations:
- Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for an herbal twist.
- Substitute the cranberries with raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
- Use lime instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture while boiling to prevent the honey from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking by adding more honey or vinegar.
- The shrub will thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems too thin while still hot.
Storage instructions:
Store the shrub in a glass jar or bottle with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
The shrub can be served cold or at room temperature. Do not reheat.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the shrub in a glass with ice and a slice of orange or lemon for garnish.
Garnishes:
Orange or lemon slices, fresh cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary or thyme.
Pairings:
The shrub can be mixed with sparkling water, soda, or alcohol for a refreshing drink.
Suggested side dishes:
The shrub can be served as a drink or used as a marinade or dressing for salads.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the shrub is too tart, add more honey.
- If the shrub is too sweet, add more vinegar.
- If the shrub is too thick, add more water.
Food safety advice:
- Use clean and sterilized equipment when making the shrub.
- Store the shrub in the refrigerator and discard if it smells or tastes off.
Food history:
Shrubs are a type of vinegar-based drink that originated in colonial America as a way to preserve fruit. They were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and have recently made a comeback in the cocktail world.
Flavor profiles:
The shrub is sweet, tart, and slightly spicy with a fruity and citrusy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
The shrub can be served as a refreshing drink or used as a marinade or dressing for salads.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A