I’m excited to share a refreshing and tangy drink that’s perfect for any time of year: Blackberry Shrub Juice. This delightful beverage combines the sweetness of ripe blackberries with the tangy zing of vinegar, creating a perfectly balanced drink that’s both refreshing and invigorating. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy blackberries and a great addition to your homemade drink repertoire.
I first discovered shrub drinks at a quaint café, and their unique flavor profile instantly captivated me. The blend of sweet fruit and tangy vinegar is simply irresistible.
Ready to make this delightful drink at home? Let’s gather our ingredients and get started!
Blackberry Shrub Juice
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Ice cubes
- Sparkling water or club soda for serving
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Blackberries: In a large bowl, combine the fresh blackberries and sugar. Stir well to coat the berries with sugar. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours, stirring occasionally. This process, known as maceration, will draw out the juices from the blackberries.
- Combine with Vinegar: After the maceration period, strain the blackberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing the berries to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids. Add the apple cider vinegar to the blackberry juice and stir to combine.
- Store the Shrub: Transfer the shrub mixture to a clean jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks, and the flavors will continue to develop over time.
- Serve the Shrub Juice: To serve, fill a glass with ice cubes. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the blackberry shrub mixture, and top with sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- Experiment with different fruits to create your own unique shrub flavors.
- For a stronger flavor, let the shrub mixture sit in the refrigerator for a few days before using.
- Shrubs can also be used as a base for cocktails – just add your favorite spirit!
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
Bringing It All Together:
So, there you have it – Blackberry Shrub Juice, a refreshing and tangy beverage that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fresh blackberries and add a unique twist to your drink menu. If you have any questions or need adjustments for dietary needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. I love hearing from you all and helping you create delicious memories in your kitchen.