Strawberry Shrub Cocktail

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PREP TIME 5 min

Cocktail Type

Vodka

Great for

Pool Party

Difficulty

Medium

Close up of two Strawberry shrub cocktails in tumbler gasses, garnished with fresh strawberries, presented on a rustic, light blue surface

Before we get started on the recipe for this berry-licious Strawberry Shrub cocktail, we have to say one thing: no actual shrubs are used in this recipe! If there were, this recipe would more likely be called the Gritty Shrub cocktail. But that’s just ridiculous and doesn’t exist. We think. And if it does, it really shouldn’t.  

QUICK TIPS

01

Make sure the strawberries you buy are ripe and juicy. Strawberries stop ripening once picked.

02

Your homemade strawberry shrub should be stored in the fridge and will keep for around 2 weeks.

03

Not a fan of vodka? Use whatever liquor you have at home. White rum, gin and tequila will all work well with this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

1 Person

1 Oz

30 Ml

1 Parts

1.5 Oz

45 Ml

1.5 Parts

Strawberry shrub syrup 
4 Oz

120 Ml

4 Parts

Soda water  
Fresh mint for garnish
Ice 

INSTRUCTIONS

01

Add ice to a highball glass

02

Pour in the shrub syrup and vodka

03

Top with soda water

04

Garnish with fresh mint and serve with a swizzle stick for stirring

What is a Strawberry Shrub cocktail?

So what is a Strawberry Shrub cocktail exactly? Well, in drinking terms the word ‘shrub’ refers to the non-alcoholic syrup you’ll be adding to the mix. Fragrant and flavorful, shrub syrup is made with a mixture of concentrated fruits (and in this case, strawberries) sugar and vinegar. The best part? It’s simple enough to make at home and to keep for cocktails that will shine with an added fresh zing. There are loads of shrub cocktail recipes using different fruit flavors, so go check them out if you want more shrub-spiration.  

How to make strawberry shrub syrup at home

  • Add a cup of sugar and a cup of water to a saucepan
  • Bring it to a slow boil
  • While that’s on the go, slice up 2.5 cups of fresh strawberries 
  • Add them to the simple syrup, turn down the heat and simmer slowly for around 15 minutes. If it gets more jammy than syrupy, add a dash of water to thin it out
  • Remove from the heat and leave to cool down slightly. Remember, it’s syrup so it will burn if it gets on your skin. Patience is key
  • Strain the cooled strawberries and syrup into a measuring jug, gently pressing down onto the berries with the back of a spoon to ensure you get every last bit of juice and flavor. You can strain it again through a cheesecloth to make sure your shrub syrup is silky smooth 
  • Add equal amounts of white wine vinegar to syrup, and transfer to a bottle or jug
  • Your strawberry shrub should be stored in the fridge and will keep for around 2 weeks 

Strawberry Shrub cocktail recipe

So, now that you’ve made your own, let’s show you how to use shrubs in cocktailsWhen it comes to the booze, you can use gin, bourbon, or white rum instead of vodka. And if you’re not into alcohol at the moment, then turn this into a refreshing non-alcoholic Strawberry Shrub Soda instead. 

What does a Strawberry Shrub cocktail taste like?

A Strawberry Shrub cocktail is a very berry-forward drink best served during hot summer months. The taste will depend on the liquor you choose to add, and you can also add additional aromas through your garnishes. We find that vodka allows for the most pronounced and freshest berry flavor. To get the best strawberry flavors, make sure that the strawberries you use for your shrub are fresh, plump and juicy.     

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A shrub drink is made with a non-alcoholic syrup made with concentrated fruit, sugar and vinegar. The syrup can be used in mocktails or in cocktails that call for an acidic fruity twist.    

Mix together shrub syrup, your liquor of choice and soda water in an ice filled highball glass. 

Any flavor fruit you love. From strawberries to apples, blackberries, figs, peaches, and more. The only rule is to steer clear of citrussy fruits.