Shrub Recipe and History From Neuman’s Kitchen

Take a trip back in time with Drinking Vinegars, A.K.A. Shrubs Syrups. The concept of drinking vinegars date back to Colonial America and it’s original use included purifying unsuitable drinking water and a way to naturally boost one’s general health. You might have heard of bitters, which acts in a similar ways, yet has its own unique flavor.

The health benefits of vinegar is that it acts as a natural cleanser for the inside of your body. Some say that, that the health effects can possibly regulate your pH balance, lowers blood pressure and reduce blood sugar levels. However, keep in mind that adding alcohol might neutralize these effects but hey! It might help keep you hangover free as well. For this recipe we use apple cider vinegar to compliment the cranberry. You can use any vinegar you have at home that consists of at least 5% acetic acid. If using different types of vingers keep in mind which fruits will be complimentary. For example, the combination of Balsamic and strawberries tends to enhance the each other flavors. Feel free to swap out the cranberries with any type of fruit that you’d like, or with what’s most seasonal. Now to the recipe!

CRANBERRY SHRUB SYRUP & COCKTAIL RECIPE

Serving size 8oz, makes 20 servings

Syrup Ingredients:

• 20 cups of cranberries
• 10 cups of apple cider vinegar
• 5 cups of sugar
• 5 cups of water
• Sachet of orange peel, black peppercorn, star anise, bay leaf

Combine the fruit and vinegar in a large jar, tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously. Let
infuse for one week at room temperature, shaking daily. Keep the syrup out of direct lights in a
dry location. Strain the juice through a double layer of cheesecloth and funnel into a clean glass
bottle. Add sugar and shake to combine. Refrigerate, shaking daily until sugar has fully
dissolved.

Cocktail Recipe:

• 1.5 oz Rye
• .5 oz Grand Mariner
• 1 oz Shrub Syrup
• 1 Tsp Maple syrup
• Splash of Ginger Ale

Combine all ingredients into a glass. Stir and serve. If you want to go alcohol free, just replace

the Rye and Grand Mariner with club soda or ginger-ale.

Enjoy!