Craft your own Cranberry Apple Shrub, a versatile addition to your beverage arsenal. This homemade syrup promises to add a zesty twist to your drinks, making every sip a memorable experience.
This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support Thyme For A Drink at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.
Refreshing Cranberry Apple Shrub: A Tangy Twist to Your Drinks
Ready to dive into the world of shrubs? Explore the delightful combination of cranberries and apples in a zesty, homemade concoction.
Shrub-making is an age-old preservation technique that has found its way back into modern mixology, adding a burst of flavor to your favorite beverages. This post will guide you through the process of creating a vibrant Cranberry Apple Shrub that can elevate everything from sparkling water to cocktails.
What is a Shrub Drink?
Shrubs, historically popular for preserving fruits, have made a comeback in contemporary kitchens. A shrub is a vinegar-based syrup that offers a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess. Sometimes also known as a Drinking Vinegar.
Shrubs are known for their concentrated flavor and the vinegar that gives them a tart kick - much stronger than cordials or simple syrups.
This Cranberry Apple Shrub recipe combines the boldness of cranberries, the crispness of apples, and apple cider vinegar resulting in a refreshing syrup that can transform your drinks.
My method of making shrubs is extremely hands off although it does take some time. I like to use Maceration to get a strong concentrated flavor.
Maceration and its Importance
The heart of this Cranberry Apple Shrub lies in the process of maceration. This involves coaxing out the natural juices from cranberries and apples, intensifying their flavors.
In the case of fresh fruit, particularly soft fruits, the fruit is often simply sprinkled with sugar (and sometimes a small amount of salt or herbs) and left to sit and release its own juices. These juices are a concentrated syrup.
Equipment Needed
- 16oz pint glass jar (or larger)
- Muddler
- Fine Mesh Strainer Affiliate Link
- Large Measuring Glass/Bowl
- Rubber Spatula
Ingredients
- Fresh Apple - Different kinds of apples will change the flavor of this shrub. I tended to use sweet eating apples during testing and this came through in the flavor of the shrub. I suggest a good eating apple like a Macintosh or a Honeycrisp but feel free to use whatever apple you like.
- Fresh Cranberries - or FROZEN (and then thawed) Cranberries. If you are using thawed from frozen cranberries there is no need to half the cranberries, since thawing the cranberries will make the cranberries squishy.
- Sugar - For this recipe regular granulated sugar works best. Feel free to use other kinds but I found I didn't want the flavors to be overpowered in this shrub.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Be sure to use an apple cider vinegar that still has "it's mother", this will ensure the vinegar is of a good quality.
Instructions
Maceration Process:
Begin by placing the halved cranberries in the jar.
Use the muddler to gently crush the cranberries, breaking them down slightly.
Add the finely diced apple to the jar, covering both fruits with sugar.
If using a pint jar, fill it with as much sugar as possible, shake, and let it sit for 30 to 90 minutes. Then add the remaining sugar when there is room in the jar.
Resting Period:
Find a cool, dark spot away from direct sunlight for your jar.
Shake the jar daily for 2 to 3 days, allowing the maceration process to work its magic.
Observe the formation of a luscious syrup as the flavors meld together.
Straining Process:
After 3 days, use a fine mesh strainer Affiliate Link over a large measuring glass or bowl to separate the syrup from fruit pieces.
Utilize a rubber spatula to extract every last bit of liquid from the mixture.
Take note of the amount of syrup obtained.
Shrub Preparation:
Divide the syrup amount by 2 to determine the quantity of apple cider vinegar needed.
Mix the vinegar into the syrup, adjusting the amount based on personal taste preferences.
Storage:
Transfer the Cranberry Apple Shrub into an airtight container for refrigeration, ensuring long-lasting freshness.
Usage:
Add 1 to 2 ounces of your homemade shrub to champagne, sparkling wine, or seltzer water.
Get creative and experiment with incorporating the shrub into your favorite cocktails.
Tips, Tricks and Questions
Adjust the maceration time for varying levels of flavor intensity.
Explore using different apple varieties for nuanced taste profiles.
Fine-tune the vinegar quantity to strike the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess.
Don't toss the used cranberries and apples. Add them to a dehydrator when you are finished using them to create your own dried cranberries and apples!
How long can the shrub be stored in the fridge?
The Cranberry Apple Shrub can be stored in the fridge for several weeks. Its flavors may evolve over time, but it will remain safe for consumption.
Can different types of vinegar be used in the recipe?
While apple cider vinegar complements the fruity flavors, experimenting with other vinegar types, such as red wine vinegar, can yield interesting results.
What are alternative uses for the cranberry apple shrub besides drinks?
Beyond beverages, try drizzling the shrub over salads or using it as a glaze for grilled meats for a burst of flavor.
If you like this Cran-Apple Shrub Recipe you might also like:
Cranberry Apple Shrub
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely diced apple
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3-4 ounces apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Add the halved cranberries to a 16oz pint glass jar (or larger size). Use a muddler to muddle and break down the cranberries, this will help release their juices faster.
- Add the finely diced apple in with the cranberries. Cover the apple and cranberry with the sugar. If you are using a pint jar all of the sugar will not fit right away and that is okay. Fill the jar with as much sugar as you can, shake the jar, and let it sit 30 to 90 minutes, the jar should start macerating and you can add in the rest of the sugar when there is room.
- Leave the jar in a cool area away from the sun. Let rest 2 to 3 days giving it a shake each day. You should see a syrup forming through maceration.
- After about 3 days use a fine mesh strainer and a large measuring glass/bowl strain the pieces of cranberry and apple out of the syrup. It is best to use a rubber spatula to push out any extra liquids and let it sit for a few minutes to make sure all the syrup gets out.
- Once you have strained your syrup measure how much you have, it probably will be about 6 ounces although many environmental factors can change this. Take the number of ounces you have of the syrup and divide it by 2, add this much of the apple cider vinegar to the syrup to make the shrub. So for 6 ounces of syrup add 3 ounces of apple cider vinegar. You can add more vinegar if you feel like you want more.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge. To use add 1 to 2 ounces of the shrub to champagne, sparkling wine, or seltzer water. You can also use a shrub to flavor cocktails.
Notes
I like to make this in a pint jar but feel free to use a larger jar or a bowl with a lid, just make sure to use a non reactive surface.
You can leave the skin on the apple.
Don't waste the delicous cranberry and apple pieces! Add the to a food dehydrator to make your own crasins and dried apples, it is seriously so good!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
9Serving Size:
1 ouncesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 106Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 24gProtein: 0g
Nutritional data is automated and might not be 100% accurate, final nutritional information will depend on ingredients used and any changes made.
Leave a Reply