Move over, apple cider vinegar—there’s a new trend in drinking vinegar, and this one appeals to teetotalers and cocktail lovers alike. Shrubs, a vinegar and fruit syrup with purported health benefits, traces its American roots to the Colonial era, but is appearing once again on fashionable drink menus. The name “shrub” doesn’t refer to any sort of bush but rather the Arabic word, “sharbah,” which means “to drink.”
It’s a syrup made from macerating fruit and sugar, then adding vinegar. There’s a lot of wiggle room for using what you have in the fridge or pantry, whether it’s blueberries and red wine vinegar or peaches and apple cider vinegar. While the vinegary syrup can be mixed with sparkling water for a tart non-alcoholic beverage, some like to spike the drink with a neutral spirit, such as vodka or clear rum to make a refreshing cocktail.
The health benefits of shrubs, boozy or not, are similar to those of drinking apple cider vinegar, though research is limited on both. There are a few small studies out there that show that drinking apple cider vinegar may help control blood sugar levels, which is helpful for people who have type 2 diabetes. Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties—which is why it shows up so often in homemade cleaning solutions—and that can be of benefit to people who regularly develop fungal infections, like Candida. However, given the sugary nature of shrubs, it’s probably best to consider shrubs to be enjoyable sips rather than potential medicine.
Peach Shrub
Serves 3 to 4
2 cups roughly chopped peaches, skins removed1 cup sugar3/4 cup apple cider vinegar4 cups sparkling water4 ounces vodka or rum, optional
In a large bowl or pitcher, combine the peaches and sugar. Cover the container with plastic wrap, put it in the refrigerator, and let it sit for at least six hours or up to two days. Remove the container from the refrigerator, and strain the syrup that’s been created into another pitcher. Discard the fruit. Add the vinegar to the syrup and whisk to combine. To make a drink, add 2 tablespoons of the vinegar mixture to 1 cup sparkling water. Taste and add more to match your taste preferences. Add 1 ounce of vodka or rum, if desired. Store the unused shrub mixture in the refrigerator for up to one month.
