Grapefruit Shrub

Sparkling grapefruit shrub mocktail combines fresh grapefruit, apple cider vinegar, and sparkling water for a refreshing anytime beverage.

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. However, I do cut back on alcohol in January to balance out all the wine, beer, and cocktails of the holiday season.

Just because you skip out on the booze, doesn’t mean you should miss out on any of the fun! Iced teas and juices are fine, but my favorite non-alcoholic beverage of choice is any flavor of fruit shrub.  

Drinking Vinegar Fruit Shrub

Shrubs are also known as drinking vinegar. Shrubs are generally made with equal parts fruit, sugar, and vinegar. The possible flavor combinations are infinite.

Along with a variety of fresh fruits, you can also add herbs and spices (think rosemary, cinnamon, star anise, etc). There are plenty of options for vinegar as well. I prefer apple cider vinegar, but other choices include balsamic vinegar, wine vinegar, or the standard distilled white vinegar.

The grapefruit shrub syrup on it’s own is a tasty combination of sweet and sour. You can mix it in tea, juices, or sparkling water.

Vinegar has been touted as a “health tonic” for ages, especially in Asia. It’s supposed to help digestion, clear skin, and aid in weight loss. This grapefruit shrub isn’t any miracle cure, and it’s not likely going to cure a stomachache. But, it sure is tasty! It’s a delicious non-alcoholic mocktail that everyone can enjoy. Cheers!

Ingredients

This grapefruit shrub is made with fresh grapefruit segments, grapefruit peel, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar.

I like to include the citrus peel because it contains a lot of flavor and it helps to mellow out the vinegar and tart grapefruit.

Recipe Variations

• Blackberry Shrub has equal parts blackberry, sugar, and vinegar. It’s tart, tangy, and refreshing!
• Strawberry Balsamic Shrub combines fresh strawberries with sugar, apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar. It makes for a tart yet fruity drink.

Fruit Shrub Assembly

Start by using a muddler to crush the peel with the sugar. The oils from the grapefruit peel will soak into the sugars. Follow up with fresh grapefruit segments. Muddle the fruit to extract it’s juices.

Finally, stir in the vinegar and let the mixture steep for 2-4 days in the fridge.

Strain out the solids and keep the liquid in the fridge until you’re ready for a refreshing beverage. 

Storage and Leftovers

You can eat the strained out fruit solids. They’re delicious!

The fruit shrub should keep in the fridge for up to month, although you’ll likely finish it before then.

More Mocktail Drink Recipes

• Sparkling Berry Apple Mocktail
• Cucumber Mint Lemonade
• Ginger Peach Limeade
• Cold Brew Hibiscus Tea (Aguda de Jamaica)