Strawberry Balsamic Shrub

This strawberry balsamic shrub is made by macerating fresh strawberries with cane sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. It makes for a tart yet fruity beverage.

Spring is on the horizon! While some places are still knee deep in snow, strawberries have already begun to make their appearance in Southern California.

Sweet smelling berries are my weakness. I often get carried away buying much more than I ever eat. Once the berries start to lose their luster, I turn to shrubs!

Strawberry Shrubs

First blackberry shrubs, then grapefruit shrub, now strawberry balsamic shrub! The first two shrubs are made with fruit, sugar, and apple cider vinegar.

This strawberry version includes a touch of balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is super intensely flavored, a little goes a long way.

The robust, concentrated flavor of balsamic works wonderfully with the sweet and floral strawberries. Paired with the tartness (and health benefits) of apple cider vinegar, it comes together for a delightful combination.

Shrub Vinegar Options

Shrubs are a wonderful way to preserve fruits. It’s much easier than making jams or canning. Shrubs are made with fresh fruit, sugar, and vinegar.

While there are numerous vinegar options to choose from, it is important to make sure that the vinegar has an acidity strength of at least 5%.

This is crucial because the vinegar is responsible for preventing the growth of bacteria in the sweet sugar fruit mixture. The acidity level of the vinegar should be labeled on the bottle. If not, the only other way to measure the pH of vinegar is through pH strips.

Be wary of “flavored” vinegar that have been diluted with water or other liquids. I would stay away from those for shrub making purposes.

I could eat this strawberry balsamic shrub by the spoonful. The sweet yet tart complexities of this mixture is so intoxicating (in a non-alcoholic way).

It’s refreshing as a mocktail mixed with chilled sparkling water (or club soda).

You can also drizzle it over oatmeal, yogurt, or sorbet. It can also be mixed with a salad vinaigrette dressing for a pop of unexpected flavor.

More Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• Cucumber Mint Lemonade
• Passion Fruit Juice
• Cucumber Agua Fresca
• Sparking Ginger Citrusade