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Blackberry Shrub

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Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 20 min + chilling

Makes

2 cups

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
Making a shrub recipe is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labor Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at a restaurant in California. They are as colorful and refreshing as summer drinks should be. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Blackberry Shrub
Blackberry Shrub Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries, crushed
  • 1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches)
  • 1 cup cider vinegar
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • SERVING SUGGESTION:
  • Optional: Ice cubes, sparkling water and fresh blackberries

Directions

  1. Place fruit and cinnamon stick in a sterilized pint jar. Bring vinegar just to a boil; pour over fruit, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Center lid on jar; screw on band until fingertip tight. Refrigerate for 1 week.
  2. Strain vinegar mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into another sterilized pint jar. Press solids to extract juice; discard remaining fruit.
  3. Bring sugar and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until sugar is dissolved. Cool slightly. Stir into vinegar mixture; shake well. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
  4. To serve, drink 1-2 tablespoons or add to a glass of ice, top with sparkling water and garnish with fresh blackberries.

Blackberry Shrub Tips

What is a shrub in cooking?

A shrub is a non-alcoholic mixture consisting of sugar syrup, fruit(s) or fruit juice(s), aromatics, and vinegar. Alcohol, soda or carbonated water are added to shrubs to make unique cocktails or refreshing drinks.

Are vinegar shrubs healthy?

Vinegar shrubs are healthy for a variety of reasons, among them: aiding digestion, lowering blood sugar, protecting the heart and balancing pH levels in your body. Have you heard of the benefits of apple cider vinegar?

How long does homemade shrub last?

With origins based in preserving fruit, shrubs can last a long time! Kept in small bottles or jars with lids, shrubs will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

What other flavor variations can I try?

Cherry-Lime Shrub Recipe: Substitute fresh pitted dark cherries for blackberries and 1 strip lime peel for cinnamon stick.
Peach-Rosemary Shrub Recipe: Substitute chopped peeled fresh peaches for blackberries and a 2-in. sprig of rosemary for the cinnamon stick.
Blueberry-Lemon Shrub Recipe: Substitute fresh blueberries for blackberries and a 1 strip lemon peel for the cinnamon stick.
Strawberry-Basil Shrub Recipe: Substitute chopped fresh strawberries for blackberries and 4 large basil leaves for the cinnamon stick.

Research contributed by Mark Neufang, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons blackberry shrub syrup: 83 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.