By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 4
1440 min
Concord Grape Shrub
Recipe GLPR2d10c3ce9fefb7
A tangy-sweet vinegar-based concentrate made from fresh Concord grapes, perfect for mixing into beverages or drizzling over desserts. This traditional American shrub develops complex flavor as it steeps overnight, creating a sophisticated condiment with deep grape character and bright acidity.
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Ingredients
1 pound Concord grapes, stemmed
½ cup Granulated sugar
½ cup White vinegar
Directions
Add the stemmed Concord grapes to a non-reactive saucepan. Using a wooden spoon or potato masher, crush and squeeze the grapes firmly to break them open and release their juices.
Cover the saucepan and place it over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grapes are completely softened and have released most of their liquid.
Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Stir in the granulated sugar and white vinegar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Cover the saucepan and allow the mixture to steep at room temperature overnight, or for at least 12 hours, to develop flavor.
The next day, strain the grape mixture through a food mill into a clean bowl to separate the liquid from the seeds and skins. If you don't have a food mill, press the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve using a flexible silicone spatula.
If pulp remains in the strainer, gently reheat the grape solids in the saucepan for 2–3 minutes, then press again through the food mill or sieve until the remaining liquid passes through.
Transfer the finished grape shrub into a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate. It will keep for several months when properly stored in the refrigerator.
Comments
Concord grapes are seasonally available at Charlotte farmers markets and some Harris Teeter locations in late August and September, but outside that window you'll need a specialty produce stop; the three-ingredient base is genuinely cheap—under $3 total for a bottle that makes multiple servings when diluted. The 1440-minute timer is honest about fermentation time, but the actual hands-on work is five minutes, which matters for weeknight planning: this is a project drink for weekend prep, not a midweek impulse. It keeps for months and improves with time, making it perfect for a busy household that wants homemade syrup on hand.
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