Cold-Processed Berry Shrub

Recipe GLPR8ccd86b3869074

0.0(0)
Sauce & Condiment
1440 min
Servings: 24
No-Cook
SNAP eligible

A refreshing cold-processed fruit shrub made by macerating fresh berries with sugar and vinegar. This tangy-sweet syrup develops flavor over 24 hours without heat, creating a versatile mixer for cocktails, beverages, or a drizzle for desserts and salads. The natural acidity preserves the fruit while the vinegar balances the sweetness.

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Ingredients

1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries), washed

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

Directions

  1. Wash the berries and quarter or lightly crush them to break down the fruit slightly and release their juices. Place the prepared berries in a clean glass jar or container.

  2. Add the granulated sugar directly to the berries in the jar. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sugar coats all the fruit evenly.

  3. Cover the jar loosely and let it rest at room temperature for 12 hours. The sugar will draw out the fruit juices through osmosis. Stir occasionally if desired.

  4. After 12 hours, pour the vinegar into the jar with the macerated berries and sugar mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

  5. Cover the jar and let it steep at room temperature for another 12 hours (total maceration time is now 24 hours). This allows the flavors to fully develop.

  6. After 24 hours, strain the shrub through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle, pressing gently on the fruit to extract all the liquid. Discard the fruit solids.

  7. Seal the finished shrub in an airtight glass bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per drink or drizzle over food as desired.