Cranberry Shrub – Tart, refreshing berry drink
A Cranberry Shrub is an invigorating beverage that marries the tartness of cranberries with the sweet-tangy notes of apple cider vinegar and sugar. This colonial-era drink starts by macerating fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar to draw out their vivid flavor and create a syrup. The mixture is then combined with apple cider vinegar and left to infuse, resulting in a concentrate that can be diluted with still or sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic libation. It can be easily spiked with spirits like vodka or gin to create a festive holiday cocktail. The shrub is bright red in color, making it a visually appealing choice for entertaining, and its flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweet, acidic, and fruity elements. Description by ChatGPT.
Hello everyone and welcome to Stacey Can Can's kitchen where we transform simple ingredients into delightful flavors. Today, we are brewing together a Cranberry Apple Cider Shrub, the perfect ingredient for your cocktails and a vibrant addition to any beverage collection. This shrub brings together the tangy zest of cranberries with the wholesome goodness of apple cider vinegar. Let’s bring a dash of brightness to your drinks with this culinary creation!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup organic apple cider vinegar
Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Spoon
- Clean storage container
- Potato masher or muddler
- Sieve
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes plus cooling time
Servings: Makes about 2 cups of shrub
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing your saucepan on the stove. Add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to the pan, and turn the heat to medium-high. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve completely.
2. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cranberries to the saucepan. Continue to heat the mixture, bringing it up to a simmer. You’ll notice the cranberries begin to pop open, much like popcorn, which is exactly what you're looking for as it means they are releasing their juices and flavor.
3. Let the cranberry mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, the fruits will soften, and their skins will break, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully in the sugary water.
4. After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cranberry mixture to cool completely. This is crucial for the straining process to work well and to ensure you don’t burn yourself during the pressing.
5. Once the mixture is cool, take your potato masher or muddler and smush the cranberries directly in the saucepan to release even more juice and to mash the berries well.
6. Set a sieve over a clean storage container and pour the cranberry mixture into it to strain. Use your spoon or muddler to press against the cranberry pulp and extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining solids or save for another use like a spread or adding to baked goods.
7. Finally, stir in the apple cider vinegar to the strained cranberry liquid. Make sure it blends well.
8. Transfer the cranberry shrub to the storage container, seal it, and refrigerate. The shrub can be used immediately, but the flavors will continue to meld and improve over time.
Cooking Tips:
- If using fresh cranberries, opt for the brightest and firmest berries for the best taste.
- The remaining cranberry pulp can be repurposed, so don't discard it!
- The shrub will last for several weeks if stored properly in the refrigerator.
This delightful recipe was crafted by Stacey Can Can, and you can dive deeper into her culinary explorations by checking her out on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@StaceyCanCan
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