A nectarine shrub is a sweet-tart fruit syrup made with fresh nectarines, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Also known as a drinking vinegar, shrubs have been enjoyed for centuries and make a refreshing base for sparkling drinks, mocktails, cocktails, and even homemade salad dressings.
This easy cold-process recipe lets the fresh fruit do all the work. The sugar draws out the nectarine juice, creating a flavorful syrup that blends beautifully with the vinegar. Mix it with sparkling water for a refreshing summer drink or use it anywhere you want a bright, fruity flavor.
What Is a Shrub?
When I say shrub, you might think of a bush in your flowerbed, but these shrubs are just a little different. When we are talking about drinks, we make shrubs by combining fruits, vinegar, and sugar. These non-alcoholic drinks are sweet, but the apple cider vinegar also gives it a slightly acidic taste.
The idea of shrubs has been around for a very long time and came from Rome and the Babylonians. They had a drink where they mixed water and vinegar, and it was called a shrub.
Ingredients
- Fresh nectarines: Choose ripe, fragrant nectarines for the best flavor. The sweeter the fruit, the better your shrub will taste.
- Granulated sugar: Sugar draws the juices from the fruit and balances the tartness of the vinegar.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds the signature tangy flavor that makes a shrub unique while helping preserve it.
Making This Vinegar Drink
- Place the sliced nectarines and sugar in a large bowl and stir until the fruit is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. During this time, the sugar will draw the juices from the fruit and create a flavorful syrup.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently to extract as much juice as possible. For even more flavor, you can briefly blend the fruit and strain it again.
- Stir the apple cider vinegar into the strained syrup and transfer it to a clean glass jar.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using, although the flavor continues to develop over the next few days. I like to let mine rest for about three days before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Use ripe nectarines for the sweetest, most flavorful shrub.
- The flavor improves after a few days in the refrigerator. Store the finished shrub in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one month.
- Adjust the amount you add to sparkling water depending on how sweet or tart you like your drinks.
Ways to Use a Nectarine Shrub
- Shrubs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them:
- Drizzle over fresh fruit or yogurt.
- Mix with sparkling water for a refreshing summer drink.
- Add to mocktails or cocktails.
- Stir into iced tea or lemonade.
- Whisk into homemade vinaigrettes.
- Use as a marinade for chicken or pork.
More Drink Ideas
- Strawberry mango agua fresca
- Pineapple strawberry agua fresca
- Vanilla pomegranate fizz
- Cranberry orange and vanilla mocktail
- Summertime virgin sangria
- Watermelon Mocktail
Simple Nectarine Shrub
Ingredients
- 1 pound nectarines, cut into wedges or chunks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Place the sliced nectarines and sugar in a large bowl and stir until the fruit is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. During this time, the sugar will draw the juices from the fruit and create a flavorful syrup.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently to extract as much juice as possible. For even more flavor, you can briefly blend the fruit and strain it again.
- Stir the apple cider vinegar into the strained syrup and transfer it to a clean glass jar.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using, although the flavor continues to develop over the next few days. I like to let mine rest for about three days before serving.
Notes
Recipe Tips
- Use ripe nectarines for the sweetest, most flavorful shrub.
- The flavor improves after a few days in the refrigerator.
- Store the finished shrub in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one month.
- Adjust the amount you add to sparkling water depending on how sweet or tart you like your drinks.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!