Shrub!

I can't wait to share my newest culinary inspiration! Have you ever tried Shrub? I had never heard of it until I purchased a couple bottles of Sunbird's unfiltered, prebiotic goodness at the Durango Farmer's Market for my husband's birthday. Mixed with seltzer water (and possibly your favorite spirit), it makes a zesty, sparkly, refreshing drink, similar to kombucha, that embraces the essence of your favorite summer fruits.

Apple cider vinegar has many purposes: gut health, blood sugar, antimicrobial properties, hair health, sore throat, and a zesty addition to dressings and recipes. But to be perfectly honest, I've never liked the flavor much. UNTIL I tried Shrub!

For a refreshing drink, pour 1-2 Tbsp. Shrub into a glass filled with ice and top off with club soda; stir gently to combine. Favorite spirit is optional. Garnish with fruit or herbs for fun.

Cold Process Shrub Directions:

1 pound chopped fruit

~2 cups sugar

~2 cups apple cider vinegar

In a non-reactive bowl, 

1. Wash, pit, chop and measure 1 pound of your favorite fruit
2. Mix with equal parts sugar (white, brown or honey)
3. Add your favorite complementary herbs and spices
4. Cover with a dish towel, and let sit on the counter for two days, stirring occasionally
5. Strain the mixture into a measuring cup, add equal parts apple cider vinegar
6. Store in a pretty jar in the fridge and enjoy! (they say it can keep for a year in the fridge, but it won't last that long...)

Five of my Favorite Combinations:

• Honey Peach Mint (2c peaches, 2T mint, 1/2c honey, 1-1/2c sugar)
• Vanilla Apple Spice (2c Honeycrisp apple, 1/3 vanilla pod, 1" sliced fresh ginger, 1/4t ground cinnamon, 2 sticks cinnamon, 1/4t nutmeg, 5 cloves, 1c brown sugar, 1c white sugar)
• Plum Cardamom Ginger (2c plums, 1/2t cardamom, 1" sliced fresh ginger, 1c brown sugar, 1c white sugar)
• Plum Basil  (2c plums, 2T basil, 2c sugar)
• Pear Tarragon Clove (2c pear, 2T tarragon, 5 cloves, 2c white sugar)