'Shrubs'; The Perfect Healthy Mocktail for Sober Summer Sips

Aug 19

2 min read

What is a 'Shrub'?

A shrub is a fruit syrup made with vinegar and sweetened, commonly referred to as a "drinking vinegar". The term comes from the Arabic word sharab, which means "drink". By blending preserved fruit, sugar, and artisanal vinegar, shrubs offer a refreshing and distinctive sweet-and-tart flavour that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Shrubvolution

The intriguing history of the shrub encompasses ancient preservation, maritime legends, and contemporary mixology:

Ancient Origins (Middle East): The initial idea came from the Middle East, when people wanted to preserve citrus, flowers, and nuts with sugar to craft refreshing drinks known as sherbets.
17th Century Europe:
When sherbet made its way to Europe, Westerners started using artisanal vinegar as an affordable substitute for citrus juices to preserve summer berries & fruit. Early American settlers adopted this technique to extend the seasonal fruit harvests through the long winters, producing a concentrate that could be combined with water or spirits.
Medicinal Uses: Sailors and frontiersmen used shrubs as tonics. Their acidic qualities were very effective in preventing & treating conditions such as scurvy, as well as aiding in digestion.
The Mid-20th Century Decline: As mass-produced sodas became widely available & at-home refrigeration reduced the need to preserve fruit in artisanal vinegar, the popularity of shrubs sharply declined.
Modern Revival: The early 2000s experienced a significant revival, fuelled by the mixology movement & bartenders seeking intricate, fruit-forward mixers. Shrubs regained popularity & are now cherished in both craft cocktails & non-alcoholic mocktails.