Strawberry Basil Shrub
A vibrant, tangy-sweet drinking vinegar infused with ripe strawberries and aromatic basil. This versatile mixer balances fruit, sugar, and vinegar for a refreshing addition to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar preferably unfiltered
- ΒΌ cup packed fresh basil leaves torn or roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries by washing them thoroughly, removing the hulls, and cutting them into quarters. Make sure to discard any berries with mushy spots or mold.
- Combine the strawberries and sugar in a large, non-reactive bowl. Using a potato masher or wooden spoon, gently crush the berries to release their juices and mix well with the sugar until evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. This process, known as maceration, will draw the juices out of the fruit and create a vibrant syrup.
- Add the vinegar, basil, lemon juice, and salt to the strawberry mixture after the maceration period. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Return the mixture to the refrigerator for another 24-48 hours, stirring occasionally. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop complexity.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean bowl, pressing gently on the solids to extract maximum flavor. Discard the solids.
- Transfer the finished shrub to a clean glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months, noting that the flavors will continue to develop and mellow over time.
Notes
- The shrub will taste quite sharp and vinegary at first, but will mellow beautifully after about a week in the refrigerator.
- For a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture before straining for a more pulp-infused shrub.
- The cold-process method used here preserves the bright flavor of fresh strawberries better than the heated method.
- Experiment with other herbs like mint, thyme, or rosemary instead of basil for different flavor profiles.
- For gift-giving, transfer to decorative bottles with handwritten tags suggesting usage ideas.