What is a drinking vinegar/shrub

Last year, I bought a bottle of drinking vinegar from a farmer’s market. It was labeled Elderberry shrub. I took a sip a day, to make it last longer. Then, I started reading about “shrubs,” the drinking kind. There are blogs and books devoted to “shrubs” because they’ve become popular in fancy mixed drinks. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say:

By the 19th century, typical American recipes for shrubs used vinegar poured over fruit—traditionally berries—which was left to infuse anywhere from overnight up to several days; afterwards, the fruit would be strained out and the remaining liquid would be mixed with a sweetener such as sugar or honey and then reduced to make a syrup.The sweet-and-sour syrup could be mixed with either water or soda water and served as a soft drink, or it could be used as a mixer in alcoholic cocktails.Shrubs eventually fell out of popularity with the advent of home refrigeration.

I’ve mentioned before that I’ve never gotten into alcoholic drinks. But, I am a fan of raw apple cider vinegar, it’s health benefits, and the health benefits of a varied whole food diet, especially when it includes the wild things we can forage, like my Grandma and mom taught me.

So, it occurred to me, that if I wanted to keep drinking elderberry shrub, I should make it myself. I had elderberries coming on in my windbreak for the first time last summer. And from what I read, the benefits of elderberries, which are impressive and well-documented, can be extracted into the vinegar and preserved. That’s a pretty rough description, but if you are into this kind of thing, you might know the actual terminology! I do kind of “geek out” on natural foods that grow around me, but once I know that it’s a powerful food, I try to include it in my diet, and forget all the facts.

I had been making elderberry syrup for wintertime. It was my wellness elixir, I called it. I actually ordered organic dehydrated elderberries for this purpose, because my bushes hadn’t produced yet. But, I thought, if I made a shrub with my elderberries, they would go further and I could enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar and elderberries at once.

I made my first batch of elderberry shrub, and it was delicious. I have served it as a refreshing drink with water and ice. The funny thing is, it feels almost fizzy, like a young kombucha, when poured into a glass of ice water. Shrub on the rocks!

I made a big batch of elderberry shrub, including a little fresh ginger and some herbs. I didn’t write it down, naturally. I did it by feel. Sorry, that’s how many of my recipes are. I started giving it away in cute glass bottles, to my family members who needed a little extra health support. It is, simply, my favorite thing. I take a swig from my own personal bottle every morning. I pour it over ice and add water for a refreshing afternoon pick me up….and get immunity support at the same time. I have a niece who requests my elderberry shrub, and we call it Aunt Annie’s Magical Elixir. Don’t worry, no health claims. Just a fun name.

However, I will say, if I feel the hint of a cold coming on, or if I get sick, along with more rest and drinking more water, this is part of my defense arsenal. I have not had cough syrup for so long, I can’t remember the last time. Raw honey and elderberry shrub.

Now, what about the rhubarb shrub in the Instagram post? Next page! I have to get my workout in now, do some online coaching work, and then fire up my sewing machine. I promised a niece I’d record something for her today.

Your friend,
Anne Dovel - The Fit Quilter