She Strengthens

Autumnal Delights: Crafting a Refreshing Apple-Cranberry Shrub

As the seasons change, our taste buds crave flavors that evoke the warmth and coziness of autumn. One such delight is the shrub, a centuries-old drink that originated in Colonial America. At its core, a shrub is a tangy infusion of fruit in vinegar, sweetened to balance out the flavors. This recipe combines the quintessential autumn fruits of apples and cranberries to create a versatile shrub perfect for crafting celebratory drinks.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

This apple-cranberry shrub is a masterclass in balancing sweet and tart flavors. The combination of crisp apples and tart cranberries creates a refreshing drink that’s perfect for the fall season. With a simple blend of ingredients and a short infusion time, you’ll be sipping on a delicious shrub in no time.

A Simple Recipe for a Delicious Shrub

To make this autumnal shrub, you’ll need:

• 3 medium apples, quartered (no need to peel or core)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

From Infusion to Celebration

To craft this shrub, follow these easy steps:

1. Coarse Grate the Apples: Use a box grater to shred the apples coarsely, releasing their natural sweetness.
2. Blend the Cranberries: Add the cranberries, vinegar, and sugar to a blender. Blend until you have a chunky purée, releasing the cranberries’ tartness.
3. Combine and Infuse: Combine the apple and cranberry mixtures in a nonmetallic 1-quart container. Cover and let it sit out on the kitchen counter for 2 days, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Strain and Squeeze: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl. Dump the apple-cranberry mixture into the strainer. Use the back of a large spoon or a spatula to squeeze as much of the liquid from the fruit as possible. Discard the fruit.
5. Store and Enjoy: Transfer the shrub to a glass container or bottle, cover tightly, and store, refrigerated, for up to 1 year.

Crafting Celebratory Drinks

This apple-cranberry shrub is the perfect base for various celebratory drinks. Try mixing it with sparkling water for a refreshing Cranberry Shrub Spritz or combine it with rum for a Rum-Cranberry Shrub Cocktail. The possibilities are endless!