Cranberry Ginger Holiday Shrub Mocktail

Drinking vinegars, aka shrubs, are concentrated syrups usually made from fruit, sugar, and vinegar. The creation involves a simple preserving method that’s been used for centuries, allowing you to enjoy seasonal fruit flavors as a refreshing beverage, while enhancing the flavor of the ingredients. Plus, the vinegar helps to slow the absorption of the sugar into your blood, preventing a blood sugar spike. 

Serve them as mocktails with sparkling water, in an elegant glass, and top with a festive garnish. This holiday-inspired version is a great way to keep your alcohol consumption down during the silly season, while still allowing you to share a toast with friends. 

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries 

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated  

Juice and zest of 1 orange, (save a few strips of rind for garnish) 

1/2 cup turbinado sugar (alternately honey or maple syrup)

1 cup apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar

Sparkling water

Thyme, for garnish 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Muddle together the cranberries, ginger, orange zest, and sugar. Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours.

Add the apple cider vinegar and orange juice and muddle together. Transfer to a quart-sized jar or container. Cover and refrigerate for 2 days.

After 2 days, open your jar and muddle again, very well. Strain, using your hands to squeeze out as much of the shrub liquid as possible, before discarding the fruit skins. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge.

To enjoy a shrub mocktail, mix 1 tablespoon of the shrub with 1 cup of sparkling water. Serve over ice, with a sprig of thyme, and top with a floating orange rind. 

Makes 20 servings.  

NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING): 

Calories 30

Protein 0 g

Total fat 0 g

Saturated fat 0 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Carbs 7 g

Fiber 0 g

Total sugars 6 g

Added sugars 5 g

Sodium 0 mg