Strawberry Vanilla Shrub
An impressive delicate Strawberry adult cordial drink that is elegant in the summertime.
I have been fascinated with the idea of ‘shrubs’ since I first read about them. Traditionally used as a refreshing drink base or cocktail mixer, the name comes from the Arabic word sharāb, meaning “to drink.” Shrubs were originally used as a way to preserve fruit before refrigeration, and they’ve made a big comeback for their bright, complex flavour.
Fruit shrubs are so simple to make and become a sort of adult cordial to mix into cocktails. I have to say, it is divine with just plain ole soda or mineral water! And now the possibilities loom large! What if I left it longer to ferment by itself? What if I added a little yeast to the mix? What if I used any other fruit? SO easy, no need to bring Thermo out for this one. Perfect for spring or summer; whenever you can get strawberries. Throw a batch in the fridge and forget about it…almost. The longer you leave the initial process, the more vinegary it becomes. So if you forget about it, and it is quite tart, just add a little more sugar, or use a sweet wine to dilute.
Here are some flavourful shrub ideas to inspire your next recipe:
Fruity Classics
Strawberry + balsamic + basil
Raspberry + apple cider vinegar + vanilla bean
Blueberry + lemon zest + thyme
Peach + white wine vinegar + ginger
Cherry + red wine vinegar + almond extract
Tropical Twists
Pineapple + coconut sugar + lime
Mango + passionfruit + white vinegar + chilli
Watermelon + mint + rice vinegar
Autumn & Winter Warmers
Apple + cinnamon + maple vinegar
Pear + cardamom + white balsamic
Plum + star anise + brown sugar
Cranberry + orange + clove
Unusual but Delicious Combos
Blackberry + rosemary + black pepper
Grapefruit + honey + sage
Fig + red wine vinegar + cinnamon sticks
We have loads of homemade fruity drinks on here, make sure you check out some of my favourites.
Need
- 4 Punnets fresh strawberries
- 2 Cups raw sugar
- 2 vanilla bean BUY
- 2 Cups apple cider vinegar
- Sparkling white wine of choice, or lemonade, or sparkling water
- Ice to serve
Do
- 1
Clean and slice strawberries in half and place into a large jar or container with an airtight lid.
- 2
Sprinkle sugar over and push down on the fruit a little with the handle of a wooden spoon.
- 3
Split the vanilla beans lengthways and add to the jar. Leave the jar on the kitchen bench for a few hours. (Up to 5 hours)
- 4
Pour vinegar over the top and allow to macerate for 48 hours, turning the jar as needed to help the sugar dissolve. Strain out the fruit (reserve fruit for an ice cream topping or make jam with it.) Store in the fridge until use.
- 5
To serve, pour cordial to taste into glasses (with or without the strawberries) and top with sparkling wine and ice if using. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
- 6
This delicious adult cordial is great for kids as well. Just substitute the sparkling wine with a lemonade of choice.
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Tenina Holder is a wife, mother of five and grandmother of nine, who started cooking in the olden days before Thermomix was even a thing.
Tenina has become the premium go to source for all Thermomix expertise and of course fresh and easy recipes that work. Her cooking classes and foodie trips are sold out in literally hours, her cookbooks appear on the Australian best seller lists and her social reach is in the millions. Her Insider Club is the most fun you can have with a Thermomix and you really should join her! She believes chocolate, butter and salt are health foods. Her food positivity mantra is, eat everything, just not all at once!
