What’s a shrub?
Unveiling the rich history of shrub beverage making
Ancient Roots:
Shrub beverages have an intriguing history dating back to the 1400's. Before refrigeration was a thing, vinegars were used to preserve fresh fruits and after awhile, a shrub was created. This ancient technique evolved into a cherished drink loved for its unique flavour profile and aromatic notes.
Medieval Marvel:
The medieval era witnessed the rise of shrubs as a popular beverage across Europe. Nobles and commoners savoured these concoctions, relishing the infusion of fruits, spices, and vinegar, making it a coveted drink of the time.
Colonial Influence:
As history unfolded, shrub beverages traveled to the Americas during the colonial period. Sailors embraced shrubs for their preservation qualities, enjoying a tangy respite from scurvy during long sea voyages.
Revival and Modernity:
Fast forward to the present day, and shrub beverages are experiencing a revival. Bartenders and mixologists hide these behind the bar as their secret weapons, infusing them into modern cocktail culture with innovative twists and flavours.
Crafting Shrub Beverages
The shrub-making process involves a careful balance of fruits, vinegar, and sweeteners. Fruits are macerated to release their essence, combined with vinegar for preservation, and sweetened to create a vibrant, tangy concoction.
1:
Shrubs can be made with just about any combination of fruits, vegetables and/or spices.
2:
Mixing the combination with a sweetener like sugars or honey.
3:
And left to sit in a cool dark place for a period of time until the fruits or vegetables have broken down and are mostly liquid.
4:
Vinegar is added to the strained liquid and left to mellow a few more weeks.
5:
The result is what’s known as a shrub. Sweet, sharp and delicious.
The benefits of drinking shrubs
Beyond their delightful taste, shrub beverages are celebrated for their potential gut-friendly perks. Vinegar is believed to offer digestive aid, while fruits provide essential nutrients and antioxidants.
Our Shrubs:
At Stickler, we honour this storied tradition by crafting artisanal shrubs using premium ingredients. Each shrub flavour is meticulously blended to offer a burst of taste and history in every sip.
Build your own Shrub:
Why not try it yourself? Elevate your drinks with the tangy goodness of shrubs — perfect for cocktails, mocktails, or as a standalone refreshing treat. Come up with something cool? Show us your creation by tagging us on social. We’d love to see it!