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Cranberry-Apple Shrub

Shrubs, a.k.a. drinking vinegars, were popular in Colonial America. At their most basic, shrubs are infusions of fruit in vinegar, sweetened to soften the tart edges. This one combines two quintessentially autumnal fruits—apples and cranberries—in a shrub that can be used as the base for various celebratory drinks. Game plan: Use this to make a refreshing, nonalcoholic Cranberry Shrub Spritz. For something stiffer, try a Rum-Cranberry Shrub Cocktail.

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Ingredients

number of servings
1
  • 3 medium apples quartered Added to
  • 1 Cup fresh cranberries Added to
  • 1 Cup apple cider vinegar Added to
  • 12 Cup light brown sugar Added to
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Directions

10 min.
1. Step

Use a box grater to shred the apples coarsely.

2. Step

Add the cranberries, vinegar, and sugar to a blender. Blend until you have a chunky purée. Combine this purée with the grated apples in a nonmetallic 1-quart container. Cover and let it sit out on the kitchen counter for days.

3. Step

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.

4. Step

Transfer the shrub to a glass container or bottle, cover tightly, and store, refrigerated, for up to 1 year.

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