How to Make an Apple Cinnamon Fermented Shrub (Recipe)
Apple cinnamon fermented shrub is a delightful and tangy drink that combines the flavors of apple, cinnamon, vinegar, and honey. This shrub syrup is both refreshing and a bit tart, making it a great addition to club soda, an adult beverage, or enjoyed on its own.
Table of Contents
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
What is a Shrub
Shrubs, are a type of beverage made with vinegar, fruit, sugar, and sometimes herbs. They have an origin that traces back to at least the 15th century. Initially, they were created to preserve fruits, which produced a flavorful drink, until of course, the invention of refrigeration. Their popularity grew in 17th century England, and in the American colonies, where they were commonly combined with spirits or water.
The word “shrub” comes from the Arabic term “sharba,” which means a drink. These beverages were appreciated for their refreshing taste and potential health benefits.
Are shrub drinks healthy?
Fermented shrub drinks can offer several health benefits, primarily due to their unique ingredients and the fermentation process. Fermented shrubs often include seasonal fruits, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health. If made with raw apple cider vinegar (homemade apple cider vinegar would be best!), and raw honey, they can potentially give the added benefit of a prebiotic and also have other known benefits such as possibly helping with blood sugar regulation. The fermentation process introduces beneficial bacteria, which can support gut health and improve digestion.
How do you drink a shrub?
A fantastic way to enjoy this shrub is simply with water, soda water, or sparkling water with ice. It is very refreshing, especially on a hot summer’s day and our favorite way to enjoy it! It can also be made into delicious cocktails. A splash of gin, whisky, or vodka (or your favorite spirits) paired with this premade shrub will have you making your own incredible cocktail! If alcoholic drinks aren’t your cup of tea, well, you can mix it into just that! This delicious drink would make a lovely cup of tea, however keep in mind that when heating the probiotic drink, it will kill off some of the beneficial properties it has. Homemade shrubs can be added to your favorite mocktail too!
Tools Needed for this Basic Recipe
Large jar (quart size is best)
Ingredients for the Shrub
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (white vinegar or balsamic vinegar will work too)
- 1 cup honey (raw honey is best or can be substituted for organic cane sugar)
- 1 cinnamon stick crushed
- 3/4 cup shredded apple (about 1 large apple, Honeycrisp and Red Delicious are great options)
Apple Shrub Simple Recipe with Cinnamon
Making the Concentrated Syrup
- Using a cheese grater, grate the apple and place into a mason jar.
- Crush the cinnamon stick and place it on top of the apple.
- Pour the honey over the apple mixture.
- Then, Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar.
- Place the lid on the jar and shake the vinegar mixture until all of the honey is fully dissolved.
- Place the jar on the countertop out of direct sun.
Fermenting the shrub:
- Every day for 4 days, burp the jar by unscrewing the lid, and then screwing it back on.
- Then shake the vinegar syrup to ensure that the fruit is covered and the honey has not settled on the bottom of the jar.
- After the 4 days are up, it should develop a pleasant tang.
Strain and Store the shrub:
- Once it reaches your desired taste, strain out the solids using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Transfer the liquid to a clean bottle or jar and seal it tightly.
- Store in a pantry at room temperature for several months.
how to Serve the shrub:
- To enjoy, mix 1 part shrub to 3 parts sparkling water (or drink of choice).
- Enjoy your homemade apple cinnamon fermented shrub!
More Fermented Food Recipes
Easy Homemade Fermented (Raw) Apple Cider Vinegar
How To Make Easy Fermented Pico De Gallo Salsa
How to Make Easy Homemade Fermented Dill Pickles
How To Make Easy Homemade Clabber From Raw Milk
How To Make Fermented Sauerkraut (coleslaw recipe
How to Make an Apple Cinnamon Fermented Shrub (Recipe)
Equipment
- Large jar (quart size is best)
- Box grater
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar white vinegar or balsamic vinegar will work too
- 1 cup honey raw honey is best or can be substituted for organic cane sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick crushed
- 3/4 cup shredded apple about 1 large apple, Honeycrisp and Red Delicious are great options
Instructions
Making the Concentrated Syrup
- Using a cheese grater, grate the apple and place into a mason jar.
- Crush the cinnamon stick and place it on top of the apple.
- Pour the honey over the apple mixture.
- Then, Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar.
- Place the lid on the jar and shake the vinegar mixture until all of the honey is fully dissolved.
- Place the jar on the countertop out of direct sun.
Fermenting the shrub
- Every day for 4 days, burp the jar by unscrewing the lid, and then screwing it back on.
- Then shake the vinegar syrup to ensure that the fruit is covered and the honey has not settled on the bottom of the jar.
- After the 4 days are up, it should develop a pleasant tang.
Strain and Store the shrub
- Once it reaches your desired taste, strain out the solids using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Transfer the liquid to a clean bottle or jar and seal it tightly.
- Store in a pantry at room temperature for several months.
How to Serve the Shrub
- To enjoy, mix 1 part shrub to 3 parts sparkling water (or drink of choice).
- Enjoy your homemade apple cinnamon fermented shrub!
