Blueberry shrub is a sweet and sour mixture of fresh blueberries, cider vinegar and sugar that is strained and cooked briefly. While shrubs can be alcoholic (where the vinegar is replaced by alcohol, and have citrus as a base) or non-alcoholic, all shrubs have a sweet-tart flavor to them.
The word shrub comes from Arabic, and was first used in English in the mid-18th century to describe blends of alcohol, citrus juice and peel, and other spices that were sweetened with sugar, then filtered and bottled. Before the advent of refrigeration, these drinks could be preserved throughout the summer months without spoiling.
Shrubs are very similar to gastriques, which are sauces made from caramelized sugar deglazed with some sort of acidity.
Some popular cocktails containing Blueberry shrub
- On the Run — Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Lavender bitters, Blueberry shrub, Strawberry syrup, Lemon juice, Mint
- Blue Cobbler — Dark rum, Bitters, Blueberry shrub, Lemon juice, Plum syrup, Demerara syrup, Egg white
- Bell Weather — Prosecco, Vodka, Blueberry shrub, Almond syrup, Lemon juice
- Jekyll Island Iced Tea — Bourbon, Peach liqueur, Herbal liqueur, Club soda, Lemon juice, Blueberry shrub
Explore more Blueberry shrub cocktails.