So shrubs… LOVE A GOOD SHRUB! (Shrub as in drinking vinegar, that is… not that I have anything against greenery…)

Especially in the heat of the summer, it’s so refreshing to just pop into the fridge, grab a glass of seltzer (from the Soda Stream… love that lil treasure too…) and drop some of this little blend into it. A quick swirl and you have a light lil cherry soda that has just enough sour to it to keep you interested…

Sticky sweet drinks in high heat are a major turnoff for me, (I can’t even remember the last time I had a proper soda) if it isn’t a flavored seltzer, then chances are it is some sort of virgin shrub.

This one is SOOOOOOO simple, friends. To the point that I don’t even have more than a few photos.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3-4 cups of pitted sweet, dark cherries (or a mix of sweet and sour if you prefer… my next batch will be unpitted but muddled….slightly different method)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (unrefined or basic…. depending on taste)
• 1 split vanilla bean (no need to take out seeds)
• 2 -3 green cardamon seeds (if in pod, remove and discard pod)
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 1/2 cup raw apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup good balsamic vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place cherries, vanilla, cardamon into a bowl and muddle aggressively for 30 seconds
2. Take everything and place into a LARGE mason jar (like quart or larger if you have) and get that lid on tight.
3. Shake it up. SHAKE-SHAKE Shake it up.
4. Place in fridge for 2-3 days, burping (to release gas) and shaking again before placing back into fridge.
5. Once it has aged, pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
6. Using a funnel, put into swing top bottle (or just a large woozy/sauce bottle works good too!) and enjoy for up to 10 days. Keep refrigerated!

This sucker is delicious and like I said, great with just plain seltzer and a garnish of your favorite herb (basil and rosemary are my favorites with this one…) or with an ounce of your favorite bourbon/whiskey and a splash of seltzer over a big cube. #SWOON.

It is more on the sweet/sour side than the other cherry shrub we do around here (which has more spice and zing to it…the Peppered Cherry & Ginger Shrub!)

Hope you enjoy!