“First made popular during America’s colonial era, the shrub cocktail is showing something of a regrowth, thanks to the craft-cocktail movement. Originally invented as a way to enjoy fruit long past its sell-by date, the sweet-and-sour concoction uses ‘shrub syrup’ (made with the base ingredients of sugar, fruit and apple cider- or red wine vinegar) mixed with alcohol of your choice (optional) or water. Says Michael Dietsch in his online article ‘Cocktail 101: How to Make Shrub Syrups’, “hardcore shrubbers make their own vinegar, using fruit juice, sugar, and wild yeasts from the air.’
