Article: Honey Blackberry Shrub

Honey Blackberry Shrub
A tangy, honey-sweetened fruit shrub perfect for late summer. Mix with soda water for a refreshing drink, or use as a mixer in cocktails.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries (can also use raspberries or blueberries)
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 1 cup cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
Steps
1. Mash the berries: In a bowl, lightly mash the 2 cups cups fresh or frozen berries (such as raspberries or blackberries) with a fork or muddler to release their juices.
2. Add honey: Stir in the 1/2 cup raw honey until mostly combined, then transfer to a clean glass jar.
3. Macerate: Cover and let sit at room temperature, stirring once or twice a day for 2-3 days to help the honey draw out the juices.
4. Strain: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
5. Add vinegar: Stir in the 1 cup apple cider vinegar and add the 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional) if using.
6. Chill and rest: Cover and refrigerate. The shrub is ready to use right away, but the flavor deepens after a few days.

Notes
The shrub keeps in the fridge for up to a month, and the flavor actually improves after a few days as it melds. For a lighter shrub, use 2 parts soda water to 1 part shrub over ice. It also makes a great splash in lemonade or an evening cocktail.


