Next in the sour cherry series, how to make sour cherry shrub using sustainable practices in the home bar and use it in cocktails.
This recipe uses leftover sour cherry liquid as described in the instructions for making sour cherry syrup using sustainable practices in the home bar. Dehydrated sour cherries are placed in a glass bowl with more than enough water to cover and stored in a cool dark place for 24 hours or overnight, preferably in the fridge. The next day, liquid is strained and reserved for use and the sour cherries are separated from the pits.
The method for making the sour cherry shrub is simple but needs a little time. The sour cherry liquid along with the pits is macerated with sugar overnight then apple cider vinegar is added. Since the sour cherries have a tart component, the ratio of the macerate to sugar and apple cider vinegar is cut back a little from the usual 1:1:1. The result is a tart, sweet, bright and refreshing sour cherry shrub that can be used in a variety of cocktails, mixed drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Sour Cherry Shrub Recipe
Original recipe created by Cocktails & Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 ml) sour cherry liquid
- 1/2 cup sour cherry pits
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (185 ml) apple cider vinegar
Equipment: glass jar with lid, fine strainer, cheese cloth, glass bottle with lid
Method
In a large glass jar, add the sour cherry liquid with the pits and sugar and stir until combined. Refrigerate for 24 hours.
The next day, remove the jar from the fridge, add the apple cider vinegar and give it a gentle and thorough stir. Return the jar to the fridge for 2 days, stirring daily.
On the third day, fine strain using a fine strainer lined with a cheese cloth. Discard the solids. Store the shrub in a clean glass bottle with a lid in the fridge. It keeps at best for 6 to 9 months.
How to Use Sour Cherry Shrub in Cocktails
Sour cherry shrub lends fruity, nutty, sweet and tart notes to a cocktail. Use it in a Old Fashioned, in place of grenadine, add a splash to a Gin & Tonic, serve as a spritz with gin topped with dry sparkling wine or simply top it with soda water for a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail.
Next in the sour cherries series… Sour Cherry Shrub Cocktail
Photo by Cocktails & Bars – © Copyright: All rights reserved.
