How I Make Balsamic Shrubs at The Anointed Olive

I’m frequently asked how I make the refreshing balsamic shrub we serve in the store. The answer is surprisingly simple: flavored balsamic vinegar, ice, and sparkling mineral water.

You can follow my favorite combination or experiment with your own flavors to create a refreshing drink that suits your taste.

My Simple In-Store Shrub

What You’ll Need

• Your choice of balsamic vinegar
• Ice or reusable frozen cubes
• Chilled carbonated mineral water, seltzer, or sparkling water

How I Make It

I frequently combine Pineapple, Coconut, and Key Lime White Balsamics, but you can use one balsamic or create any combination you enjoy.

1. Mix your chosen balsamic vinegars together.
2. Pour the balsamic into a pitcher.
3. Add ice or reusable frozen cubes.
4. Fill the pitcher with chilled sparkling mineral water, such as Perrier.
5. Taste and continue adding sparkling water until the drink reaches your preferred balance of sweetness and tartness.

If I know I have time before serving, I refrigerate the balsamic first so everything begins nice and cold.

That’s it! It really is that simple.

Make-Ahead Fruit-Infused Shrub

For an additional layer of fresh flavor, you can infuse your balsamic with fruit, berries, herbs, or vegetables before adding the sparkling water.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white balsamic vinegar of your choice
• 1 cup chopped fruit, berries, herbs, or vegetables
• 8 cups chilled seltzer or sparkling water without added sodium

Directions

1. Place the fresh fruit, berries, herbs, or vegetables in a 1-liter Mason jar or other covered container.
2. Pour the balsamic over the fresh ingredients.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. The longer it infuses, the more pronounced the fresh flavor will become.
4. Strain the infused balsamic and transfer it to a clean, tightly covered container. Keep refrigerated.
5. To serve, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the infused balsamic to 8 ounces of chilled sparkling water. Adjust the amount according to your preferred sweetness and serve over ice, if desired.

Makes approximately 16–32 servings, depending on the amount used in each drink.

Flavor Combinations to Try

Blueberry Lemon-Thyme Shrub

• 2 cups Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic
• 1 cup fresh blueberries, lightly crushed
• 1 small sprig fresh thyme, approximately 2 inches long (optional)
• 8 cups chilled sparkling water

Infuse the blueberries and thyme in the balsamic according to the make-ahead directions above. Strain and serve with chilled sparkling water.

Strawberry-Peach or Strawberry-Apricot Shrub

• 2 cups Peach or Apricot White Balsamic
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, coarsely chopped
• 8 cups chilled sparkling water

Infuse the strawberries in the balsamic, strain, and combine with sparkling water to taste.

Fresh Kiwi and Mango Shrub

• 2 cups Mango White Balsamic
• 1 cup peeled and sliced kiwi
• 8 cups chilled sparkling water

Infuse the sliced kiwi in the Mango White Balsamic, strain, and serve with chilled sparkling water.

Turn Your Shrub Into a Cocktail

A balsamic shrub can also be paired with your favorite spirit or used alongside sparkling water as a flavorful cocktail mixer.

Strawberry Balsamic Margarita

Make a balsamic syrup by gently cooking Strawberry Balsamic, Honey Ginger Balsamic, and sugar over medium heat. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

Blend the cooled syrup with:

• Fresh strawberries
• A splash of sweet-and-sour mix
• Fresh lime juice
• Tequila
• Ice

Adjust each ingredient to your preferred balance of sweet, tart, and spirited.

Sparkling Gravenstein Apple Balsamic Shrub

Ingredients

• 2 ounces chilled vodka
• ½ ounce chilled Gravenstein Apple White Balsamic
• 3 ounces chilled club soda or seltzer
• Ice

Directions

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka, Gravenstein Apple White Balsamic, and club soda.
3. Stir gently and serve immediately.

Make It Your Own

There is no single correct way to make a shrub. Start with a smaller amount of balsamic, taste, and add more until you find the balance you enjoy.

Try combining different white balsamics, infusing them with seasonal fruit or herbs, or adding your favorite spirit for an easy cocktail. Once you understand the basic method, the flavor possibilities are nearly endless.