Sparkling Strawberry Shrub
A shrub is a vinegar-based syrup, referred to as “Drinking Vinegar”. Drinking vinegar is vinegar which is often infused with fruit juice, herbs and spices for use in mixed drinks.
I was so happy to find the recipe for “Front Porch Chillin’” Sparkling Strawberry Shrub in the April/May 2018 issue of Chilled Magazine. It is absolutely delicious and fruity. Do not let the idea of vinegar in a cocktail stop you from making this fabulous drink this weekend!
I was very happy to find the Cava that the magazine recommended for this cocktail in my local grocery store. You can always substitute your favorite rosé cava.
Segura Viudas Brut Rosé
The wine tastes of sweet strawberry, cherry and citrus and has lots of fun bubbles. In the $15 range.
Situated on an estate that dates back to the 11th century, Segura Viudas draws on its rich Spanish heritage, blending its legacy with modern winemaking practices to create sophisticated yet approachable Cavas. Its award winning Cava uses distinct méthode champenoise sparkling wine by the Ferrer family of Sant Sadurni d’Anola (near Barcelona). Segura Viudas is part of the Freixenet Group, a world leader in sparkling wine production.
To make a very good sparkly shrub:
- Invest in a muddler. You can find a muddler for around $5. It will help you muddle up the fresh fruit with sugar and vinegar to make the shrub.
- Plant fresh mint in your garden to use for cocktail garnishes – I particularly enjoy pineapple mint and spearmint. Fresh rosemary sprigs also make a flavorful and aromatic garnish.
Sparkling Strawberry Shrub
To make the shrub:
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1 cup water
1 1/2 cup sugar (I like to use extra fine sugar for this recipe because it dissolves very quickly, but granulated sugar works just fine too.)
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
Muddle the strawberries in a large mason jar. Add water and sugar and stir to combine. After the sugar has begun to dissolve, add the rice wine vinegar and stir to combine all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate. The shrub can be stored, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To make the Strawberry Shrub Cocktail:
Makes one cocktail:
1 ounce strawberry shrub
Segura Viudas Brut Rosé
2 large ice cubes
Rosemary Sprig or Fresh Mint and Strawberry for garnish
Place all ingredients into a snifter and add ice cubes. Stir and top with Rosé Cava; give it another little stir, garnish with rosemary sprig or mint and a strawberry.
Saludos!
