Makes enough for about 6 people
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup thinly chopped, very ripe strawberries
- 1/2 packed fresh mint leaves + a couple of sprigs of fresh mint
- 3/4 cup raw organic apple cider vinegar (use one with live mother cultures like Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime/lemon juice
- 1/2 cup raw unrefined cane sugar
- 1 bottle of sparkling water
- A few ice cubes if desired
- Plus about 2 weeks of patience!
Method:
Step 1
- In a wide-mouthed mason jar, put the mint in and massage with fingers to release juice. Add strawberries and slightly crush.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, close the jar and shake thoroughly
- Remove the lid and loosely cover the jar with a cheese cloth and leave it untouched overnight for about 12 hours
Step 2
- After 12 hours, screw the lid on tightly and shake thoroughly again
- Let it to ferment at room temperature for 7 days, shaking the jar vigorously every day
- After 7 days, strain out the strawberries and mint, pressing with the back of a spoon or fingers to get the last bit of flavor
Step 3
- Stir in the lemon juice and sugar into the strained liquid
- Add the fresh mint sprigs, close with a lid and shake vigorously for 10 seconds
- Refrigerate for 7 days, again shaking the jar every day
- After 7 days, the shrub is ready to use and will last up to 4 months in the refrigerator
Step 4
- Mix 2 Tbsp of shrub with about 6 oz of sparkling water. Add a few ice cubes if desired. Enjoy (adjust the proportions of the shrub to sparkling water to your liking after a sip)