![Southern Living Strawberry Spritzer in glasses to serve](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/cLiMj93EZePnWivUzL-e5phbf6g=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-strawberry-spritizer-27199_Bounty-Strawberries_1751-1-a1d348fa9c20423bbbbfe025b61f2d39.jpg)
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl
When we say shrub, we aren’t talking about a bush. No, we’re referring to the old-school mixer made from aromatic plants, sugar, and vinegar. Shrubs are used much the same way lemon or lime juice is in a cocktail but they offer a much more complex flavor.
In this recipe, we make a shrub using fresh strawberries, apple cider vinegar, and sugar (along with fresh ginger and lemon zest). After a two-day trip to the refrigerator, these ingredients meld to create a tangy and refreshing base for a Strawberry Spritzer.
This flavorful non-alcoholic drink is easy to make once the shrub is ready; all you’ll need is ice, seltzer, and a glass. Plus, a few extra berries for garnish. You can always add a splash of tequila or another spirit too, if you wish.
Ingredients
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3 Tbsp. Strawberry Shrub (recipe below)
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1/2-3/4 cup chilled sparkling mineral water (such as Topo Chico)
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1 strawberry half, for garnish
Directions
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Pour 3 tablespoons Strawberry Shrub into an ice-filled glass; top with 1/2 to 3/4 cup seltzer water, or desired amount. Garnish with a strawberry half.
Strawberry Shrub
![Southern Living Strawberry Shrub in a jar](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/D53O9_Hbn9j2sC4y-FrWQpIw9j0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-27199_Bounty-Strawberries_1817-strawberry-shrub-3e3460347afb48ef8620d8dc99654ddb.jpg)
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl
Place 1 qt. fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced), 2 cups unfiltered apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 2 Tbsp. sliced fresh ginger, and 2 tsp. grated lemon zest in a large bowl or resealable container. Stir until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until flavors have infused, about 2 days. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a 1-qt. glass jar with a lid, discarding solids. Secure lid, and refrigerate shrub for up to 3 months.
Active 10 min. - Total 2 days, 10 min.