What is a shrub? 

A shrub (or drinking vinegar) is a concentrated syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is the most common base for shrubs, and herbs and spices can be added to create unique flavor combinations. This sweet, acidic mixer can be enjoyed with still water or soda or used in various mixed drinks.

Health benefits: 

The benefits of vinegar continue to be studied, but recent literature confirms that vinegar eaten as part of a meal may help your body process carbs in a healthier way and may improve feelings satiety after meals (making you less hungry between meals). These studies do not support vinegar as a treatment for diabetes, but they do show that a healthy diet high in acetic acid (vinegar) can help you stay healthy.  Some people also report improvement in acid reflux symptoms after using vinegar, but there are no conclusive studies to confirm its effectiveness.  

How to Consume it:

There are many ways to consume vinegar. Drinking vinegars and vinegar-based beverages date back to ancient Greece where vinegar was mixed with honey and herbs and consumed as a daily tonic called oxymel (modern recipes are still available!).

Today, vinegar-based drinks are available at the grocery store, but they are simple to make at home for a fraction of the cost. Check out the recipe below for a seasonal shrub with apples and cranberries. It makes a refreshing and versatile syrup that can be mixed with seltzer for a healthy holiday drink. One thing to remember when consuming vinegar is that the acid can erode your tooth enamel. Avoid straight vinegar . 

Cranberry Apple Shrub 

• 3 medium apples, quartered (no need to peel or core them) 
• 1 cup fresh cranberries 
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar  
• ½ cup turbinado sugar  

Coarsely shred apples using a box grater. In a blender, puree cranberries with the cider. Combine shredded apples, cranberry puree, and sugar in a large, clean glass jar and cover with a clean dish towel or a few layers of cheesecloth. Place jar in a cool spot on the counter and leave it there for 2 days.  

After 2 days, strain the contents through a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently on the solids to extract remaining liquids. Discard solids. Pour the liquid into a clean glass container and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.  

To drink, add a splash of the shrub to a glass with ice and top it off with seltzer. Add a cinnamon stick or other garnish, stir and enjoy!