Brandy Shrub
A pre-refrigeration preservation method turned cocktail — brandy mixed with a tangy fruit-and-vinegar syrup for a bright, complex drink with Colonial American roots. — Crafted by Blinner with Love
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy
- 1 oz Berry shrub syrup
- 0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz Club soda
- fresh berries (garnish) garnish
Pairs With
Match with tangy, acidic dishes like oysters on the half shell, smoked salmon, or pickled vegetables where the vinegar-forward shrub cuts through richness. Cheese boards with aged cheddar or blue cheese also benefit from its bright, complex tartness.
Instructions
Add brandy, shrub syrup, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice
Shake for 10 seconds
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
Top with club soda
Stir gently once to combine
Garnish with a few fresh berries
Tips
To make berry shrub: combine equal parts berries and sugar, refrigerate 2 days, then add equal part apple cider vinegar Shrubs were how Colonial Americans preserved fruit before refrigeration — the vinegar acts as a preservative The tangy, fruity shrub syrup creates a uniquely complex and refreshing brandy cocktail