Home made boysenberry and apple cider vinegar shrub, a refreshing alternative to fruit cordials and a perfect mixer for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
1heaped cupboysenberries, or other berries (about 220g/0.5lb)
1cupsugar
1cupapple cider vinegar
Lemon balm leaves, to garnish (or mint leaves, both optional)
Instructions
Lightly mash fruit and stir through one cup of sugar. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 days, stirring daily. You can leave it on the countertop in cooler climates.
Stir the mixture, then strain the syrupy fruit through a sieve and discard the solids. If there's undissolved sugar, mix it in.
Stir in the vinegar, starting with half a cup and tasting as you go. I used the full cup.
Pour into a bottle with a lid and pop it in the fridge.
Serve about 1 tablespoon of shrub syrup in a mixed drink. Try it with soda water, and a splash of vodka or other spirits if you like. Garnish with fresh lemon balm or mint leaves.
Notes
Makes about 2 cups of shrub syrup.
Fresh or frozen berries can be used, just defrost them first if using frozen.