Have you noticed how shrub-based cocktails have become the darlings of modern mixology? Shrubs—ancient drinking vinegars—have enjoyed a renaissance as bartenders and home mixologists seek bright, acidic alternatives to citrus Food & Wine. Among these, the sour cherry shrub cocktail stands out, marrying tart cherry vinegar with effervescence and a splash of vodka for a refreshingly complex drink. Originating centuries ago to preserve summer fruits, shrubs now add depth and balance to everything from mocktails to spirit-forward sips The Vinegar Professor. Ready to shake up this tangy spritzer in under five minutes?
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitutions & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Ice | As needed | Large cubes slow dilution |
| Vodka | 2 oz (60 ml) | Gin or tequila for alternative spirits |
| Sour cherry shrub* | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | Any berry-based shrub (e.g., raspberry, blackberry) |
| Fresh lime juice | ½ oz (15 ml) | Lemon juice if limes aren’t available |
| Soda water | 3 oz (90 ml) | Sparkling wine or tonic for variation |
| Sour cherries or lime wheel | For garnish | Mint sprig for an herbal accent |
*Make your own shrub by stirring 4 oz pitted cherries and ½ cup sugar, letting sit 2 hours, then adding 1 cup apple cider vinegar and steeping 2 days before straining Good Food Stories.
Timing
| Task | Minutes |
|---|---|
| Prep glass & gather ingredients | 1 |
| Build cocktail | 1 |
| Garnish & serve | 1 |
| Total Time | 3 minutes Cocktails & Bars |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice and let it sit while you measure the ingredients.
- Add Vodka & Shrub: Pour 2 oz vodka over the ice, then add 1.5 oz sour cherry shrub. The shrub’s vivid red hue will layer beautifully beneath the clear spirit.
- Brighten with Lime: Squeeze in ½ oz fresh lime juice to balance sweetness with bright acidity.
- Top with Soda: Gently top with 3 oz chilled soda water, pouring over the back of a spoon to preserve effervescence and subtle layering.
- Garnish & Serve: Thread a few sour cherries or a lime wheel on a cocktail pick and rest it atop the glass. Serve immediately with a straw so your guests can stir to their taste.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~158 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8 g (Sugars 6 g)
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Calories estimated from 2 oz vodka (128 kcal) and 1.5 oz shrub (30 kcal); soda and lime contribute negligible calories.
Healthier Alternatives
- Lower Sugar: Use a reduced-sugar shrub or swap soda water for diet tonic.
- Lower ABV: Reduce vodka to 1.5 oz and top with extra soda or flavored seltzer.
- Non-Alcoholic: Omit vodka, increase shrub to 2 oz, and add 1 oz extra lime juice for a “mocktail” version.
- Herbal Infusion: Muddle fresh basil or thyme in the glass before adding ice to introduce an herbal note.
Serving Suggestions
- Summer BBQs: Pair with grilled shrimp skewers or prosciutto-melon bites for a light, breezy spread.
- Brunch Bar: Offer alongside smoked salmon toasts and avocado-citrus salads.
- Pitcher Format: Scale up (8 servings): 16 oz vodka, 12 oz shrub, 4 oz lime juice, 24 oz soda over a large ice-filled pitcher.
- From the Garden: Garnish with a sprig of mint or rosemary for a garden-fresh presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Stale Soda Water: Flat soda flattens the drink—always use freshly opened bottles.
- Warm Glassware: A warm glass speeds dilution—pre-chill your glass with ice water.
- Cheap Shrub: Artificially sweet shrub syrups mask real fruit flavor—opt for homemade or high-quality brands.
- Over-stirring: Stirring too early blends away the layered look—let guests mix their own drink.
Storing Tips
- Shrub Prep: Make the shrub up to 7 days ahead; store in a sealed jar in the fridge.
- Batch Mixing: Pre-mix vodka and shrub for events; keep chilled and add soda water & lime just before serving.
- Soda Freshness: Store unopened soda water in the fridge; open only when ready to build cocktails.
- Garnish Prep: Pit cherries and pre-slice limes, storing them separately in airtight containers to preserve freshness.
This sour cherry shrub cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and bubbly—elevating the humble shrub into a sophisticated, grown-up refresher. Ready in just 3 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight happy hours, backyard gatherings, or anytime you crave something bright and effervescent. Mix one up tonight, then share your favorite shrub variations in the comments below. Cheers to the acidity revolution!
FAQs
Can I use vodka with fruit infusions?
Yes! Cherry- or citrus-infused vodkas add complementary layers of flavor. Cocktails & Bars
How far ahead can I make the shrub?
Shrub can be prepared up to 7 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed jar. Good Food Stories
Is this cocktail gluten-free?
Yes—vodka, vinegar-based shrub, and soda water are all naturally gluten-free.
Why is my shrub cloudy?
Tiny fruit solids may remain; strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to clarify.
What other fruits work well in shrubs?
Berries (raspberry, blackberry), stone fruits (peach, plum), and even vegetables (cucumber, beet) all make excellent shrubs. The Vinegar Professor
