The last time we incorporated a shrub in a Raising the Bar box, we received this note:
“I felt like I was drinking vinegar.”
And to our anonymous friend… you’re not wrong. That’s kind of what a shrub is. It combines plants, sugar, and vinegar. Essentially, it’s a drinking vinegar.
But wait! Don’t let that scare you away.
We totally agree that the word vinegar can sound intense, especially if you’re new to shrubs. But shrubs have actually been around for a longggg time. Quick fact: they were originally created as a way to stretch the life of fresh fruit.
The reason we’re talking about them right now is because they’ve become a super common and incredibly versatile ingredient in all kinds of ways. We’ll get into some of those below, but for us specifically, we love using them in zero-proof mixology. And in March’s box, Shrub Club, you’ll get to join us in the taste-testing!
Check out our Shrub Club box here!
They’re one of our favorite ingredients to work with because the shrub itself already carries so much flavor. You can build something more complex around it, or keep things simple by pairing it with sparkling water or ginger beer. Either way, you’re left with a layered, bright, and truly interesting blend.
Why Shrubs Work So Well in Zero-Proof Mixology
A big part of what makes shrubs shine is their acidity. That tangy brightness adds the lift and complexity people often look for in zero-proof drinks, but in a completely natural way.
They’re also such a reliable addition to your home bar because of that versatility we touched on. What makes an ingredient a star for us is how easy it is to mix with things you probably already have in your fridge or pantry. They’re also shelf-stable and easy to keep on hand, making them a great, no-fuss addition to your zero-proof collection.
Learning Your Perfect Balance
Like any ingredient, shrubs are all about finding the balance that works for your taste buds.
There are plenty of ways to adjust shrubs so they work for your palate: through different pairings, adjusting ratios, perhaps adding a syrup, etc. Our Shrub Club box is a perfect example of that. We play with flavors that not only match one another beautifully but also bring in different textures that really enhance the taste of the shrub in a delicious way.
But as always… we totally get that taste is subjective. You might want to mute the tanginess a little, let the acidity stand out a smidge more, or add sweetness in those additional layers. That’s the fun part, friends!!!
A Simple Way to Start
If you plan on enjoying our Shrub Club box, you’ll most definitely have some of the Tait Farm Foods Ginger Lemon Shrub left to explore. And you know us… we love experimentation beyond the box.
If you don’t know where to start, here’s what we suggest: fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz of the shrub, top with sparkling water, and garnish with a lemon wedge.
From there, do a little taste test and examine: what is it you like? What are you not so crazy about? What flavors are missing for you? And go from there.
Here are some more questions you can ask yourself:
Do you want more sweetness to soften the acidity? Add a syrup.
Want more intensity? Add another splash of shrub.
Want more complexity? Experiment with garnishes, especially to add a more sensory element to your blend.
Want some more texture? Shake up some egg white or aquafaba for foam.
Always remember: your blend, your rules.
Why We Chose Shrubs for March
This is exactly why shrubs are our main mixer for our Shrub Club box. They encourage you to taste, experiment, and move at your own pace until you find a blend you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Shrubs Beyond the Glass
And the fun doesn’t stop there! Shrubs are regularly used in so much more than your next zero-proof blend. They’re fantastic in savory dishes, salad dressings, desserts, and even drizzled over ice cream.
Personally, we love using them as a marinade for chicken or salmon dishes, or in a fruit salad vinaigrette - which is how we’ll be using the rest of our Tait Farm Foods Ginger Lemon Shrub.
Other Shrub Brands We Love
If you want to keep exploring shrubs, here are a few brands we often turn to in our zero-proof recipes:
Siren Shrub
A women-owned brand based in Wisconsin focused on creating space for everyone at the table, with bright blends made from fruits, herbs, and apple cider vinegar.
Element Shrub
A husband-and-wife duo crafting shrub mixers made with real ingredients that feel just as good to consume as they taste in a drink.
Sauvie Shrub
Located on Sauvie Island just outside Portland, Oregon, highlighting locally grown and foraged fruits, herbs, and spices in vibrant seasonal blends.
Sweet Haven Tonic
A Minnesota-based brand producing small-batch shrub and tonic mixers designed to make layered zero-proof drinks easy to create at home.
Tait Farm Foods
And we of course had to throw some love this way - our featured ingredient in our March box! Their range includes flavors like raspberry, sour cherry, wild blueberry, rhubarb, and more. The perfect way to explore different profiles and discover your personal favorite.
Happy experimenting!