Looking for a refreshing way to support your gut, boost your immunity, and cut back on sugary drinks? Apple cider vinegar shrubs might just be your new favorite daily ritual.
These sweet-tart, fruit-infused syrups blend the bold tang of raw apple cider vinegar with the natural goodness of fruit, herbs, and a hint of sweetener. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re packed with health benefits and incredibly easy to make at home.
In this guide, you'll learn how to make Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs using fresh ingredients at home. We’ll break down what a shrub is, why it’s good for you, and how to craft your own delicious blends with simple ingredients.
What Are Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs?
A shrub, also known as a “drinking vinegar”, is a concentrated syrup made from fruit, sugar, and vinegar. The result is a tangy infusion that can be mixed with sparkling water, cocktails, mocktails, or sipped straight for a potent health boost.
Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs are made using raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the "mother") as the vinegar base. Packed with live cultures, vitamins, and antioxidants from both the fruit and vinegar, these shrubs are more than just a trendy drink; they’re healthy wellness tonics most probably known for:
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Supporting digestion
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Providing probiotics
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Aiding detoxification
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Boosting hydration and energy
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Offering a low-sugar, flavorful drink alternative
Why Make Your Own Shrubs?
Making your own Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs gives you full control over ingredients, flavors, and sweetness. Unlike store-bought sodas or juices, homemade shrubs are:
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Naturally preserved without artificial additives
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Low in sugar or easily made sugar-free
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Customizable based on seasonal fruits and herbs
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Budget-friendly and waste-reducing
Plus, the hands-on process of crafting shrubs can be deeply satisfying and creative. You can design flavors tailored to your preferences, from spicy ginger to soothing blueberry-lavender.
Key Ingredients Used in Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs
These handcrafted shrubs are infused with a variety of nutrient-rich, natural ingredients. Here's what typically goes into each small-batch blend:
1. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (with the Mother)
The star of the show, raw, organic, and unfiltered ACV, helps support digestion, detoxification, and overall wellness.
2. Dried Herbs & Flowers
- Peppermint Leaf – Naturally cooling and soothing for digestion.
- Chrysanthemum Flowers – Traditionally used to calm and cool the body, supporting relaxation and detox.
- Dried Mint – Refreshing and invigorating, helps soothe the stomach.
- Hibiscus Flowers – Tart and vibrant, loaded with antioxidants that may support heart health.
3. Warming Spices
- Ginger – A digestive powerhouse that adds heat and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Clove – Rich in antioxidants and adds a warm, spicy note.
- Cinnamon – Supports blood sugar balance and digestion while deepening flavor.
How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs: Two Easy Methods
Method 1: Cold Infusion (No Cooking)
This method uses time and refrigeration to slowly extract flavors.
Ingredients:
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1 cup chopped fresh fruit
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1 cup raw apple cider vinegar
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¾ cup sugar or preferred sweetener
Instructions:
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Macerate the Fruit: In a glass bowl or jar, combine fruit and sugar. Muddle slightly to release juices. Cover and let sit in the fridge for 24 hours.
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Add ACV: After the fruit has released its syrup, stir in the apple cider vinegar.
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Steep: Cover the jar and let it steep in the refrigerator for 5–7 days, shaking it gently once a day.
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Strain and Store: Strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Pour the shrub into a clean glass bottle or jar.
- Enjoy: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of shrub with still or sparkling water. Adjust sweetness or tartness to taste.
Method 2: Quick Hot Infusion
Ideal for those who want to enjoy their Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs the same day.
Ingredients:
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1 cup chopped fruit
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1 cup raw apple cider vinegar
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¾ cup sugar
Instructions:
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Cook the Fruit: In a saucepan, combine fruit and sugar. Heat over medium until the fruit breaks down and releases its juice, about 10 minutes.
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Cool and Add ACV: Remove from heat, let the mixture cool, then stir in the vinegar.
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Strain and Store: Strain the shrub into a bottle or mason jar. Refrigerate and use as desired.
Note: Though this method is faster, heat can slightly reduce the probiotic content of raw vinegar.
Flavor Combinations to Try
Looking to get creative? Here are some popular and unique combinations to try:
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Strawberry + Basil + Black Pepper
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Peach + Ginger + Honey
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Pineapple + Mint + Lime
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Blueberry + Lavender + Lemon Zest
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Citrus + Turmeric + Cayenne
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Apple + Cinnamon + Clove
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Raspberry + Hibiscus + Rosewater
Each one not only tastes great but offers a host of vitamins, antioxidants, and immune-boosting benefits.
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs
Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs are more than just refreshing drinks; they are natural wellness tonics. Packed with raw ACV, fruits, and herbs, they offer a delicious way to support your health. Here’s what makes the Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs' health benefits truly stand out:
Digestive Support
Apple cider vinegar shrubs combine raw ACV with gut-friendly fruits and herbs that may aid digestion, reduce bloating, and support microbiome balance.
Blood Sugar Balance
Sipping these shrubs before meals may help reduce blood sugar spikes, thanks to ACV’s ability to improve insulin sensitivity naturally.
Hydration with Electrolytes
Diluted in water, shrubs offer a flavorful way to stay hydrated, infused with fruit sugars, trace minerals, and natural electrolytes for extra balance.
Natural Detoxification
The blend of raw ACV and cleansing botanicals supports liver health, helping your body gently flush toxins and maintain internal balance.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, and berries in shrubs have natural anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce oxidative stress and support joint health.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs
These multipurpose drinks can be enjoyed in various ways:
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Sparkling Shrub Soda: Mix 2 tbsp shrub with sparkling water over ice.
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Morning Elixir: Add 1 tbsp to warm water with lemon.
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Mocktail Base: Shake with herbs, citrus, and seltzer for a flavorful alcohol-free option.
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Cocktail Mixer: Combine with spirits like vodka, gin, or rum for a tart twist.
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Salad Dressing: Use shrub syrup as a base for vinaigrettes.
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Marinade Booster: Add a spoonful to meat or tofu marinades.
Tip: Always shake before using, and keep refrigerated. Most homemade shrubs last 4–6 weeks when stored properly.
Tips for Success
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Use ripe, organic fruit for the best flavor and nutrient content.
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Sterilize your jars before storing shrubs to avoid contamination.
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Taste as you go and adjust vinegar or sweetener levels.
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Label your bottles with the flavor and date made.
- Experiment and have fun! There’s no wrong combination.
Shrubs vs. Tonics vs. Switchels: What’s the Difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but here’s how they differ:
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Shrubs – Vinegar + Fruit + Sugar (syrup used for drinks)
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Tonics – Herbal infusions meant for daily wellness (may or may not include vinegar)
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Switchels – Vinegar-based drinks sweetened with molasses or honey, traditionally with ginger
Shrubs fall somewhere between old-world preservation and new-age wellness drink, offering the best of both.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Shrubs are more than just a tasty trend, they're a practical, enjoyable way to support your health naturally. With only a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can craft beautiful, flavorful syrups that not only quench your thirst but nourish your body.
If you’d rather skip the prep or simply want to explore new flavor combinations, try some of our handcrafted Apple Cider Vinegar shrubs, made by us in Portland, USA, in small batches to ensure freshness, quality, and bold flavor. Whether you're just getting started or already love shrubs, buying one from us is a simple, delicious way to enjoy all the benefits without the work. Made with the same care and creativity we put into our own kitchen, they're a flavorful shortcut to better wellness.
