Cherry Shrub with Mint & Lime

Fruit shrubs are easily one of my favorite summer drinks. They're perfectly sweet and tangy and so easy to make. I used cherries for this recipe, but you can use almost any fruit you like since this recipe is all about ratios. 

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

1/2 lb. cherries, pitted and finely chopped

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 - 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Sparkling water, for serving

Lime, sliced, for serving

Mint, for serving

METHOD

1. To a clean bowl, add the cherries and sugar and stir to combine. Seal the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and leave it on the counter for 24 hours, stirring once halfway through. After 24 hours, the cherry pieces will have become significantly smaller in size, leaving behind a thick sugary syrup.

2. Strain the syrup into a jar using a mesh sieve and discard the cherry pieces.

3. Add the apple cider vinegar to the syrup and stir. Taste for your desired flavor, it should be a tart yet sweet. I usually start with 1/3 of a cup of vinegar and if it needs more acidity, I'll add the remaining vinegar.

4. To serve, add some mint leaves and a lime slice to the bottom of a a glass, add ice, followed by 6 oz of sparkling water and 2-3 tablespoons of the shrub. Stir and enjoy.

Note: If you're in a rush, add the cherries, sugar, and a 1/2 cup of water to a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and cook until a thick sugary syrup forms, about 5-10 minutes. Let the mixture cool before continuing with steps 2- 4.