This Spiced Citrus Shrub is the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy.
It’s a concentrated syrup made with fresh citrus, vinegar, and warm spices—great for mixing into sparkling water, cocktails, or mocktails.
If you’ve never tried a shrub before, think of it like a homemade fruit-and-vinegar syrup that gives your drinks a bright, refreshing kick.
Plus, it’s super easy to make, lasts for weeks in the fridge, and is a fun way to use up extra citrus. Let’s get started!
🍊 What You’ll Need
- Citrus fruits (2 oranges, 1 lemon, 1 lime) – thinly sliced
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 cup
- Honey or maple syrup – ¾ cup
- Cinnamon sticks – 2
- Fresh ginger – 1-inch piece, sliced
- Black peppercorns – ½ teaspoon
- Cloves – 3
- Water – ½ cup
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use organic citrus if possible. Since we’re using the peels, organic fruit will have fewer pesticides.
- Let it sit longer for deeper flavor. Shrubs get better with time! A few extra days in the fridge makes a big difference.
- Mix it up! Swap honey for maple syrup, or try different spices like star anise or cardamom.
- Strain well. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any small bits before storing.
- Experiment with drinks. Try mixing your shrub with sparkling water, iced tea, or even in salad dressings!
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Glass jar with a lid for storage
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Vinegar: Swap apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar for a milder taste.
- Sweetener: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
- Spices: Try cardamom, star anise, or nutmeg for different flavors.
- Fruits: Swap oranges for grapefruit or tangerines for a twist.
🕒 Make-Ahead Tips
- This shrub needs at least 24 hours to infuse for the best flavor. You can make it a week in advance!
- Store in the fridge for up to a month—it gets better over time.
🍹 How to Make Spiced Citrus Shrub
1. Slice the Citrus
Thinly slice the oranges, lemon, and lime. Remove any seeds.
2. Simmer the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, add the sliced citrus, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, peppercorns, cloves, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Vinegar & Let It Cool
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Strain & Store
Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a glass jar. Discard the solids. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using.
🍶 Leftovers & Storage
- Store your shrub in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to a month.
- Shake before using, as natural settling may occur.
- Use leftover shrub in drinks, salad dressings, or even marinades!
✨ Final Thoughts
Now you’ve got a homemade spiced citrus shrub that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavors! Whether you mix it into a fizzy drink or get creative with cocktails, this shrub is a game-changer. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how you used yours! 🍊✨
