Hey friend!
If you’ve never made a shrub before, don’t worry—it’s just a fancy word for a fruity, tangy syrup that you mix into drinks.
This Spiced Plum Shrub is cozy, refreshing, and a little fancy-feeling, but it’s super easy to make.
The plums get all soft and jammy, the spices add a warm hug, and the vinegar gives it that little zing.
I love keeping a jar of this in the fridge to add to sparkling water or even a splash in lemonade.
It feels homemade in the best way.
🥰 Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this one late summer when I had too many plums that were juuust about to turn. I didn’t want to toss them, so I tried this shrub idea I’d read about. Oh my gosh—game changer. It turned into something I use all year long.
- Uses up ripe fruit
- Makes drinks feel extra special
- Keeps in the fridge for weeks
- Kids love it with sparkling water (and grown-ups with something stronger 😉)
- Smells amazing while it simmers
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 4 ripe plums, pitted and chopped
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- Pinch of salt
🧑🍳 Pro Tips
- Use soft, ripe plums – They’ll give you the most flavor and break down easily.
- Strain well – A fine mesh strainer will give you a smooth syrup with no fruit bits.
- Let it rest – The flavor deepens after a day in the fridge. It’s even better on day two.
- Make it your own – Add other spices like cardamom or orange peel if you want to switch it up.
- Involve the kids – Let them help stir the plums or pick spices. It smells amazing and makes them feel like little chefs!
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Fine mesh strainer
- Jar or bottle for storing
- Cheesecloth (optional, for extra fine straining)
- Small grater or microplane (for ginger)
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No star anise? Skip it, or try a pinch of allspice instead.
- Swap the fruit – Try cherries, apricots, or berries if plums aren’t in season.
- White sugar substitute – Use honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
- Want it less spicy? Leave out the cloves or ginger.
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
Make the shrub and let it chill in the fridge overnight before using. It only gets better with time!
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Add Plums, Sugar & Spices to Pot
Add the chopped plums, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise (if using), grated ginger, and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan.
2. Cook Until Juicy
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10–15 minutes, until the plums break down and release their juices.
3. Add Vinegar
Turn off the heat. Carefully pour in the apple cider vinegar and stir well to combine.
4. Let It Cool
Let the mixture cool to room temperature. This helps the flavors blend.
5. Strain
Pour the cooled mixture through a fine mesh strainer (or cheesecloth for extra smoothness) into a clean jar or bottle. Press gently on solids to get all the good stuff.
6. Chill & Store
Seal the jar and store in the fridge. Chill for at least a few hours, ideally overnight, before using.
🥤 What to Serve With
- Sparkling water (1 part shrub to 3 parts water is perfect)
- Lemonade for a fruity twist
- Club soda and lime
- Use in cocktails like gin & tonic or whiskey sour
- Mix with iced tea!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 month.
- Always use a clean spoon to scoop it out—no dipping fingers!
- Shake before using if it settles a bit.
❓ FAQ
What does a shrub taste like?
Sweet, tangy, fruity, and a little spicy—like a drinkable jam with a vinegary kick.
Can kids drink this?
Absolutely! Just mix with sparkling water or lemonade. No alcohol involved.
Can I use frozen plums?
Yes! Just thaw them first and use the same way as fresh ones.
Do I have to use vinegar?
Yes—it’s what makes a shrub a shrub. But you can experiment with milder vinegars like white balsamic or rice vinegar if apple cider is too strong.
💬 Time to Make It!
I hope this Spiced Plum Shrub brings a little homemade joy into your kitchen like it does in mine. It’s the kind of thing that feels fancy but is so simple to make—and it always impresses. Let me know in the comments if you try it or if you have any questions! Happy sipping 🥂💜
