Cranberry Tangerine Shrub – Easy Recipe for Festive Cocktails and Mocktails
A Cranberry Tangerine Shrub is a deliciously tangy and sweet syrup that can transform your drinks, making them vibrant and refreshing. Shrubs are made by combining fruit, sugar, and vinegar, creating a tart syrup perfect for both cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. This shrub, with its tart cranberry and citrusy tangerine flavors, is ideal for festive occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
In this article, you’ll discover how to make a Cranberry Tangerine Shrub, the many ways to use it, and its benefits. Plus, I’ll suggest internal links to related recipes on Cook It Simple to give you even more ways to enhance your holiday menu.
What is a Shrub?
A shrub is a fruit-infused vinegar syrup. It’s been around for centuries, initially used as a way to preserve fruits. These days, shrubs are popular mixers in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, offering a balanced, tart flavor.
The Cranberry Tangerine combination is particularly festive, as the tartness of the cranberries is complemented by the sweet citrus notes of tangerines. This shrub adds a bright, fresh flavor to any beverage and works perfectly for both cocktails and mocktails. If you’re interested in other festive drink ideas, check out our Arnold Palmer Drink for another refreshing option.
Why Cranberry Tangerine?
Cranberries bring a tart, almost sour note to the shrub, while tangerines add sweetness and a citrusy aroma. This combination creates a balanced syrup that’s ideal for mixing into both cocktails and mocktails. Additionally, the vibrant red color makes this shrub visually appealing, perfect for serving during the holiday season.
For another seasonal drink option, consider trying the Black and Tan Drink, a layered cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
To create a Cranberry Tangerine Shrub, gather these ingredients and tools:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cranberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- Zest and juice of 3 tangerines
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar or a natural sweetener like honey
- Optional: ginger or cinnamon for added depth of flavor
Tools:
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Glass jar for storage
Pro Tip: You can adjust the sweetness by substituting sugar with honey or maple syrup for a healthier alternative. Always use fresh or thawed cranberries for the best flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cranberry Tangerine Shrub
- Prepare the Cranberries and Tangerines
Start by washing the cranberries and zesting the tangerines. Set the zest aside, then juice the tangerines. - Cook the Ingredients
In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, tangerine juice, tangerine zest, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sugar is fully dissolved. Add any optional spices at this point. - Add Vinegar
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. - Strain the Mixture
Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture into a clean glass jar. Press the cranberries against the strainer to extract as much liquid as possible. - Ferment (Optional)
For a deeper flavor, let the shrub ferment in the fridge for up to a week before using. - Store and Serve
Store the shrub in the fridge in a sealed jar. It will last for up to a month and can be used in various drinks. To enjoy, simply add the shrub to your favorite cocktail or mix it with soda water for a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.
For more festive drinks, consider trying the Boozy Hot Chocolate as a warm option for your holiday gatherings.
How to Use Cranberry Tangerine Shrub in Drinks
Shrub Cocktails:
Shrubs are excellent for cocktails, adding both acidity and complexity. Here are a few ideas:
- Cranberry Tangerine Whiskey Sour
Combine 1 oz shrub, 2 oz bourbon, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake, strain, and garnish with a tangerine slice. - Cranberry Gin Fizz
Mix 1 oz shrub, 1 oz gin, and club soda for a light and refreshing cocktail.
Non-Alcoholic Shrub Beverages:
For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, shrubs are perfect for mocktails and sodas:
- Shrub Soda
Add 1 oz of shrub to a glass of sparkling water and serve over ice. - Cranberry Tangerine Spritzer
Combine 1 oz shrub, sparkling water, and a splash of orange juice. Garnish with fresh cranberries.
Health Benefits of Shrubs
Drinking shrubs is not only enjoyable but also healthy. Here are some key benefits:
- Digestive Health
The vinegar in shrubs acts as a natural probiotic, promoting gut health and aiding digestion. It’s a great way to introduce more apple cider vinegar into your diet. - Lower Sugar Option
Shrubs offer a lower-sugar alternative to traditional sweetened drinks. By using natural sweeteners like honey, you can reduce your sugar intake while still enjoying a flavorful beverage. - Refreshing Hydration
Mixed with sparkling water, shrubs make for a refreshing, low-calorie drink that’s perfect for hydration without added sugars.
Flavor Variations and Seasonal Twists
Shrubs are incredibly versatile, and you can customize them with different fruits and spices:
- Citrus Substitutes: Swap the tangerines for oranges or grapefruits for a slightly different citrus profile.
- Spiced Version: Add cinnamon, ginger, or cloves for a warm, spiced shrub that’s perfect for winter.
- Seasonal Fruits: Try using blueberries, strawberries, or apples in place of cranberries for a spring or summer version.
If you’re in the mood for another holiday treat, try the Chocolate Almond Cake Recipe as a sweet complement to your shrub drinks.
FAQs About Cranberry Tangerine Shrub
What is a shrub, and how do I make it?
A shrub is a fruit-infused vinegar syrup, traditionally made by cooking fruit with sugar and then adding vinegar. The result is a tangy syrup used in drinks.
How long can I store a shrub?
Shrubs can be stored in the fridge for up to a month. Make sure to store them in an airtight glass jar.
Can I use other vinegars besides apple cider vinegar?
Yes! You can experiment with other vinegars like balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar, though these will change the flavor significantly.
What’s the difference between a shrub and a syrup?
Shrubs contain vinegar, giving them a tart flavor, whereas syrups are purely sweet. This makes shrubs ideal for those who prefer drinks with more complexity.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure they’re fully thawed before using.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Tangerine Shrub is an ideal drink mixer for the holidays, offering a bright, tart flavor that pairs well with both cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. With its vibrant color and versatile uses, this shrub is perfect for festive gatherings and year-round enjoyment.
Don’t forget to try our other holiday recipes, such as the German Potato Salad or the Best Macaron Recipe for a delicious pairing with your drinks.
For readers who want to dive deeper into the history of shrubs and their origins, you can check out this comprehensive resource on shrubs and their history. Understanding how this tangy drink evolved can give you more ideas on how to use it creatively.
Additionally, the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, one of the key ingredients in shrubs, are well-documented. From aiding digestion to supporting heart health, learn more about the advantages of incorporating it into your diet here.
For those looking to expand their fruit-based cocktail repertoire, explore different ways to use fruit in cocktails for more creative drink recipes.
With this recipe, you’ll master the art of shrub-making and bring refreshing, flavorful beverages to your holiday table!