The Strawberry-Rhubarb Shrub is a delightful and refreshing beverage with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It has a beautiful pink hue that comes from the vibrant strawberries and rhubarb used to create it. The drink offers a pleasant combination of fruity sweetness from the strawberries, the tartness of rhubarb, and the tangy notes from the apple cider vinegar.

When poured over ice, the shrub creates a sparkling and effervescent drink as you top it off with sparkling water or soda water. The ice cubes help to keep the drink cool and refreshing, making it a fantastic choice for a hot summer day or as a thirst-quencher any time of the year.

With each sip, you’ll experience the bright and juicy flavors of the strawberries that dance on your taste buds, followed by the tartness of the rhubarb, and a subtle tanginess from the vinegar. The combination of sweet, tart, and tangy flavors creates a well-rounded and refreshing profile that keeps you coming back for more.

For an added touch, you can garnish the drink with fresh strawberry and rhubarb slices, adding a visual appeal to the glass. The optional mint leaves contribute a hint of freshness and aroma, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

The Strawberry-Rhubarb Shrub is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed on its own as a non-alcoholic mocktail or used as a base for creative cocktail recipes. Its unique flavors and vibrant colors make it an excellent choice for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a refreshing and flavorful drink at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup rhubarb, diced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• Sparkling water or soda water, to serve
• Ice cubes
• Fresh strawberries and rhubarb slices, for garnish (optional)
• Mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and diced rhubarb.
2. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the fruit and stir to coat. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the fruit to release its juices.
3. After 30 minutes, the sugar should have dissolved, and the fruit should be juicy. Use a masher or the back of a spoon to mash the fruit and release more juices.
4. Transfer the mashed fruit mixture into a clean jar or container with a lid.
5. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the fruit mixture. Stir well to combine.
6. Cover the jar tightly with the lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to infuse and develop.
7. After the resting period, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, discarding the fruit solids.
8. Transfer the strained liquid, which is now your strawberry-rhubarb shrub, into a bottle or jar for storage. It can be refrigerated for up to a month.

To serve:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of the strawberry-rhubarb shrub to the glass, depending on your taste preference.
3. Top it off with sparkling water or soda water, and gently stir to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh strawberry and rhubarb slices, and mint leaves, if desired.
5. Enjoy your homemade Strawberry-Rhubarb Shrub as a refreshing and tangy beverage!

Note: The shrub can also be used as a flavorful ingredient in cocktails or as a tangy addition to salad dressings or marinades. Experiment and have fun with different ways to incorporate it into your culinary creations!