Cranberry Shrub

5 from 4 votes

Cranberry Shrub is a tangy syrup of cranberries, sugar and apple cider vinegar, a sweet-tart mixer for cocktails, mocktails or desserts.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Cocktails, Drinks, Homemade Staples

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 60-Minutes or Less, Christmas Cocktail, Cocktail Ingredients, Cocktails, Cranberry, Drinks, Homemade Staples, Syrup

Servings: tablespoon

Calories: 45kcal

Author: Eva Filer

Make your cranberry shrub by adding cranberries, water, sugar and allspice berries into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce to keep a low simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Lightly squish some of the cranberries as it cooks down.
Strain once or twice into a measuring cup or airtight container then pour in apple cider vinegar. Store in the fridge.
Make your cranberry shrub cocktail by adding ice to a cocktail shaker and pour in bourbon, cranberry shrub, maple syrup and a dash of orange bitters.
Shake until chilled and strain into a coup glass or a lowball glass with ice.

Shaken: Shaking with ice chills the drink well.
Glass: Serve it in a rocks glass for a classic look or a coupe for something a little more elegant.
Garnish: Fresh rosemary, an orange slice or a few cranberries all work.
Make Ahead: Let the shrub rest overnight in the fridge for the best flavor. Stored in an airtight container, it keeps for 3 to 4 weeks.
Flavor Balance: Taste the shrub and adjust the sugar to match your preference.
Make It a Mocktail: Swap the bourbon for a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative, or skip the spirit and stir the shrub into ginger ale or soda water.
Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-4 weeks.
Visual Tip: Cooked cranberries should pop without boiling too hard.

Nutritional Information: Does not include the cocktail itself, it is for the shrub.