“Drinking vinegar” is the hip new term for “shrub,” a colonial-era, well, drinking vinegar. Like other old-fashioned drinks, you’ve probably noticed shrubs popping up on fancy cocktail menus over the last few years. According to the Food Lover’s Companion, “Colonial-day shrubs were spiked with liquor (usually brandy or rum) but today fruit juice, sugar and vinegar drinks are usually non-alcoholic. Shrubs are served over ice, with or without soda water.” This shrub is made with fresh blackberries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar. We recommend serving it over ice with club soda and/or rye whiskey. And don’t discard the fruit — it’s delicious over ice cream, pound cake, or all by itself.
Emily Farris and Jeff Akin
Emily Farris and Jeff Akin are the co-founders of Feed Me Creative, a former culinary creative agency in Kansas City, MO.