Apple Shrub Cocktail - This apple cider bourbon cocktail recipe uses simple ingredients to create a delicious drink.
To create this craft cocktail, we utilized of the wonderful tang of a handcrafted cocktail shrub. This apple shrub recipe was the first shrub we've made! We can assure you all that the whole thing really is the easy way to turn your favorite flavor combinations into a very special cocktail.
The flavor profile of this bourbon ginger shrub cocktail does make it a delicious fall recipe. Add this to your happy hour though, and any season will become your favorite time of year!
We'd like to make Season Two Taste your one-stop shop for all things delicious. That's why we feature drink recipes like this one, as well as our lemon mint prosecco spritz, and hibiscus margarita mocktail. Stay tuned, we have many more to come!
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What is a Shrub?
Historically, a shrub was the term used in colonial America for a fruit extract made using vinegar and sugar. The mixture would be poured over the fresh fruit, and in a bit of time, the resulting simple syrup would be strained away.
In recent years, the shrub syrup has come a long way in popularity. It has a very special way of delivering a balanced flavor of fruit, spice, and acidity to a drink or cocktail. Using this method versus citrus juice or others retains clarity in the beverage also. In this particular recipe, it really helps ginger and apple flavors take center stage.
Ingredients
- Bourbon - use your favorite, one of our favorite spirits is Bulleit.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - this goes a long way towards a stronger apple flavor.
- Candied Ginger - we decided that this spicy and chewy garnish is fun!
- Fresh Apple - apple slices or chunks.
- Fresh Ginger - peeled and sliced.
- Sugar - organic sugar is a great choice, but only optional.
- Ginger Liqueur - if you've never tried Domaine de Canton, this stuff is magical.
See recipe card for quantities.
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Instructions
Step One - Make the Spiced Apple Shrub
Combine one cup apple cider vinegar, the sugar, water, and all of the fresh ingredients in a saucepan.
Bring to a low boil while occasionally stirring to combine fully.
Stir once more and lower the heat to a simmer for a few minutes.
Turn off the heat and allow to steep until the fruit looks cooked and wilted.
Place a fine mesh strainer over a heat proof bowl.
Strain the liquid into the bowl and allow to cool to room temperature.
Step Two - Mix the Cocktail
Gather all of the ingredients, measure out one and a half oz apple shrub, and pour into a cocktail shaker.
Measure out one and a half ounces bourbon and add that to the shaker as well.
Pour a half an ounce of ginger liqueur into the shaker.
Seal the shaker and shake to blend the bourbon mixture well.
Pour over ice into a rocks glass and garnish.
Voila! The finished drink.
Helpful Hint
Creating a special seasonal sipper with rich flavor is a layering process. Try combining the apple shrub taste with just about anything that you like. Use your imagination. Even ingredients like fresh thyme, or black peppercorns can make a great cocktail.
Substitutions
- Mocktail - As a non-alcoholic option, you can mix the finished shrub with ginger beer or ginger ale, freshly brewed red tea, soda water, or masala chai, to name just a few mixers.
- Lower Glycemic Index - try using maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup instead of the sugar.
Variations
- Garnish - if you don't have, or would rather not use candied ginger, a cinnamon stick, star anise, an apple chip, or even an orange wedge would be beautiful.
- Apples - use your favorite variety of apple, autumn glory apples, or a combination of sour granny smith apples would work.
- Liquor - dark rum would be scrumptious in this, Japanese gin or sweet potato shochu would create an interesting Asian flavor profile, complementing the ginger quite nicely.
Storage
Store the apple shrub in the refrigerator. A mason jar or even glass bottles would be ideal. Just make sure that it is sealed up airtight.
Chef Tip
This is more of a public service announcement. This bourbon apple shrub cocktail tastes lovely, sweet and smooth. Don't forget that the alcohol content is still relatively high. Consume responsibly.
FAQ
Of course! I might suggest orange flavor.
More Inspiration
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Ginger Apple Bourbon Shrub Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 strainer
- 1 Measuring Cup
- 1 Cocktail Shaker optional
- 1 Mixing Bowl heat proof, 4 cup capacity
- 1 1½ ounce shot glass optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup vinegar apple cider
- 1 each large apple cored and chopped, about 10 ounces
- 1 oz. fresh ginger peeled and sliced
- 1½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1½ oz. bourbon per drink
- ½ oz. ginger liqueur domaine de canton, also for each drink
- 1 slice candied ginger optional, garnish
Instructions
- Combine vinegar, water, ginger, apple, and sliced ginger in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to a simmer .
- Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow to steep for 5 minutes, until the apples soften and look cooked and tired.
- Using a strainer placed over a heat proof bowl, strain the solids out of the liquid and discard.
- Cool the resulting shrub liquid to room temperature or colder.
- In a cocktail shaker, measure the liquors and 1½ ounce of the shrub.
- Stir or shake well to combine, pour over ice into a rocks glass.
- Skewer a slice of candied ginger with a pick and garnish.
Jason Miller says
Love a bourbon cocktail!!