Strawberry Lime-Sage Shrub Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This refreshing strawberry sage shrub is perfect for summer gatherings or simply to enjoy a light, flavorful drink. It combines sweet strawberries, aromatic sage, and a tangy lime base, creating a wonderfully balanced beverage. Heres how to make it:

Ingredients

• 4 limes, divided
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups sliced strawberries (about 10 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
• Ice, as needed
• 1 (2-liter) bottle club soda, chilled
• Strawberry halves, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Zest and juice 2 limes. Youll need 1 teaspoon of zest and 3 tablespoons of juice.

Step 2: For the shrub, heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Step 3: Add the sliced strawberries, sage, and lime zest to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a 24-ounce canning jar or bottle. Press on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard the solids.

Step 5: Stir in the white wine vinegar and lime juice. Let the mixture chill for at least 4 hours or up to 2 weeks for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Thinly slice the remaining 2 limes.

Step 7: To prepare each drink, fill a rocks glass with ice. Add 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) of the prepared shrub and 1/2 cup of chilled club soda. Stir to combine.

Step 8: Garnish with strawberry halves and lime slices.

Making a Big Batch

If youre hosting a crowd or want to prepare ahead of time, make a big batch by filling a pitcher with ice, adding the entire shrub, and then pouring in the 2 liters of club soda. Stir to combine and garnish with lime slices and strawberry halves.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 63
• Total Fat: 0g (0%)
• Saturated Fat: 0g (0%)
• Cholesterol: 0mg (0%)
• Sodium: 3mg (0%)
• Total Carbohydrate: 16g (6%)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4%)
• Total Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 0g (1%)
• Vitamin C: 19mg (21%)
• Calcium: 29mg (2%)
• Iron: 0mg (1%)
• Potassium: 56mg (1%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History

The shrub, a type of fruit syrup preserved with vinegar, has its origins in the 17th century. Popular in colonial America, it was a way to preserve fruits and make refreshing, tangy beverages without refrigeration. It was especially favored during the summer months to ward off heat and keep drinks cool. The combination of vinegar and sugar also allowed people to enjoy fruit flavors long after the harvest. Over the years, shrubs became less common, but in recent years, they have experienced a resurgence as part of the craft cocktail movement.

Regional Variations

While shrubs have roots in the Americas and Europe, the Strawberry Lime-Sage Shrub is a more modern take that incorporates local and seasonal ingredients. The addition of sage, a fragrant herb, brings an earthy twist to the traditionally sweet and tart shrub. This drink is particularly popular in North America, especially during summer when fresh strawberries and limes are in abundance. The use of lime gives this shrub a citrusy sharpness that complements the strawberry's sweetness, making it perfect for a refreshing outdoor drink.

Distinction from Similar Dishes

Unlike other fruit-based syrups or juices, the shrub includes vinegar, which provides a distinctive sharpness. This acidic element sets it apart from other beverages like lemonades or fruit punches. The vinegar in a shrub balances the sugar and brings out the brightness of the fruit, creating a more complex and bold flavor profile. Additionally, shrubs are often served as non-alcoholic beverages or mixers, making them versatile for both children and adults. The Strawberry Lime-Sage Shrub, with its fresh herbaceous note, is more layered than simpler fruit punches or soda-based drinks.

Common Places of Service

The Strawberry Lime-Sage Shrub is typically served at casual gatherings, garden parties, or BBQs, especially in warm weather. Its refreshing nature makes it an ideal drink for outdoor settings. It can be served as a non-alcoholic beverage or paired with spirits like gin or rum for a more festive drink. In upscale cocktail bars, this shrub may be used as a base for creative mixed drinks, giving bartenders the opportunity to showcase their mixology skills. You may also find it at farmers' markets or specialty shops, where it's sold as a homemade or artisanal product.

Interesting Facts

• In colonial America, shrubs were made with whatever fruit was in season, making them an early form of sustainability and food preservation.
• While shrubs fell out of fashion for a long time, they are now making a comeback, especially with the rise of craft cocktails and homemade drinks.
• The addition of sage to this shrub is a nod to its medicinal use in various cultures. Sage has long been used for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making this drink both refreshing and slightly beneficial for your health.
• In the past, shrubs were often mixed with water or alcohol, but today, the most common pairing is with soda water, giving the drink a fizzy, sparkling quality.

FAQ about Strawberry Lime-Sage Shrub Recipe