Mulberry Shrub

Another mulberry recipe? What can I say, I'm in love with mulberries. They are the one berry that thrives in ABQ's hot, dry climate - they're like blackberries, on a tree! 

You can make jam or all kinds of other sweet treats with them, but one of my favorite ways to enjoy them all summer is in a “drinking vinegar” or “shrub”. This is an old-fashioned way to preserve fruit, which is actually very trendy right now! The key here is to use really good vinegar, not white vinegar, or “apple cider flavored” vinegar.

1 cup water

1 cup real apple cider vinegar (such as Bragg's)

1/2 cup white sugar

1 1/2 cups mulberries

Shake all ingredients in an airtight non-metal container, then chill at least 4 hours and up to 1 week. 

Strain out the solids, pressing to get all the juice, and return to the container. This will keep for many months. To serve, just splash some into a tall glass of fizzy water, to taste.

This summer, I plan to try this mixed in cocktails with gin or maybe even whiskey! Of course, vodka is a safe bet, but why be cautious?