Black Currant Drinking Vinegar

This Black Currant Shrub is a vibrant, tangy-sweet drinking vinegar that perfectly captures the essence of ripe fruit. It serves as a refreshing mixer for cocktails and sodas, or as a zesty addition to simple sparkling water, offering a sophisticated balance of tartness and sweetness.

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With a total time of 3 days to allow the flavors to fully meld, this easy-to-make mixer yields approximately 2 cups. The process involves macerating fresh or frozen currants in sugar to extract their deep red-violet juices before balancing the syrup with crisp vinegar.

Ingredients

• Fruit: 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen black currants, rinsed and stemmed
• Sugar: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• Vinegar: 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar

Instructions

Step 1

In a bowl or jar, combine black currants and sugar. Stir well, lightly mashing the berries to release juices.

Step 2

Cover and refrigerate for 24–48 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the fruit juices are released.

Step 3

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.

Step 4

Pour the fruit syrup into a clean jar. Add the vinegar and stir to combine.

Step 5

Seal and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 6

To serve, mix 1–2 tablespoons shrub with still or sparkling water, or use as a cocktail mixer. Adjust to taste.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using a muddler helps to effectively release the currant juices during the initial stir. For an exceptionally smooth shrub, consider straining the mixture twice to ensure all solids are removed. Ensure you have a storage bottle or jar ready for the final refrigeration step.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can customize the flavor by using honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. The choice of vinegar also impacts the profile: red wine vinegar yields a deeper, more robust flavor, while apple cider vinegar provides a milder, fruitier finish.

Serviervorschläge

Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of the shrub into chilled sparkling water for a refreshing homemade soda. It also functions as an excellent cocktail component. Each 1-tablespoon serving contains approximately 28 calories and 7g of carbohydrates.

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Enjoy the complex and refreshing taste of this homemade black currant shrub. Whether serving it at a gathering or enjoying a quiet soda at home, it is a versatile addition to your beverage repertoire.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is a shrub?

A shrub is a concentrated syrup made from fruit, sugar, and vinegar that has been used for centuries as a refreshing beverage base and natural preservative.

→ How long does black currant shrub last?

Properly stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, black currant shrub will keep for up to three months while maintaining its flavor and quality.

→ Can I use other vinegars?

Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with red wine vinegar for deeper flavor, white wine vinegar for lighter notes, or champagne vinegar for subtle elegance.

→ What can I mix shrub with?

Mix 1-2 tablespoons with sparkling or still water for refreshment, add to cocktails for depth, blend into lemonades, or drizzle over fresh fruit and desserts.

→ Can I use frozen currants?

Frozen black currants work perfectly and may even release juices more readily during maceration. Simply thaw and use as you would fresh berries.