Elderberry Downes Recipe

Elderberry Shrub

A tangy, fruity drinking vinegar made with prepared elderberry juice, apple cider vinegar, lemon, and a touch of sweetness. Mix it with sparkling water for a refreshing shrub drink, or use it in cocktails, mocktails, dressings, and glazes.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Rest Time 24 hours

Makes About 3 cups

Homemade elderberry shrub drinking vinegar in a glass bottle

A Quick Note Before You Start

A shrub is a drinking vinegar that is usually mixed with sparkling water, still water, or used in cocktails and mocktails. This recipe starts with prepared elderberry juice, so the elderberries have already been cooked or processed.

Ingredients

2 cups prepared elderberry juice
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup honey or sugar, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: 1 cinnamon stick
Optional: 2 whole cloves
Optional: small slice of fresh ginger

For Serving

1 to 2 tablespoons elderberry shrub
1 cup sparkling water or still water
Ice
Lemon slice, optional
Fresh mint, optional

Instructions

Add the prepared elderberry juice, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and optional spices to a small saucepan.
Warm gently over medium-low heat. Do not bring to a hard boil.
Stir in the honey or sugar until fully dissolved.
Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to blend the flavours.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
Strain out the cinnamon stick, cloves, or ginger if used.
Pour into a clean glass bottle or jar.
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using for best flavour.
To serve, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of shrub to a glass with ice and top with sparkling water. Stir and garnish with lemon or mint if desired.

Storage

Store elderberry shrub in a clean bottle or jar in the refrigerator. Use within 3 to 4 weeks. Shake well before using.

How to Use It

Mix with sparkling water
Add to lemonade
Use in mocktails or cocktails
Whisk into salad dressings
Use as a tangy glaze base

Recipe Notes

For a sweeter shrub, add more honey or sugar. For a sharper, more vinegar-forward shrub, reduce the sweetener slightly. Start with a small amount in drinks and adjust to taste.