Berry Shrub Recipe

Summer may be over, but you can still enjoy a nice cold shrub.  Old fashioned drinks of all kinds are making a come-back, and a shrub is one that should be better known.  A shrub, also known as a drinkable vinegar, is a tart and sugary beverage made with berries and herbs.  This recipe has two parts–first make a sweet berry vinegar, then make a berry shrub: 4 qt. raspberries or strawberries, cleaned but not washed 2 qt. cider vinegar Add the vinegar to the berries (a gallon jar works well) and allow to stand for 24 hours.  Strain and measure the resulting liquid.  Add 1.5 lb sugar for each quart of liquid, and boil gently for 30 minutes.  Skim and allow to cool.  Pour into sterilized bottles and cap for future use in beverages. To prepare Berry Shrub, put 3 tablespoons of the vinegar into an iced tea glass, fill with ice, and add water or club soda.  Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve with a straw. Alaska Northwest Books. 1982. Alaska Wild Berry Guide & Cookbook. Graphic Arts Center Publishing Co, Seattle, WA.