Spiced Citrus Shrub Cocktail Recipe “Sunshine in a Glass”

Hello everyone, Austin Carter welcomes you to Beyond the Bayou Blog to serve you the delicious recipes you usually desire. One such zesty cocktail recipe is here among us which is going to fill you with enthusiasm: Spiced Citrus Shrub Cocktail.

Citrus season is in full effect and I am celebrating with some local citrus I received from one of my favorite shops in Downtown Mckinney. It’s only fitting I make one of my favorite things, a shrub! A refreshing concentrated syrup that contains your fruit of choice, sugar, and vinegar. They are perfectly mixed into cocktails and also with club soda.

The great thing about shrubs and cooking in general is for the most part it is about preference. Want to know the best part? You can store it for a long period in your refrigerator and can revive its taste in a few simple steps. And here you go with your favorite drink in the evenings when you don’t have enough energy to make something from scratch. Just pair it with snacks like Mustard Pickled Deviled Eggs and Irish Sausage Rolls and you are ready to celebrate.

What Is Spiced Citrus Shrub Cocktail?

A Spiced Citrus Shrub Cocktail is a flavorful drink made by combining a spiced citrus shrub syrup with alcohol, such as rum or gin, and other ingredients like soda water or fruit juice. The shrub syrup adds tangy and aromatic flavors from oranges, spices, sugar, and vinegar. It’s like a zesty, fizzy, and refreshing concoction that tantalizes your taste buds with a balance of sweetness and tanginess. Perfect for sipping on a hot day or as a unique twist to your cocktail lineup, the Spiced Citrus Shrub Cocktail is sure to delight with its vibrant and complex flavors.

Overview: How To Make Spiced Citrus Shrub Cocktail?

Hey everyone! I’m thrilled to share my Spiced Citrus Shrub recipe with you—it’s a game-changer for drinks! Picture this: zesty oranges, aromatic spices like cloves and cinnamon, a hint of sweetness from cane sugar, and a touch of tangy coconut vinegar. It’s like a flavor explosion in every sip!

Here’s how it goes down: first, we toast those spices until they smell divine. Then, we mix them with chopped oranges, sugar, and vanilla, and let them mingle overnight. The next day, we add coconut vinegar bit by bit until it’s just right—taste testing is a must! After another day of chill time in the fridge, we strain it, and boom—your homemade shrub is ready to shine.

When you’re ready to enjoy, just add a splash to sparkling water or club soda. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, sit back, and sip on that refreshing goodness. It’s the perfect way to add a burst of flavor to any drink, at any time.

Cheers to homemade happiness in a glass! If you really loved this one, just give Spiced Pear Old Fashioned a try as well.

Variations and Substitutions!

1. Citrus Variations:
   • Instead of using only oranges, try incorporating a mix of citrus fruits like grapefruits, lemons, or limes for a more complex citrus flavor profile.
2. Spice Enhancements:
   • Experiment with additional spices like cardamom pods, ginger slices, or a pinch of nutmeg to add layers of aromatic depth to the shrub.
3. Sweetener Options:
   • Swap cane sugar with alternative sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a different flavor twist. Adjust the quantity to taste.
4. Vinegar Alternatives:
   • If you don’t have coconut vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar for unique flavor nuances.
5. Herbal Infusions:
   • Consider infusing the shrub with fresh herbs like mint leaves, basil, or rosemary during the resting period for added herbal notes.
6. Alcohol Infusion:
   • For a boozy twist, infuse the shrub with a splash of rum, gin, or vodka before serving. This adds complexity and a hint of spirit to the drink.
7. Fruit Additions:
   • Add diced fruits like strawberries, pineapple, or peaches to the shrub mixture for a fruity variation. Let them infuse along with the oranges for added flavor.
8. Serving Suggestions:
   • Instead of sparkling water or club soda, try mixing the shrub syrup into cocktails like margaritas, mojitos, or spritzers for unique and flavorful beverages.

What to Serve with Spiced Citrus Shrub?

• Roasted Vegetables 
• Crawfish Hushpuppies
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Air Fryer Shrimp
• Ultimate Meatball Slider
• Succotash Recipe

Storing And Managing Leftovers!

1. Cooling Before Storing: Once you’ve made the Spiced Citrus Shrub and enjoyed your refreshing drinks, allow any leftover shrub to cool down to room temperature before storing.
2. Container Selection: Choose an airtight container that is suitable for storing liquids. Glass jars or bottles with tight-sealing lids work well for this purpose.
3. Straining Before Storing: If there are any remaining solid pieces of spices or fruit in the shrub, strain the mixture again before transferring it to the storage container. This helps keep the shrub smooth and free of any unwanted bits.
4. Refrigeration: Store the Spiced Citrus Shrub in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and flavors. The cold temperature helps preserve the shrub for a longer period.
5. Labeling and Date: Consider labeling the container with the date when the shrub was made. This can help you keep track of its freshness and know when it’s time to use it up.
6. Usage Timeline: While the shrub can last for several weeks when stored properly in the fridge, it’s best to use it within a month or so to enjoy its optimal flavor.
7. Refreshing Drinks: When you’re ready to use the leftover shrub, simply add it to sparkling water or club soda as before. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences and enjoy your homemade flavored drinks!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)