If you’re searching for a refreshingly tangy and uniquely flavorful drink, this Vanilla Plum Shrub Recipe is a delightful gem to try. Blending the natural sweetness of ripe plums with the warm, aromatic complexity of vanilla and the bright acidity of apple cider vinegar, this shrub offers a perfectly balanced sip that can be enjoyed on its own or spruced up as a cocktail mixer. Whether you want to share a non-alcoholic beverage with friends or impress guests with a sophisticated cocktail, this recipe is a versatile and delicious addition to your kitchen arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Vanilla Plum Shrub Recipe starts with a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in creating a beautifully balanced and vibrant flavor. From the fruit’s natural sugars to the vinegary tang and the warm vanilla notes, everything comes together seamlessly to elevate your taste buds.
- 6 plums, pitted and roughly chopped: Fresh, juicy plums bring sweetness and a rich, fruity base that’s essential for this shrub.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like richness, helping to mellow the tartness of the vinegar.
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped, pod reserved: Brings a fragrant, creamy warmth that beautifully complements the plums.
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar, unfiltered: The star acidic component that brightens the flavors and gives the shrub its signature punch.
- 12-20 ounces club soda: Perfect for diluting the shrub, it adds bubbles that bring a refreshing lightness to the drink.
How to Make Vanilla Plum Shrub Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Plum and Sugar Mixture
Place your roughly chopped plums into a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Stir in the brown sugar and the scraped vanilla bean seeds, then use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to mash everything together so the plum juices begin to release and mix with the sugar. Don’t forget to add the reserved vanilla pod to the jar for an extra infusion of flavor as the shrub develops.
Step 2: Heat and Add Vinegar
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, gently bring the apple cider vinegar to a simmer. This step helps mellow the vinegar’s sharpness without boiling off its bright acidity. Once simmering, pour the warm vinegar over the plum and sugar mixture, seal the jar tightly, and give it a good shake to combine all the ingredients well.
Step 3: Refrigerate and Infuse
Place the sealed jar in the refrigerator and let it infuse for at least 24 hours. If you have patience, you can leave it for up to a week to develop deeper, more complex flavors. The longer it rests, the more the plum, vanilla, and vinegar flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
When you’re ready to serve, strain out the solids through a fine mesh sieve or a cheesecloth. Press gently on the fruit to extract as much of the syrupy shrub liquid as possible. This vibrant, tangy syrup is now your homemade vanilla plum shrub, ready to transform your drinks.
Step 5: Mix and Enjoy
To serve, mix equal parts of your vanilla plum shrub with club soda over ice. You can adjust the proportions depending on whether you want a stronger or lighter drink. For an adult twist, add your favorite spirit and watch this shrub shine as a cocktail star!
How to Serve Vanilla Plum Shrub Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Vanilla Plum Shrub Recipe remarkably. Try adding a thin slice of fresh plum or a sprig of fresh mint. These not only add visual appeal but also complement the fruity, herbal notes of the shrub beautifully. A twist of lemon peel can also brighten and enhance the drink’s complexity for a sophisticated touch.
Side Dishes
This tangy and refreshing shrub pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Think fresh salads with citrus vinaigrettes, grilled chicken or pork, or even light seafood dishes. The acidic brightness of the shrub refreshes the palate, making it perfect alongside richer or spiced foods that need a clean, crisp drink to balance them out.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your Vanilla Plum Shrub Recipe in a beautiful glass bottle with a handwritten label for a charming homemade gift? Or freeze it into ice cubes to add a flavorful chill to your drinks without dilution. You can even turn the shrub into a delightful granita for a refreshing summer treat that highlights all the wonderful plum and vanilla notes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve strained your shrub, keep it refrigerated in a sealed glass container. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy on demand or give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Freezing
If you want to extend the shelf life or make ready-to-use portions, freezing your vanilla plum shrub is an excellent option. Use ice cube trays or small containers, and freeze until solid. Thaw in the refrigerator before mixing with soda or spirits for easy, on-the-go servings.
Reheating
Generally, shrubs are served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you want to use the shrub as a warm syrup for desserts or teas, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate flavors of vanilla and plum.
FAQs
What exactly is a shrub, and how is it different from a syrup?
A shrub is essentially a vinegar-based syrup often infused with fruit and sweeteners. Unlike a simple syrup, the vinegar in a shrub adds an acidic brightness that balances sweetness, making it a complex and refreshing beverage base.
Can I use other types of vinegar for this recipe?
Apple cider vinegar is preferred because of its mild and slightly fruity flavor, which complements the plums and vanilla beautifully. However, you can experiment with white wine or rice vinegar for different flavor profiles, just keep the vinegar mild and not too harsh.
How long can I store the Vanilla Plum Shrub Recipe once made?
When stored properly in the refrigerator in a sealed container, your shrub can last up to two weeks. The flavor often deepens with time, so giving it a day or two before using it is ideal.
Is this recipe suitable for kids and non-drinkers?
Absolutely! Since the shrub is essentially a fruit vinegar syrup, mixing it with club soda creates a delicious, non-alcoholic beverage perfect for all ages. For adults, simply add your choice of spirit if desired.
Can I make this shrub with other fruits instead of plums?
Definitely! Shrubs are incredibly versatile. Try berries, peaches, or even citrus fruits as a substitute. Just keep the proportions consistent and adjust the steeping time depending on the fruit’s juiciness and flavor intensity.
Final Thoughts
Making the Vanilla Plum Shrub Recipe at home is a wonderful way to explore new, refreshing flavors while tapping into the timeless tradition of shrub-making. It’s simple, rewarding, and endlessly versatile. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy plums, whether it’s a sunny afternoon mocktail or a chic cocktail at your next gathering.
PrintVanilla Plum Shrub Recipe
This refreshing Vanilla Plum Shrub is a versatile fruit vinegar syrup made from ripe plums, brown sugar, vanilla bean, and apple cider vinegar. It can be enjoyed as a tangy, lightly sweetened beverage with club soda for all ages or mixed with spirits to create delightful cocktails for adults. The shrub offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and aromatic flavors, making it a unique and flavorful drink base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups of shrub syrup
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Fruit and Sweetener
- 6 plums, pitted and roughly chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped, pod reserved
Vinegar and Serving
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar, unfiltered
- 12–20 ounces club soda
Instructions
- Mash the Fruit: Place the pitted and roughly chopped plums into a glass jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Stir in the brown sugar and scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the jar. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, mash the plums thoroughly until the fruit is well incorporated with the sugar. Add the reserved vanilla bean pod to the jar.
- Heat the Vinegar: In a small saucepan, set over medium-high heat, gently bring the unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a gentle simmer, ensuring it does not boil vigorously.
- Combine and Infuse: Pour the warmed vinegar over the plum and sugar mixture in the jar. Seal the jar tightly with its lid and shake it a couple of times to mix the ingredients well.
- Refrigerate and Develop Flavor: Place the sealed jar in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours or up to one week. The longer the shrub infuses, the deeper and more developed the flavor will become.
- Strain the Mixture: Once the desired infusion time has been reached, strain the fruit mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, pressing gently to extract all liquid and flavor while discarding the solids.
- Serve: To serve, mix equal parts of the strained vanilla plum shrub with club soda over ice. Adjust the amount of club soda to your taste for a lighter or stronger drink. For an adult cocktail, add your preferred spirit.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm plums for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Unfiltered apple cider vinegar contributes a richer flavor compared to filtered versions.
- The shrub can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste depending on the sweetness of your plums.
- Vanilla bean pods can be reused to flavor sugar or saved for infusing other liquids.
