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Strawberry Shrub aka “The Shelby”

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Need an NA alternative? Or, do you need to spritz up your afternoon cocktail? Check out my Strawberry Shrub. A shrub is a tart fruit syrup that dates back hundreds of years ago. It’s a combination made from fresh fruit, sugar, and vinegar.

Strawberry Shrub on virginiawillis.com

Food Waste Prevention

Prior to refrigeration, shrubs were a way to preserve the fruit harvest. Shrubs were popular in Colonial America, often mixed with water as a refreshing thirst quencher. (And, yes, they are good with vodka although back then I am sure they used rum.)

Making a fruit shrub is a great way to prevent food waste; I made this with some soft strawberries about to spoil.  Of course, you don’t want to use rotten fruit, but a few soft spots are fine. The result is a sweet, acidic base that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of mixed drinks.  Other fruits to consider are blueberries, blackberries, plums, peaches, and cherries. I love using soft fruit, but other herbs and spices can be used, as well.

Shrubs are easy. It’s loosey-goosey. Combine some fruit and add vinegar and sugar to taste. Simmer it a bit and let it steep. Sometimes I also simply use a cold maceration process, with no heat. One way or the other, strain it and you are good to go. It will keep in the refrigerator for a week or so. Delicious!

Steel Magnolias on virginiawillis.com

Steel Magnolias

I’ve named my shrub “The Shelby” in honor of Steel Magnolias — one of my favorite movies. Y’all remember the scene in Truvy’s Beauty Parlor. It’s not just pink! It might be blush or bashful.

Truvy (Dolly Parton)What are your colors, Shelby?

Shelby (Julia Roberts)They’re blush and bashful.

M’Lynn (Sally Field)Her colors are pink and pink.

ShelbyMy colors are blush and bashful, Mama.

M’LynnHow precious is this wedding gonna get, I ask you?

ShelbyMy colors are blush and bashful. I have chosen two shades of pink, one is much deeper than the other.

M’LynnBut the bridesmaids dresses, they are really beautiful.

ShelbyCeremony will be too. The walls are banked with sprays of flowers, and my two shades of blush and bashful. Pink carpets especially laid out for my service, and pink silk bunting, draped over anything that would stand still.

Strawberry Shrub on virginiawillis.com

 

I’m going to end with my absolute favorite quote from Steel Magnolias, “I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” Y’all take care.

Bon Appétit, Y’all!
Virginia Willis

 

strawberry shrub on virginiawillis.com

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Strawberry Shrub

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Course: Appetizer, beverage
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: cocktail, drink, food waste, mocktail, steel magnolias
Servings: 16
Calories: 29kcal

Ingredients

  • 8-10 strawberries halved (1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup sugar or to taste
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • Soda for serving, optional
  • Vodka for serving, optional
  • Mint for serving

Instructions

  • Place the strawberries, sugar, and vinegar in a bowl. (You can leave the stems and leaves on.) Mash with a potato masher. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Strain and transfer to a sealable glass container.
  • To serve, fill a glass with ice. Add a couple of tablespoons of shrub. Top with soda water, vodka -- or both. Garnish with mint. Think of Steel Magnolias and enjoy.
    Nutrition is for shrub only..

Nutrition

Calories: 29kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 0.04g | Fat: 0.04g | Saturated Fat: 0.001g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.1mg

 

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.

Virginia Willis

Georgia-born French-trained chef Virginia Willis has foraged for berries in the Alaskan wilderness, harvested capers in the shadow of a smoldering volcano in Sicily, and executed the food styling for a Super Bowl commercial seen by over 160 million people. Virginia is a Beard award-winning cookbook author, chef, content creator, and motivational speaker. She has lost 65# and kept it off for more than 3 years. Because of her own health journey, she is a cheerleader for others seeking to make lifestyle changes to feel healthier and happier. Her experience inspired her to launch “Good and Good for You” a lifestyle brand rooted in culinary that shares health and wellness content through digital channels; public speaking; and print media. Fans love her approachable spirit and friendly down-to-earth style. For more information visit virginiawillis.com

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