We absolutely love how a simple Plum Shrub recipe brings bold flavors to your table blending juicy plums with tangy vinegar for a refreshing twist. Originating from colonial American traditions this drink isn’t just a thirst-quencher—it’s a vibrant way to preserve summer’s bounty and elevate your mixology game.
We’re excited to share our take on this easy-to-make delight that’s perfect for cocktails or mocktails. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening it’s a versatile staple that’ll impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
To craft our refreshing Plum Shrub, we gather high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of summer fruits and tangy flavors. These components, rooted in colonial traditions, ensure a balanced mix of sweetness and acidity for an impressive drink.
We’ll list the ingredients in the order we use them, with precise measurements and prep notes for accuracy:
- Fresh plums: 1 pound (about 4-5 medium plums), washed, pitted, and chopped – These form the base of our Plum Shrub, providing juicy, vibrant flavor that preserves summer’s best.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup – We use this to draw out the natural juices from the plums, creating a syrupy infusion that enhances the drink’s sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 cup – Added next for its tangy profile, this vinegar balances the sweetness and acts as a natural preservative in our Plum Shrub mixture.
- Water: 1 cup (optional) – If we need to adjust consistency, we incorporate this to dilute the shrub slightly, making it versatile for cocktails or mocktails.
For optimal results, we recommend sourcing organic plums when available, as their freshness directly impacts the final taste of our Plum Shrub. Always measure ingredients precisely to maintain the recipe’s authentic balance.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh plums, sugar, and vinegar, we guide you through creating a vibrant Plum Shrub that captures the essence of summer in every sip. Let’s transform these simple ingredients into a tangy, refreshing concentrate perfect for cocktails and mocktails.
Prep the Plums
First, we select 1 pound of fresh plums—preferably organic for their superior sweetness and flavor—and rinse them under cool water to remove any dirt. We then pit and chop the plums into small pieces, ensuring they release their juicy essence easily during infusion. This step sets the foundation, allowing the natural tartness and vibrant color of the plums to shine through.
Infuse the Mixture
Next, we combine the chopped plums with 1 cup of granulated sugar in a clean bowl, stirring vigorously until the sugar coats the fruit and begins to draw out its juices, creating a syrupy base. We cover the mixture and let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours, occasionally stirring to enhance the infusion—envision the enticing aroma of ripening plums mingling with the sugar’s sweetness. After this, we add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar (and 1 cup of water if needed for a milder tang), stirring well to blend, then refrigerate for another 24 hours to fully develop the flavors into a harmonious, zesty concentrate.
Strain the Shrub
Finally, we line a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl and pour the infused mixture through it, gently pressing the solids to extract every drop of the rich, flavorful liquid. We discard the pulp, leaving behind a clear Plum Shrub syrup that boasts a bold, tangy-sweet profile with hints of summer fruit. For best results, store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to two weeks, ready to elevate your drinks.
Equipment Needed
To seamlessly prepare our Plum Shrub recipe, we recommend gathering essential tools that ensure precision and efficiency in every step. This helps us achieve the perfect balance of flavors while minimizing hassle.
Basic Tools
For prepping and mixing ingredients, here’s a curated list of must-have items:
- Cutting board and sharp knife: We use these to rinse, pit, and chop the fresh plums accurately, releasing their juicy essence for optimal infusion.
- Measuring cups: Essential for precisely measuring 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, maintaining the recipe’s authentic tang and sweetness.
- Large mixing bowl: This holds the chopped plums and sugar mixture, allowing us to create a syrupy base that infuses beautifully over 24-48 hours.
Infusion and Storage Essentials
Once the base is ready, these tools handle the infusion, straining, and storage processes:
- Glass jar or airtight container: We rely on this for combining the plum-sugar mixture with vinegar and refrigerating it, preserving summer flavors for up to two weeks.
- Fine-mesh strainer: Crucial for straining the infused mixture to yield a clear, vibrant syrup ready for cocktails or mocktails.
- Spoon or spatula: Used for stirring the ingredients, ensuring even distribution and full flavor development.
| Equipment Item | Quantity for 1 Batch | Quantity for 4 Batches |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting board and knife | 1 set | 1 set |
| Measuring cups | 1 set | 1 set |
| Large mixing bowl | 1 | 2 |
| Glass jar | 1 (1-quart size) | 4 (1-quart size each) |
| Fine-mesh strainer | 1 | 1 |
| Spoon or spatula | 1 | 2 |
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Plum Shrub recipe is its flexibility for preparation in advance, allowing us to capture peak summer flavors while simplifying our mixology routines. By planning ahead, we ensure the shrub’s tangy sweetness develops fully, making it ready to elevate cocktails or mocktails whenever we need a refreshing twist.
Preparing the Infusion in Advance
To maximize flavor infusion without last-minute rushes, we recommend starting the process 24 to 48 hours before use. Here’s how we break it down:
- Step 1: After prepping the plums as outlined in our earlier instructions—rinsing, pitting, and chopping them—combine the chopped plums with 1 cup of granulated sugar in a large glass jar. This creates the initial syrupy base that draws out the fruit’s juices.
- Step 2: Seal the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for the full infusion period. Stir the mixture once every 12 hours to promote even extraction, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves and the plums release their vibrant essence.
- Step 3: Once the infusion is complete, add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to the jar. If we need to adjust consistency, incorporate the optional 1 cup of water at this stage. Stir thoroughly, then transfer the mixture to the refrigerator to halt fermentation and enhance the tangy profile.
Storage and Scaling Tips
For longer-term make-ahead strategies, we can prepare batches that last up to two weeks, building on the equipment and quantities we discussed previously. This approach is ideal for gatherings or stocking our pantry.
| Batch Size | Storage Duration | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Single (1x recipe) | Up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator | Use an airtight container to preserve freshness; check for any signs of spoilage like off odors before use. |
| Double (2x recipe) | Up to 2 weeks | Scale ingredients proportionally—e.g., 2 pounds of plums and 2 cups of sugar—and divide into multiple jars for easier management. |
| Triple (3x recipe) | Up to 2 weeks | Ideal for events; ensure you have enough jars and monitor infusion times to avoid over-extraction, which can dull flavors. |
By following these steps, we keep our Plum Shrub vibrant and ready, allowing us to focus on creative drink pairings without the hassle.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring this Plum Shrub recipe and how it brings fresh flavors to your drinks. It’s a simple way to capture summer’s essence and impress at any gathering.
As we wrap up, remember that mastering this staple lets us elevate everyday moments with ease. We’re confident you’ll enjoy experimenting and making it your own—here’s to crafting memorable sips!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Plum Shrub?
A Plum Shrub is a refreshing, tangy drink syrup rooted in colonial American traditions. It combines fresh plums with sugar and vinegar to preserve summer flavors, perfect for enhancing cocktails, mocktails, or even sodas. This versatile staple adds a fruity twist to beverages, making it ideal for gatherings or quiet evenings.
What ingredients are needed for a Plum Shrub?
You’ll need 1 pound of fresh, organic plums, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. An optional cup of water can adjust consistency. Using high-quality ingredients ensures the best flavor balance, capturing the essence of ripe plums and tangy vinegar for an authentic taste.
How do I make a Plum Shrub?
Start by rinsing, pitting, and chopping 1 pound of plums. Mix with 1 cup sugar in a bowl and let it infuse for 24-48 hours to create a syrup. Add 1 cup apple cider vinegar, stir, and refrigerate. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer for a clear syrup. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
What equipment is required to prepare Plum Shrub?
You’ll need basic tools like a cutting board and sharp knife for prepping plums, measuring cups for accurate portions, a large mixing bowl for the syrup base, a glass jar for infusion, and a fine-mesh strainer for straining. These ensure efficiency and help scale batches easily for single or multiple servings.
Can I make Plum Shrub ahead of time?
Yes, Plum Shrub is perfect for advance prep. Combine chopped plums and sugar in a sealed jar, let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours while stirring occasionally, then add vinegar and refrigerate. This allows flavors to develop fully, making it ready for use in drinks without last-minute effort.
How long does Plum Shrub last?
Plum Shrub can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container. For best results, use it within the first week when flavors are most vibrant. Proper storage helps maintain its freshness for adding a burst of summer taste to your favorite beverages.
What can I use Plum Shrub for?
Plum Shrub is a versatile mixer for cocktails, mocktails, sodas, or even dressings. Mix it with spirits like gin or vodka for a fruity twist, or dilute with sparkling water for a non-alcoholic refresher. It’s great for impressing guests at parties or enjoying solo on warm evenings.