Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub. Oh, my dears, you simply *must* try this! Imagine a taste of sunshine and spice, all bundled up in a refreshing drink. That’s exactly what you get with this Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub! We’ve been whipping up this little gem every winter since Lucia discovered blood oranges at the local market. We think you will love this Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub Recipe
This blood orange shrub recipe is about more than just a delicious drink. It’s about bringing a little bit of that Italian warmth and sunshine into your kitchen, even when the New York winter winds are howling outside. It’s a simple recipe, perfect for using up those gorgeous citrus fruits that are in season.
Making vinegar drinks is a tradition that has been around for centuries, and for good reason. They are incredibly refreshing and offer a unique tartness that you just can’t get from other beverages. Think of this ginger shrub drink as healthy treat.
This citrus shrub is incredibly easy to make. All you need is a few simple ingredients, a little patience, and you’ll have a wonderful elixir to enjoy for weeks to come. It will take you back to memories of relaxing at the sea after a long boat ride. Don’t forget to try our Healing Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup for a little extra warmth during those cold days.
Ingredients Needed for This Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant shrub:
- Blood Oranges: 1 pound, about 4 medium, juiced (about 1 cup juice)
- Fresh Ginger: ½ cup, peeled and roughly chopped
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 cup (with “the Mother” for extra probiotic boost)
- Sparkling Water or Club Soda: To serve
How to Make This Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub Recipe
- 1. In a medium bowl, combine the blood orange juice, chopped ginger, and sugar.
- 2. Stir well until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Some sugar granules may remain, that’s okay!
- 3. Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar (like a mason jar).
- 4. Seal the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours, stirring 2-3 times a day. This will allow the sugar to fully dissolve and the flavors to meld.
- 5. After 24 hours, add the apple cider vinegar to the jar. Stir to combine.
- 6. Seal the jar again and refrigerate for at least 5 days, or up to 2 weeks. The longer it sits, the more complex and developed the flavor will become! We like letting it sit for at least a week. This process extract flavors like our 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Orange Marmalade Bbq.
- 7. Strain the shrub through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (if you have it) to remove the ginger solids. You can discard the solids, or use the candied ginger pieces in other treats.
- 8. Store the strained shrub liquid in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
- 9. To serve, mix 1-2 tablespoons of the blood orange & ginger shrub with about 8 ounces of sparkling water or club soda. Adjust the amount of shrub to your taste.
- 10. Garnish with a slice of blood orange and a sprig of rosemary, if desired.
How to Serve This Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub Recipe
This blood orange shrub recipe is incredibly versatile! You can serve it as a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, or use it as a mixer in cocktails.
- As a Mocktail: Simply mix the shrub with sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing drink. Garnish with a blood orange slice and a sprig of mint.
- In Cocktails: Add a splash of the shrub to your favorite gin, vodka, or rum cocktails for a tart and flavorful twist.
- With Food: This shrimp pairs well with spicy foods, grilled meats, or even cheeses. It also complements richer foods like our Healthy Orange Chicken recipe.
- Plating Idea: Serve in a pretty glass with ice, a blood orange slice, and a sprig of rosemary.
How to Store This Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store the strained blood orange & ginger shrub in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Shelf Life: It will keep for up to 1 month. The flavor may continue to develop over time.
- Freezing: We don’t recommend freezing the shrub, as it may affect the texture and flavor.
Tips to Make This Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The best flavor comes from using fresh, high-quality blood oranges and ginger.
- Don’t Rush the Process: Allowing the mixture to sit for several days in the refrigerator helps to develop the flavors.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter shrub, add more sugar. If you prefer a more tart shrub, add more vinegar.
- Infuse the Ginger: For a more intense ginger flavor, you can gently simmer the ginger in a small amount of water before adding it to the blood orange juice. Let it cool completely before proceeding with the recipe.
Helpful Notes for This Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub Recipe
- Blood Oranges: Blood oranges are in season during the winter months. If you can’t find blood oranges, you can substitute with regular oranges, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Using apple cider vinegar with “the Mother” will add a boost of probiotics to help your digestion. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with other vinegars, such as white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar, but the flavor will be different.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger is a key ingredient in this shrub. Do not use ground ginger, as it will not provide the same flavor.
Variation of This Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub Recipe
- Spicy Shrub: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herbal Shrub: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the mixture for a more complex flavor.
- Citrus Blend: Combine blood oranges with other citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or lemons, for a unique flavor profile.
What is a shrub drink?
A shrub is a concentrated syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar. It can be mixed with sparkling water or alcohol to create a refreshing beverage. Shrubs have been enjoyed for centuries as a way to preserve fruit harvests.
What are the benefits of drinking a shrub?
Shrubs can offer some health benefits, especially due to the vinegar content, which may aid digestion. The fruit provides vitamins and antioxidants, making it a flavorful and potentially healthful treat when consumed in moderation.
How long does blood orange & ginger shrub last?
When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, a blood orange and ginger shrub can last for several weeks to a couple of months. The vinegar acts as a preservative, extending its shelf life.
Can I use other types of oranges for this shrub recipe?
Yes, while blood oranges offer a unique flavor and color, you can substitute with other orange varieties like navel oranges or tangerines. Keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly depending on the type of orange used.
Blood Orange & Ginger Shrub: The Easiest Probiotic Mocktail
- Total Time: 5 days
- Yield: About 2 cups shrub 1x
Description
A refreshing and flavorful blood orange shrub recipe with a zing of fresh ginger, perfect as a probiotic mocktail or cocktail mixer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound blood oranges, about 4 medium, juiced (about 1 cup juice)
- ½ cup fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (with “the Mother”)
- Sparkling water or club soda, to serve
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the blood orange juice, chopped ginger, and sugar.
- Stir well until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar (like a mason jar).
- Seal the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours, stirring 2-3 times a day.
- After 24 hours, add the apple cider vinegar to the jar. Stir to combine.
- Seal the jar again and refrigerate for at least 5 days, or up to 2 weeks.
- Strain the shrub through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (if you have it) to remove the ginger solids.
- Store the strained shrub liquid in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
- To serve, mix 1-2 tablespoons of the shrub with about 8 ounces of sparkling water or club soda.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange and a sprig of rosemary, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: blood orange shrub, ginger shrub drink, vinegar drinks, probiotic mocktails, citrus shrub
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