Searching for creative holiday drinks to share with friends and family? Whether mixed with soda water or used to create your favorite cocktail, homemade simple syrups and drinking shrubs can add a unique flare to your holiday event.
While many are familiar with simple syrups, the term shrubs tends to lead people to think of garden bushes instead of a vinegar-based fruit syrups. Drinking shrubs originated in the 1600’s when vinegar was commonly used to preserve fruits. Historically recipes involve infusing berries and other fruits in vinegar for twenty-four hours to several days. Once the fruit is strained honey or sugar is added and the liquid is reduced to a syrup.
Simple syrups and shrubs provide opportunities to play with flavors and create unique combinations like apple/lavender and ginger/pear/rosemary which compliment holiday favorites such as baked brie, antipasto platters, and bacon wrapped dates.
For those wanting to try their hand at this art, Kaleena Goldsworth and Sara Keith from The Flying Squirrel will teach a workshop this Saturday, at Crabtree Farms from 1-3 p.m. During this two hour workshop the process of making simple syrups and shrubs will be demystified. Participants will leave knowing how to wow their friends with easy signature drinks made from their own simple syrup and shrub infusions featuring local in season ingredients.
For more information visit the Crabtree Farms website at www.crabtreefarms.org.