Name: Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 24 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup blood orange juice (from about 4–5 medium blood oranges); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; 1/4 cup water (optional, to adjust consistency)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.1 from 70 reviews

If you’re looking to brighten up your beverage game with a burst of tangy, sweet, and subtly creamy flavor, the Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful shrub strikes a perfect balance between the bold, citrusy juice of blood oranges and the warm, aromatic notes of vanilla, all rounded off by the crisp acidity of apple cider vinegar. It’s refreshing, versatile, and just the right kind of zing to elevate both mocktails and cocktails alike. Once you whip up this syrupy elixir, you’ll find it’s an instant favorite for sipping on its own with sparkling water or mixing into your favorite drinks for a complex yet approachable flavor punch.

blood orange juice in a clear glass measuring cup showing deep red-orange hue, whole and halved blood oranges with vibrant red flesh and bright orange rind, a small glass bowl of granulated white sugar sparkling in light, a rustic bottle or jar of amber apple cider vinegar with a subtle reflective surface, a split vanilla bean pod laid open to reveal tiny black seeds on a smooth white surface, a small clear bowl of water with light reflections, all ingredients carefully spaced and artistically arranged on a clean white background with natural soft daylight creating gentle shadows and highlights, subtle green leaves or a neutral linen napkin as minimal props for contrast, textures ranging from smooth glass and glossy fruit skin to fine sugar crystals and delicate vanilla seeds emphasized, overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub Recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting its layered taste and gorgeous color. These simple pantry staples are easy to find, yet when combined, they produce something truly magical.

Blood orange juice: The star ingredient providing vibrant color and a uniquely sweet-tart citrus flavor that sets this shrub apart.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture just enough to balance the acidity while helping to develop a syrupy texture.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a sharp, tangy kick that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the brightness.
Vanilla bean: Infuses the shrub with warm, floral undertones that soften the edges of citrus and vinegar, making every sip silky smooth.
Water (optional): Helps adjust consistency if you prefer a lighter shrub or a less intense flavor.

How to Make Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub Recipe

Step 1: Dissolve the Sugar in Blood Orange Juice

Start by combining the fresh blood orange juice and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until all the sugar granules have completely melted, which usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because dissolving the sugar evenly helps create a smooth base for your shrub’s bright, syrupy body.

Step 2: Add Apple Cider Vinegar and Vanilla Bean

Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the apple cider vinegar along with the split vanilla bean. The vinegar’s acidity will brighten the juice’s sweetness, while the vanilla bean slowly infuses delights into the mix, mellowing the sharp notes.

Step 3: Cool and Transfer to a Jar

Allow the mixture to cool slightly, so it’s safe to handle. Then pour it carefully into a clean glass jar, making sure the vanilla bean remains submerged to continue infusing flavor. This infusion step unleashes those rich vanilla nuances that add depth to every drop of your shrub.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Steep for 24 Hours

Seal the jar and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This resting time is where the magic happens—the flavors meld together, and the acidity softens, resulting in a well-rounded, aromatic shrub that’s bursting with complexity.

Step 5: Strain the Mixture

Once your shrub has steeped, remove the vanilla bean and strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to filter out any remaining solids. What you get is a beautifully clear, vibrantly hued syrup that’s ready to delight your palate.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it chilled over ice with sparkling water for a refreshing, non-alcoholic treat or use it as a dynamic mixer in your favorite cocktails to add layers of flavor and brightness.

How to Serve Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub Recipe

Garnishes

Adding the right garnish can turn a simple shrub drink into a stunning presentation. Think thin slices of blood orange tucked inside the glass or a twist of orange peel to highlight the citrus notes. A small vanilla bean pod or a sprig of fresh mint adds both aroma and visual appeal, upping the experience with every sip.

Side Dishes

This shrub pairs wonderfully with light and fresh dishes. Try serving it alongside seafood appetizers like shrimp ceviche or grilled scallops, where the citrus and vinegar components in the shrub complement the briny flavors brilliantly. It also works well with mild cheeses, fresh salads, or even a crispy baguette with herb butter for a simple yet elegant snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, consider turning this shrub into a signature cocktail or mocktail bar option. Offer guests sparkling water, soda, or their choice of spirits alongside your Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub so they can customize their drinks. You can also freeze it into artisan ice cubes that slowly release flavor as they melt—perfect for impressing your guests in the most delicious way possible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This shrub keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container. Its vinegar content helps preserve it, but be sure to give the jar a quick shake before each use as some settling might occur. This means you can prepare your Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub Recipe well ahead of time and always have a flavorful mixer on hand.

Freezing

If you want to keep your shrub for longer or create frozen treats, freezing is an option. Pour the shrub into ice cube trays or small airtight containers and freeze for up to two months. These frozen cubes are perfect for dropping into drinks to slowly release that bright citrus and vanilla flavor as they melt.

Reheating

While shrubs are typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, you can gently warm the mixture if you want a cozy, warm beverage during colder months. Heat it gradually on the stove, stirring occasionally until it’s warm but not boiling. This method brings out the comforting vanilla notes and softens the acidity nicely.

FAQs

What exactly is a shrub?

A shrub is a concentrated syrup made from fruit juice, sugar, and vinegar. It has roots in colonial American cooking as a way to preserve fruit but today it’s making a comeback as a flavorful mixer for drinks, combining sweet, tart, and acidic flavors all in one.

Can I use regular orange juice instead of blood orange?

Yes, you can substitute regular orange juice, but keep in mind the color will be less vibrant and the flavor slightly different. Blood oranges have a unique berry-like sweetness and deeper color that really make this shrub stand out.

How long should I let the shrub steep?

At minimum, 24 hours in the fridge is ideal to let the flavors meld fully, but for an even richer depth of flavor, you can let it steep up to 3 days. Just make sure the vanilla bean stays immersed.

Is the apple cider vinegar taste strong?

The vinegar is noticeable but pleasantly balanced by the sugar and citrus. It gives the shrub its characteristic tang and brightness without overwhelming the other flavors. Adjust the amount to your taste if you prefer it milder.

Can I use this shrub in cocktails?

Absolutely! This Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub Recipe is fantastic as a cocktail ingredient, pairing well with gin, vodka, tequila, or rum. It adds a complex mix of sweet, tart, and aromatic notes that elevate any drink.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about crafting your own Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub Recipe at home. It’s simple to make, incredibly versatile, and brings that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and vanilla-rich flavors that can brighten up any beverage occasion. Whether you’re mixing up a refreshing spritz or creating an imaginative cocktail, this shrub is destined to become your new secret weapon for delicious drinks. Give it a try and watch your taste buds dance!