Description
This Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub is a vibrant, tangy syrup combining the bright flavors of blood orange with a smooth vanilla undertone. Made by gently simmering blood orange juice with sugar, then infused with apple cider vinegar and a vanilla bean, this shrub creates a balanced sweet-tart mixer perfect for refreshing drinks or cocktails. Its depth of flavor and natural ingredients make it an excellent homemade alternative to commercial syrups.
Ingredients
Scale
Blood Orange Vanilla Shrub
- 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)
Instructions
- Dissolve Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine the blood orange juice and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir gently and continuously for about 3 to 5 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- Add Vinegar and Vanilla Bean: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Add the split vanilla bean directly to the mixture to begin infusing its flavor.
- Cool Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool slightly at room temperature so it is safe to handle but still warm to enhance infusion.
- Steep Flavors: Pour the slightly cooled mixture into a clean glass jar, keeping the vanilla bean inside. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld fully.
- Strain Shrub: After steeping, remove the vanilla bean and strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids, resulting in a smooth syrup.
- Serve: Serve the shrub chilled over ice with sparkling water for a refreshing beverage, or use as a flavorful mixer in your favorite cocktails.
Notes
- You can adjust the consistency by adding up to 1/4 cup of water if the shrub is too thick.
- The shrub keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Use ripe, fresh blood oranges for the best vibrant flavor and color.
- For a non-alcoholic cocktail, mix 1-2 ounces of shrub with sparkling water and ice.
- Vanilla bean pods can be rinsed and reused for other infusions or recipes.
