Rosario

 

This month's cocktail is all about shrubs. Shrubs are great for mocktails, cocktails, and have some great health benefits at the same time. Shrubs- also known as a “drinking vinegar” is a sweet-and-sour syrup made from a combo of fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Those strawberries or raspberry that are about to go bad in your fridge- make them into a shrub. Shrubs date back the 18th century where they were used in colonial America to preserve fruit before refrigeration. 

Shrubs last up to 6 months in the refrigerator which makes them great to batch and have on hand. They also have probiotic and digestive powers- who doesn’t love that. They’re even great for homemade kid drinks- just add a little shrub and soda water for a homemade soda. 

Shrubs formulas are so easy- one part fruit, one part sugar, agave, or honey, and one part vinegar of choice.  

 

This drink is made with mezcal because I love the smokey flavor with the sweetness of the shrub but feel free to use any spirit of choice- or no spirit for a mocktail. This cocktail calls for Ancho Reyes which is a spicy liqueur that can be used in margaritas too. It can be made without the Ancho Reyes and is just flavorful. 

Enjoy this fun summer Shrub! 

1 package (16oz) of strawberries

2 cups sugar

2 cups water

Boil in a medium sized pot, let simmer for about 20 minutes or until the strawberries get soft. Strain out the strawberries through a mesh strainer pressing all the liquid out of the strawberries. Discard the strawberries. Measure the amount of liquid remaining and add equal parts apple cider vinegar. Keep in refrigerator and cool before using. 

Now you are ready to make a Rosario.

Espolon Blanco, Ancho Reyes, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Strawberry Shrub, Lemon, Ice, Chimayo Chile Salt

.5 Ancho Reyes

.5 Mezcal

.5 strawberry shrub

1 oz Blanco tequila

1/2 lemon press

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, shake vigorously, and pour over a chile rim glass and fresh ice.

 

Add basil, thyme, mint, or ginger to your shrubs. 

Add 1.5 oz vodka

 ½ press of lemon

1oz shrub and top with soda water. 

Omit the vodka for a mocktail. 

If you make this drink please tag @nikle_k@StrollTanoan