Drinks are like food in their seasonality. Summer drinks are light and refreshing. They should, ideally, quench our thirst on hot days, encourage us to linger in the shade, nourish our bodies, and make the most of seasonal abundance. This Raspberry Lemon Balm Shrub does a good bit of all that in one delicious glass.
Summer Berries
I chose raspberries for this drink because there happens to be a whole lot of them in my backyard at the moment. However, most any berry you pick on your summer adventures would work well in this shrub. Use whatever is growing in your garden or you find on a foraging adventure. A mixed berry version would be especially delightful.
Homegrown Herbs
I chose lemon balm because again there happens to be a lot of it in the herb garden. Lemon and berries also seem to be a match made in heaven. Lemon balm shouldn’t be considered the only option, however.
Any mint (peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, etc.) would be super good with berries. Lavender too would be nice. Use whatever flavor combinations are particularly fancied.
A Simple Recipe but Don’t Rush It
A shrub is a short of list ingredients with very little hands-on work. There is time involved, time for flavors to meld and mellow and this shouldn’t be rushed. In short, this is an amazing recipe but cannot be whipped up when company arrives. Plan ahead at least 24 hours ahead for best flavor.
How to Serve Raspberry Lemon Balm Shrub
Drinking this straight is always an option. It’s quite concentrated, in my opinion, so I dilute. I most often put about 1/4 cup of the finished shrub in a tall glass over ice and top it with 6-8 ounces of sparkling water (club soda). For an adult cocktail, add a shot of brandy, whiskey, or vodka to the glass and mix well.
Raspberry Lemon Balm Shrub
Drink up the summer season with a fruity and herb filled glass full of refreshment for hot days in the form of a raspberry lemon balm shrub.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Raspberries
- 1 Cup Sugar
- ½ Cup Lemon Balm, Chopped
- 1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the raspberries, sugar, and lemon balm. Mash the berries with a potato masher.
- Put the bowl in the refrigerator and let stand at least 12 hours or up to 2 days. Give it a stir now and then.
- Put a double layer of cheesecloth over a fine mesh sieve (or use a jelly bag). Strain the berries through the cheesecloth. After the most of the liquid has seeped through, pick up the edges of the cloth and squeeze to get as much of the liquid from the berry mixture as is possible.
- The liquid should measure about 1 Cup. Add an equal amount of vinegar to the berry liquid and mix well.
- Pour the finished shrub into a clean glass bottle with a tight fitting lid. Refrigerate for at least an hour for the flavors to meld and mellow before serving.
Patricia
Saturday 13th of February 2021
Yes! I made it and it was delicious!!! Thank you so much for all the great recipes that you'd shared with us.
Sharon
Sunday 2nd of August 2020
Can i make this with lemon verbena instead of lemon balm?
Kathie Lapcevic
Sunday 2nd of August 2020
I don't see why not though I haven't tested it - I imagine it would work more than fine.
Kathryn Hutton
Wednesday 8th of July 2020
I am trying strawberry rhubarb!!
Kathie Lapcevic
Saturday 11th of July 2020
Let us know how it goes. Yum!
Cate S
Sunday 5th of July 2020
Blackcap berries are just ripening and I think I'll give those a try. Thanks for the recipe!
Kathie Lapcevic
Sunday 5th of July 2020
That sounds yummy!
becky
Saturday 13th of July 2019
Once made how long does it last? I want to make some as gifts but if it has a limited shelf life I don't want to make it too far ahead of time
johanna
Saturday 29th of June 2024
@Kathie Lapcevic,
I just found a small bottle of blackberry shrub I made 1n 2021 and it looks and tastes just wonderful in summer 2024. It was stored in a cool dark place in a bottle with a tight rubber sealed cap. I make mine with the berries, sugar and vinegar all together and then strain. Love the idea of adding lemon balm which i will try in a few days when the raspberries are ripe enough!
Kathie Lapcevic
Saturday 13th of July 2019
Vinegar is a great preservative. Tightly sealed and refrigerated an unuopened shrub will likely last about 6 months. If you're opening the jar frequently, maybe 2 months (but in that case you're likely going through it faster).