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Strawberry Basil Shrub Recipe

Strawberry Basil Shrub Recipe

A bright and refreshing homemade strawberry basil shrub made with ripe strawberries, fresh basil, sugar, and vinegar. This sweet-tart syrup captures the flavor of fresh summer fruit with a herbal twist and can be mixed into sparkling water, cocktails, or mocktails for a vibrant drink.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American-Inspired, fruit shrub recipe with vinegar, homemade shrub syrup, strawberry basil mocktail recipe, strawberry basil vinegar drink, strawberry shrub cocktail recipe
Calories: 70
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries washed and sliced
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 8 –10 fresh basil leaves
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar or mild white wine vinegar

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or muddler
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Clean glass jar or bottle with lid
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Add sliced strawberries and sugar to a mixing bowl. Stir until the strawberries are evenly coated.
    Strawberry Basil Shrub Recipe
  2. Cover the bowl and let the strawberries rest until they release their natural juices and become softer.
  3. Gently crush the basil leaves to release their aroma, then add them to the strawberry mixture.
  4. Allow the basil to infuse briefly with the strawberry syrup. Remove the basil once the desired herbal flavor develops.
  5. Strain the strawberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently to extract the liquid.
  6. Mix the strawberry syrup with vinegar until fully combined.
  7. Taste the shrub and adjust the balance if needed by adding more sweetness or acidity.
  8. Transfer the finished shrub syrup into a clean glass jar and refrigerate until ready to use.

Video

Notes

  • Use fully ripe strawberries for the strongest natural fruit flavor.
  • Choose mild vinegar varieties so the acidity enhances rather than overpowers the strawberries.
  • Do not over-infuse the basil, as it can create a strong herbal taste.
  • Mix with sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail or add to cocktails for extra depth.
  • The shrub flavor becomes smoother and more blended after resting in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving of shrub syrup):
  • Calories: 70 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the size of strawberries, amount of sugar used, vinegar type, and serving size.