Peach Habanero Shrub
Shrubs, or drinking vinegars, are refreshing concentrates that can be used in cocktails, mocktails, or simply mixed with sparkling water for a deeply refreshing zero-proof drink. The combination of sugar and vinegar hits all the sweet and tangy notes. This shrub uses fresh summer peaches and chili peppers at their peak. Using habanero peppers is key—not only for their intense heat, but also for their fruity, floral sweetness. By blanching the peppers and removing them before the infusion becomes too spicy, the shrub develops a balanced warmth rather than overwhelming heat.
Peach Habanero Shrub
This Peach Habanero Shrub is a tangy, fruity drinking vinegar made with fresh peaches, rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar and blanched habaneros. Serve it with sparkling water and pebble ice for a refreshing zero-proof drink.
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh peaches, pitted and chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1¼ cups apple cider vinegar
- 6 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 fresh habanero peppers, deseeded and blanched
Instructions
- Halve and deseed habanero peppers. Blanch in boiling water for 20–30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath.
- Combine peaches and sugar in a bowl. Mix well, cover and refrigerate for 24 hours to draw out juices.
- Lightly muddle peach mixture and add sliced habaneros. Stir in apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar.
- Refrigerate for 2–3 weeks, agitating every few days and tasting periodically. Remove peppers early if the shrub becomes too spicy.
- Fine-strain, bottle and refrigerate.
- To serve, combine this concentrate with cold sparkling water and pebble ice. Start with a 1:4 shrub-to-water ratio and adjust to your personal taste. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Notes
Makes about 1 liter.
Nutrition
Calories: 1954kcal | Carbohydrates: 481g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 1232mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 466g | Vitamin A: 2701IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 4mg
