What the F* Is a Shrub?
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Spoiler: It’s not a houseplant and it doesn’t belong in your landscaping plan.
It belongs in your glass — with bubbles, citrus, and maybe a little attitude.
🍓 First Things First — What Is a Shrub?
A shrub is a tangy, fruit-forward vinegar syrup made by infusing vinegar with fruit, herbs, and sugar.
It’s sweet, acidic, and punchy — and when mixed with sparkling water (or a zero-proof spirit), it becomes a bold, complex drink without the booze.
Think:
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Kombucha’s hot cousin
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The OG soda syrup
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What bartenders use when they’re feeling fancy
It’s part of the zero-proof cocktail world because it brings acid and complexity — the kind of balance alcohol usually provides.
🌿 Why Should You Care?
Because a shrub makes even a Tuesday afternoon feel like a curated experience.
It turns your fridge seltzer into a grown-up aperitif.
It adds depth to your drink, not just fizz and flavor.
And unlike a juice or soda syrup, shrubs have:
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No artificial sweeteners
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Naturally preserved flavor (thanks, vinegar)
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Layers of taste that evolve sip after sip
🧪 Shrub = Flavor Nerd Fuel
Most shrubs are made using:
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Fruit (like berries, citrus, or stone fruit)
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Vinegar (usually apple cider or wine vinegar)
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Sugar (just enough to balance)
Some go wild with add-ins like jalapeño, basil, rosemary, or even smoke.
🥂 How Do You Drink It?
Here’s the shrub starter kit:
1. Shrub + Sparkling Water
Keep it simple. 1 oz shrub + 6 oz seltzer. Add ice. Feel fancy.
2. Zero-Proof Spritz
Try it with a non-alcoholic aperitif like Ghia or De Soi.
Shrub adds the acid bite to round out the sweetness.
3. Mocktail Masterpiece
Combine with:
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Fresh herbs
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Citrus juice
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Bitters
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Sparkling yuzu or tonic
Try garnishing with a dehydrated citrus wheel or a sprig of rosemary. You know, like the maximalist you are.
🔥 Botanika Shrub Picks
You’ll usually find these on our shelves:
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Cool Hand Co. Shrubs
Great for spicing things up with not-your-avergae shrub flavor. Plus, great for baking. -
Mother Shrub
Choose your fighter: Grapefruit, Lime, or Ginger.
🤓 Nerd Out More
Want to deep dive into the glossary of all things zero-proof, botanical, and buzzwordy?
Check out our full Botanika Glossary — no gatekeeping, just good taste.
📍PS: Yes, We’re Local
You can grab any of these shrubs IRL at Botanika, Salt Lake City’s only zero-proof bottle shop.
We're open Thurs–Sun, and we'll even let you taste some before you commit.