This raspberry shrub is a tangy, refreshing mocktail made with raspberry vinegar, sparkling water, and a touch of natural sweetness. Sometimes called a "drinking vinegar," it's bright, fizzy, and completely alcohol-free-perfect for hot days, festive holidays, and giving guests a delicious non-alcoholic option.
I first discovered shrubs years ago when I began collecting flavored vinegars - some from artisan German makers like Vom Fass, others from more affordable finds online. That led me to experiment with raspberry vinegar, sparkling water, and natural sweeteners, creating a simple raspberry shrub recipe (also called a vinegar drink) that's ideal for today's mocktail trend. While it might sound crazy it is totally refreshing!
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Why You'll Love This Raspberry Shrub Mocktail
- Light & refreshing - A tangy, cooling drink that's alcohol-free.
- Sugar-free option - Naturally sweetened with stevia or monk fruit no heavy sugar syrups.
- Festive & versatile - Perfect for holidays, parties, or Dry January.
- Mocktail or cocktail - Enjoy with sparkling water or add a splash of spirits.
Start your day with a raspberry smoothie before you enjoy a raspberry shrub.
Ingredients You'll Need For a Shrub
- Raspberry vinegar - The star of this mocktail. Look for high-quality raspberry vinegar with no additives. I like Organic Raspberry Vinegar (easy to find online) and Vom Fass Star Raspberry Vinegar for a more artisanal option.
- Sparkling water - Use a mineral water like San Pellegrino or Gerolsteiner for extra bubbles and a crisp finish.
- Sweetener - Raspberry-flavored liquid stevia gives natural sweetness without sugar. You can also experiment with honey or monk fruit simple syrup if you prefer.
- Fresh mint - More than garnish - it adds a cool, refreshing lift that makes the drink shine.
- Fresh raspberries (optional) - For garnish. They make the drink festive and beautiful, especially for parties or holidays).
Please see the recipe card for measurements.
Chef's Tip - A Quick History of Shrubs
Shrubs, also called drinking vinegars, have a long global history. In old English recipes, they were often mixed with spirits and citrus. In early America, vinegar was used instead of citrus to preserve berries and fruits before the days of refrigeration. These tangy drinks fell out of fashion for decades, but were revived by chefs and bartenders in the 2010s - often with sugar syrups. This raspberry shrub skips the heavy sugar and keeps the tradition light, refreshing, and simple.
How about raspberries in a salad? Try this grilled shrimp salad with raspberries and avocado.
Substitutions and Variations
- Flavored vinegars - Swap raspberry vinegar for blueberry, blackberry, or even pomegranate vinegar for a different fruity twist.
- Sweeteners - If you don't use stevia, try a monk fruit-based simple syrup, honey, or agave. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Herbal notes - Fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme can add an aromatic layer that pairs beautifully with vinegar-based drinks.
- Make it a cocktail - Try a splash of gin, vodka, or sparkling wine for an adult version.
How to Make a Raspberry Shrub
Most shrub recipes start with a pound of fruit and two cups of sugar, cooked into a heavy syrup. That's delicious, but far too sweet for my taste - it's basically jam in a glass. This raspberry shrub mocktail skips the sugar syrup and infusing step, keeping it light, quick, and much healthier.
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar.Drop in 3-4 flavored stevia drops (or simple syrup).
- Top with sparkling water (I use San Pellegrino). Garnish with mint and fresh raspberries.
Serving Suggestions
This raspberry shrub mocktail is refreshing on its own, but you can serve it in different ways:
- Summer cooler - Mix with crushed ice and fresh herbs for a light, fruity slush.
- Mocktail spritzer - Classic: shrub + sparkling water over ice with mint.
- Holiday party drink - Garnish with mint and raspberries for a festive red-and-green look.
- Cocktail base - Add a splash of gin, vodka, or sparkling wine if you want an adult twist.
Recipe FAQs
A shrub is a tangy, sweet-tart drink made from fruit, vinegar, and sweetener. It can be mixed with sparkling water for a mocktail or with spirits for a cocktail.
Yes. Many traditional shrubs use fruit syrups loaded with sugar, but this version uses flavored stevia instead for a lighter, sugar-free option.
Fruit vinegars like raspberry, blueberry, or pomegranate are delicious. Apple cider vinegar is a classic choice for tang, while balsamic adds depth
Shrubs aren't a health drink per se, but vinegar can aid digestion and the low-sugar base makes it a healthier alternative to sodas or sweet cocktails.
More Recipes With Berries
Love berries? Here are more fresh, flavorful ways to enjoy them, from smoothies, to breakfast parfaits, and desserts.
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you make a raspberry shrub, please let me know how you enjoyed it. I appreciate hearing from you and your comments help other readers.
📖 Recipe
Raspberry Shrub Mocktail
Ingredients
- Ice to fill a glass
- 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
- 12 ounces sparkling water like San Pellegrino
- 3-4 drops flavored liquid stevia drops Sweet Leaf Sweet Drops
- 2 sprigs fresh mint optional garnish, but adds flavor
- 4-5 fresh raspberries optional garnish
Instructions
- Fill glass with ice, pour raspberry vinegar over the ice cubes.
- Add a few drops of the berry flavored liquid stevia and fill the glass with the sparkling water. Stir, and top with the mint and raspberries.
Notes
Nutrition
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