Fresh Fruit Shrub Cocktail

Celebrate every summer party with this refreshing drink filled with fresh fruit that everyone will love!

½ cup strawberries, peaches, raspberries, blackberries or blueberries, chopped
2 tablespoons sugar (reduce to 2 tablespoons for a less sweet shrub)
¼ cup The Olive Scene Balsamic Vinegar of choice (you can also try a mix of dark balsamic and white balsamic vinegar ~ suggestions below)
4 leaves basil, rosemary or oregano chopped fine
Sparkling Wine, Lemon Tonic, Sparkling Water, etc
Gin, Vodka or Bourbon
Lime
Fresh herb sprig (optional)

Ice

To assemble the shrub cocktails, chop a piece of fresh fruit, or muddle it in the bottom of a glass. Add, stir, and adjust components to taste.

Strawberry Balsamic Shrub:

Combine the strawberries and sugar; mash with a fork until well-combined.
Cover and refrigerate overnight to create a fruit syrup.
Stir The Olive Scene Gravenstein Apple White Balsamic Vinegar and Rosemary into the syrup and refrigerate for several hours, up to a couple of days, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar.
Before using the shrub, strain through a fine mesh sieve (reserve the solids to use over yogurt or on toast), or you can keep the softened fruit in the shrub.

Peach Balsamic Shrub:

Combine the peaches and sugar; mash with a fork until well-combined.
Cover and refrigerate overnight to create a fruit syrup.
Stir in The Olive Scene Peach White Balsamic Vinegar and Basil into the syrup and refrigerate for several hours, up to a couple of days, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar.
Before using the shrub, strain through a fine mesh sieve (reserve the solids to use over yogurt or on toast), or you can keep the softened fruit in the shrub.

Note: vary this recipe by changing the flavor of the balsamic vinegar and the fruit.