Summer Shrub Cocktails
Shrubs are all the current darling of the cocktail world. These drinking vinegars are made by infusing sweetened vinegars with fruits, herbs, spices, and vegetables.
Because The Olive Scene's Balsamic Vinegars are naturally sweet, they're basically already shrubs!
This makes them perfect for refreshing summer cocktails. You can even leave out the alcohol and just make a bright, low-calorie drink.
In addition to the balsamic vinegars in the recipes, The Olive Scene also carries a line of cocktail ingredients and accessories. Stop by to pick up your bitters, martini glasses, bourbon cherries, stuffed olives, Bloody Mary mix, martini mix, and more.
Here's a small introduction to the world of vinegars in cocktails...
Basic Balsamic Cocktail Formula:
The basic formula for a delicious cocktail changes based on whether you are using a white or a dark balsamic vinegar.
Dark Balsamic Vinegars:
1/2 jigger (1.5 tablespoons) Dark Balsamic Vinegar (such as Blackberry Ginger, Black Cherry, Black Currant, Blueberry, Cinnamon Pear, Dark Chocolate, Espresso, Fig, Elderberry, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Red Apple, Strawberry, Tangerine, or Vanilla)
1 jigger (3 tablespoons) of your favorite alcohol (vodka, tequila, whisky, and bourbon are good options)
1/2 tablespoon simple syrup
about 5 jiggers (about 8 oz) soda water, tonic water, seltzer, or club soda
Pour all ingredients over ice. Taste, and add more water or simple syrup to your preference.
Garnish with fresh fruit, lemon or lime wedge, or mint.
White Balsamic Vinegars:
1/2 jigger (1.5 tablespoons) White Balsamic Vinegar (such as Coconut, Cranberry Pear, Grapefruit, Gravenstein Apple, Golden Pineapple, Honey Ginger, Mango, Peach, Pomegranate Quince, or Sicilian Lemon)
1 jigger (3 tablespoons) of your favorite alcohol (vodka, gin, tequila, and whisky are good options)
1 tablespoon simple syrup
about 5 jiggers (about 8 oz) soda water, tonic water, seltzer, or club soda
Pour all ingredients over ice. Taste, and add more water or simple syrup to your preference.
Garnish with fresh fruit, lemon or lime wedge, or mint.
The photo shows Golden Pineapple Balsamic Vinegar with vodka.
Blueberry Basil Gin Smash Cocktail
Light and refreshing, this Blueberry Basil Gin Smash has the subtle flavor of fresh basil and lots of cold, sparkling bubbles. This drink is meant to be sipped outside on a sunny Saturday afternoon with a good book or served with brunch.
1/2 jigger (1.5 tablespoons) Olive Scene Blueberry Balsamic Vinegar (can also use Strawberry)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon simple syrup
5 large leaves of fresh basil
1 jigger (3 tablespoons) gin
about 5 jiggers (about 8 oz) soda water, tonic water, seltzer or club soda
ice
optional garnish: 1 basil sprig, 1 slice of lemon, and/or a few blueberries
Add the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, simple syrup, and basil to a highball or tall glass. Use the back of a spoon or a cocktail muddler to muddle the basil.
Fill the glass with ice. Add gin to the glass. Top with about 8 oz of whichever carbonated water you're using.
Taste, and add more water or simple syrup to your preference.
Garnish. Drink through a straw.
Strawberry Manhattan Cocktail
A dark, rich drink that's not for the faint of heart, this Strawberry Manhattan is meant to be sipped slowly around a fire pit on a warm summer evening.
1/2 jigger (1.5 tablespoons) Olive Scene Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar (can also use Black Cherry, Black Currant, Blackberry Ginger, Pomegranate, or Raspberry)
1 jigger (3 tablespoons) whisky or bourbon
1 tablespoon dry vermouth
5 drops bitters
ice
optional garnish: sliced strawberries or maraschino cherries
Combine the balsamic vinegar, whisky, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with a few ice cubes. Stir gently to combine.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish and serve in a martini or cocktail glass.
Mango Matador Cocktail
The Margarita's lighter cousin, this Mango Matador is perfect for days spent poolside or on the beach while wearing a floppy hat and plenty of sunscreen.
1/2 jigger (1.5 tablespoons) Olive Scene Mango White Balsamic Vinegar (can also use Coconut, Golden Pineapple or Peach).
1 jigger (3 tablespoons) blanco tequila
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon simple syrup
ice
about 4 jiggers (about 6 oz) soda water, tonic water, seltzer or club soda
optional garnish: lime slice or wedge, mango pieces
Combine the balsamic vinegar, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with a few ice cubes. Shake well.
Strain into a cocktail glass or champagne flute. Top with whichever sparkling water you're using.
Taste, and add more water or simple syrup to your preference.
Garnish and serve in a champagne flute, margarita glass, or highball.