Recipe - “Pretty in Pink" Raspberry and Basil Shrub

Drinks & Cocktails

“Pretty in Pink" Raspberry and Basil Shrub

A shrub is a Colonial Era beverage made with a sweetened vinegar base diluted with water, seltzer, wine, or spirits that is enjoying a renaissance. Make it with sparkling water for the church social, with a still or sparkling wine for a summer afternoon refresher that is a bit racier. We are infusing the fruit and vinegar with basil for added complexity. Tarragon or lemon verbena would be good variations. This recipe is readily adaptable to many summer fruits and berries.

Ingredients:

1 lb (about 3 cups) raspberries + additional for garnish
1 cup sugar
¾ cup water
¾ cup Galateo & Friends “Flamingo” Rosé Wine Vinegar Galateo & Friends " Flamingo" Rosé Wine Vinegar
3 sprigs of basil+ additional for garnish
Seltzer, sparkling wine or rosé

Preparation:

Time: 1 hour + resting for 24 hours

Yield: 2

Make the shrub base
Put the berries in a medium-sized non -reactive saucepan (stainless or enamel). Stir in the sugar and then the water. Set aside at room temperature for an hour. Warm the berries over medium heat for a few minutes. Add the vinegar and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Add the basil. Let the mixture rest, uncovered for 24 hours. Remove the basil and strain the berries through a sieve into a bowl. Press down on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Prepare the drinks
Add 3 tablespoons of shrub base to each glass. Fill the glasses halfway with ice, then top with seltzer, sparkling wine or rosé. Give the glass a swirl or a stir. Garnish with berries and basil.
Isn’t she pretty in pink?