Orange Brandy Shrub

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
A vibrant, citrus-forward vinegar-based syrup infused with brandy for cocktails or sparkling water.
Orange Brandy Shrub recipe image

Orange Brandy Shrub

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 54.0

Description

This Orange Brandy Shrub is a refreshing, aromatic beverage that captures the bright essence of fresh oranges. By steeping citrus rinds and juice with sugar and brandy, you create a complex, smooth syrup that balances sweet and tart notes. Perfect for sipping over ice, mixing into cocktails, or diluting with sparkling water for a sophisticated summer drink. The process requires patience, as the flavors meld and deepen over several days, resulting in a unique, homemade libation that feels both historic and modern. It is an excellent addition to your pantry for entertaining or personal enjoyment.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a large non-metal container with a lid, combine the fresh orange juice, granulated sugar, and brandy. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  2. Add the coarsely chopped orange rinds to the container. Cover tightly and shake well to distribute the ingredients.
  3. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 24 hours.
  4. After 24 hours, strain the mixture into a large pitcher, discarding the orange rinds.
  5. Rinse the original container thoroughly. Return the strained liquid to the clean container.
  6. Cover the container and let it stand for approximately 4 days. Shake the container 4 times a day during this period to ensure even infusion.
  7. Once the infusion is complete, pour the shrub into clean bottles. Store in a cool, dark place.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 54.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.1g1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 1.2mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 13.2g5%
Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
Sugars 10.1g
Protein 0.8g2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Steep Time: The total steeping time is approximately 5 days (24 hours initial + 4 days secondary).

Storage: Store the finished shrub in a cool, dark place. Due to the alcohol content, it has a long shelf life.

Serving Suggestion: Dilute with sparkling water or club soda over ice for a refreshing non-alcoholic boost, or use as a mixer in cocktails.

Container: Use a non-metal container (glass or food-grade plastic) to prevent reactions with the acidic citrus.

History: The shrub got its name from 'shurb', the Arabic word for drink. This is a traditional 19th-century style preparation.

Keywords: orange shrub, brandy syrup, citrus shrub, homemade shrub, orange brandy, citrus syrup, cocktail mixer, vinegar shrub, summer drink, fruit infusion, refresher, beverage, spirits, orange juice, sugar syrup
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