If you want the taste of summer to last, make some shrubs—a mixture of fruit, sugar, and vinegar. In addition to being a way to preserve fresh summer flavors, shrubs also complement whisky. “They add a light, refreshing component to a cocktail,” says Trent O'Connor, partner of Whisky Neat bar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “The sweetness of the shrub is a great balance with the bold spirit.” Try these shrub recipes with whisky, other spirits, or even mixers like soda and lemonade.
4 Shrub and Whisky Cocktails to Try
The Western Rim:A blackberry-peppercorn shrub combines with prosecco, lemon juice, bourbon, and mint for a crisp and refreshing sip.
Get the Recipe: The Western Rim
Shōga Koshō: Add some heat to your whiskey ginger with this cocktail that incorporates a Thai Chile shrub.
Get the Recipe: Shōga Koshō
My Shrub'Rona:This cocktail is summer in a glass thanks to a pineapple-mint shrub and Licor 43, making it approachable even for non-whisky drinkers.
Get the Recipe: My Shrub'Rona
Plum and Mr. Rye:A zesty twist on a Whiskey Smash, this drink mixes rye whiskey with a plum shrub, lemon juice, and bitters.