Are you looking for a refreshing and sophisticated drink to impress your guests or simply treat yourself after a long day? Look no further! This homemade lemon shrub cocktail recipe is surprisingly easy to make, bursting with vibrant citrus flavors, and perfect for any occasion. It's the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and tangy, offering a unique twist on classic cocktails. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meal options, perfect for a quick dinner or a sophisticated evening gathering.
Ingredients:
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For the Lemon Shrub:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup white vinegar (distilled or apple cider)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup thinly sliced lemons (about 3-4 lemons)
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For the Cocktail:
- 2 oz Lemon Shrub (recipe above)
- 1.5 oz Gin or Vodka (adjust to your preference)
- 4 oz Sparkling Water or Club Soda
- Lemon wedge for garnish
- Ice
Instructions:
Making the Lemon Shrub:
- Combine: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, and water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add Lemons: Add the thinly sliced lemons to the saucepan.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the lemons are slightly softened.
- Cool and Strain: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing on the lemon slices to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Store: Pour the strained shrub into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Making the Cocktail:
- Chill: Chill your glasses beforehand for an extra-refreshing drink.
- Combine: In a shaker filled with ice, combine the lemon shrub, gin or vodka.
- Shake: Shake well until the shaker is chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into your chilled glasses filled with ice.
- Top: Top with sparkling water or club soda.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice can be substituted for part of the vinegar for an even more intense lemon flavor.
- For a sweeter shrub, increase the sugar slightly. For a tarter shrub, reduce the sugar or increase the vinegar.
- Don't over-simmer the lemon shrub, or it might become bitter.
- Adjust the amount of gin or vodka to your liking. You can also experiment with other spirits, like rum or tequila.
Variations:
- Raspberry Lemon Shrub: Add 1 cup of fresh raspberries to the shrub mixture while simmering for a delicious twist.
- Rosemary Lemon Shrub: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary to the shrub mixture while simmering for a herbaceous note.
- Non-alcoholic Version: Simply omit the gin or vodka and enjoy the refreshing shrub with sparkling water. This makes a delightful homemade and healthy drink.
Nutritional Information (per cocktail, approximate):
Calories will vary depending on the type of alcohol and amount used. This recipe offers a relatively low-calorie option compared to many other cocktails, but nutritional information varies significantly depending on the specific ingredients and measurements used.
This zesty lemon shrub cocktail is perfect for warm days, summer parties, or a relaxing evening at home. It's a simple yet elegant drink that's sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the delicious and refreshing taste of homemade goodness!