In the world of beverages, mocktails have carved out a significant niche. These non-alcoholic drinks offer all the flair and flavor of traditional cocktails, minus the alcohol. The latest trend in mocktails is infusing them with herbs, adding layers of taste and a boost of health benefits. Additionally, herbal shrubs are gaining popularity for their unique flavor profiles and potential health benefits. Here, we'll explore five common herbs that can elevate your mocktail game, provide a delightful recipe, and introduce the concept of herbal shrubs with two exciting recipes for you to try at home.
A herbal shrub is a type of drink that combines herbs, fruit, sugar, and vinegar to create a flavorful and tangy syrup. This syrup can then be mixed with water, soda, or even alcohol to make a refreshing drink. The term "shrub" originates from the Arabic word "sharāb," which means "to drink.".
Let's look at a couple of recipes that are guaranteed to level up any meal or dinner party:
Herbal Mocktails
Mint
Mint is a classic herb used in a variety of beverages. Its refreshing and cooling properties make it an ideal choice for summer mocktails. Mint is known for aiding digestion and providing a fresh burst of flavor that pairs well with fruits like lime and berries.
Minty Lime Cooler:
- Ingredients:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
- Instructions:
1. Muddle the mint leaves in a glass to release their oils.
2. Add lime juice and honey, stirring until the honey is dissolved.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
4. Top with soda water and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
Basil
Basil, typically associated with savory dishes, brings a unique, aromatic flavor to mocktails. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants. Basil pairs wonderfully with citrus fruits and berries.
Strawberry Basil Spritzer:
- Ingredients:
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- 5 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Instructions:
1. Muddle the basil leaves and strawberries in a shaker.
2. Add lemon juice and simple syrup, then shake well.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with club soda and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a basil leaf and a strawberry slice.
Lavender
Lavender isn’t just for aromatherapy; it can bring a floral note to your mocktail. Known for its calming properties, lavender pairs well with lemon and honey.
Lavender Lemon Fizz:
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Instructions:
1. Steep the lavender buds in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and let it cool.
2. Mix the lavender tea with lemon juice and honey until the honey dissolves.
3. Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the mixture, and top with club soda.
4. Stir gently and garnish with a few lavender buds or a lemon slice.
How to Make a Basic Herbal Shrub
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, rosemary, or thyme)
- 1 cup of fruit (berries, citrus, or other fruits)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white vinegar)
Instructions:
1. Combine Fruit and Sugar: In a bowl, mix the fruit and sugar together. Let it sit for several hours or overnight until the fruit releases its juices and the sugar dissolves.
2. Add Herbs: Add the fresh herbs to the fruit and sugar mixture, lightly muddling them to release their flavors.
3. Add Vinegar: Pour the vinegar over the mixture and stir well.
4. Steep: Cover the mixture and let it steep in the refrigerator for several days, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Strain: After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Transfer the liquid shrub to a clean bottle.
6. Store: Store the shrub in the refrigerator, where it can last for several weeks to months.
To Serve:
Mix a small amount of the shrub syrup with sparkling water, soda water, or plain water. Adjust the ratio to taste, and add ice for a refreshing herbal shrub drink.
"Mocktails (and Shrubs) are an opportunity to explore flavors and ingredients in a way that’s inclusive and sophisticated, without the need for alcohol." Julia Bainbridge "Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You're Not Drinking for Whatever Reason"
Basil Blueberry Shrub
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- Instructions:
1. Combine blueberries and sugar in a bowl, letting it sit until the berries release their juices.
2. Add basil leaves, lightly muddling to release their flavors.
3. Pour apple cider vinegar over the mixture and stir well.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 3-5 days.
5. Strain the mixture into a clean bottle and store in the refrigerator.
6. To serve, mix the shrub syrup with sparkling water and ice.
Rosemary Citrus Shrub
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 cup citrus fruit (such as oranges or lemons), sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Instructions:
1. Combine citrus slices and sugar in a bowl, letting it sit until the citrus releases its juices.
2. Add rosemary sprigs, lightly muddling to release their flavors.
3. Pour white vinegar over the mixture and stir well.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 3-5 days.
5. Strain the mixture into a clean bottle and store in the refrigerator.
6. To serve, mix the shrub syrup with soda water and ice.
Herbal mocktails and shrubs are fantastic ways to enjoy flavorful and healthful beverages. By incorporating herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, lavender, and thyme, you can create drinks that are not only delicious but also beneficial to your health. Try these recipes at home and explore the vibrant world of herbal mocktails and shrubs. Cheers to a refreshing, healthy sip!
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