Rhubarb Shrub

Combine Aperol, Amaro Nonino, Rhubarb Shrub and Juice in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice and shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled glass. Top with ginger beer and prosecco.

Makes 1 cocktail.

What is a Shrub?

A shrub is an acidulated beverage made of three key ingredients: fruit, sugar & vinegar. The sugar, acid and alcohol (optional) components of a shrub act as a preservative for the fruit juice. The flavour of a shurb is both tart and sweet – great for adding depth and complexity to a cocktail.

Shrubs are fairly easy to make at home and can be quite versatile. The fruit you choose for your shrub will really depend on what's in season. Visit your farmer's market for inspiration and start from there. Strawberries, rhubarb, peaches and apricots all make excellent shrubs.

Start by washing a preparing your fruit. Strawberries will need to be hulled, stonefruit pitted and the fruit cut into quarters. Cover the fruit with sugar. The typical ratio for shrubs is 1:1:1. Once you've mixed your fruit with sugar, place in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight. Your looking for a good amount of juice and syrup to form around your fruit. Once this happens, strain out the fruit and whisk in the vinegar. Store your shrub in the fridge, shaking when necessary if the sugar serperates.