Herbal beverages are among the easiest ways to enjoy the power of plants. The combinations of herbs are virtually limitless, and you have the flexibility of adding a pinch of this or a dash of that depending on your flavor and wellness goals. I love that they aren’t a big-time commitment like other herbal preparations and when you pair them with a menstruum like apple cider vinegar, you get the added benefit of gut support.
This time of year, I love making herbal shrubs that contain seasonal antioxidants and immune-supporting herbs. One of my favorite blends is this “Immuno-Berry Shrub” recipe. I chose elderberries (of course) and paired them with another of my favorite berry allies: bilberries. Bilberries are often a forgotten hero on apothecary shelves, but their antioxidant activity helps to maintain cell integrity and fight free radicals.* They also have a pleasant taste making them easy to add to desserts, smoothies, and herbal mocktails.
I keep this recipe simple so that I can move freely with the pinches and dashes that come intuitively into my herbal practice. I hope that you will add this recipe to your herbal toolkit and make it your very own over time.
Happy and healthy sipping!
Immuno-Berry Shrub Recipe
Makes about 1 cup.
Ingredients
Pro Tip: You can swap the sugar for your sweetener of choice. I prefer sugar since it has a more neutral taste.
Directions
- Add berries and vinegar to a non-reactive pan.
- Put on medium heat, put on lid, and allow to infuse for 15 minutes.
- Add orange peel, put lid back on, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside to infuse and cool for a few minutes so it is easier to work with.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the plant material to extract as much of the liquid as possible.
- Measure juice and add an equal amount of sugar to your end yield (About 3/4 cups).
- Stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool completely.
- When shrub is cool, pour into a sterile jar with an airtight, non-reactive lid (a traditional metal mason jar lid will corrode from the vinegar).
- Label with name, ingredients, and date made.
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place and use within 4-6 months. Refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Health Supporting Mocktail Recipe: Immuno-Berry Blend
Makes 1 serving.
Ingredients
- 1-2 Tbsp. Immuno-Berry shrub (recipe above)
- 6 oz. unflavored bubbly water
- Slice of fresh lemon
Directions
- Fill your favorite mocktail glass with ice.
- Pour shrub over ice and top with bubbly water.
- Squeeze lemon on top and drop peel in beverage.
- Stir well.
Looking for other tasty mocktail recipes?
You may also enjoy:
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only.