Spiced Cranberry-Orange Shrub Mocktail

The Spiced Cranberry-Orange Shrub Mocktail is a sophisticated and refreshing non-alcoholic beverage perfect for any celebration. It's built around a "shrub," a concentrated syrup made by macerating fruit with sugar and vinegar. This particular version combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright citrus of orange and the warmth of holiday spices like cinnamon and cloves. Topped with sparkling water, it becomes a fizzy, beautifully hued drink that balances sweet, sour, and spice in every sip.
Spiced Cranberry-Orange Shrub Mocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a Mocktail because it is entirely alcohol-free. It specifically falls into the Shrub category, which refers to drinks made from a fruit, sugar, and vinegar-based syrup, a preservation method dating back to colonial times.

Serving

Serve this cold, alcohol-free mocktail in a tall Highball or Collins glass filled with ice for a refreshing experience. The serving size is a standard single drink portion.
Serving size
Approximately 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Shrubs, or drinking vinegars, have a long history as a way to preserve fruit long before refrigeration was common. The vinegar acted as a preservative, and the resulting tart syrup could be mixed with water or spirits for a refreshing drink. This modern mocktail version revives the historic technique to create a complex, flavorful beverage for contemporary tastes, especially popular during the autumn and winter holidays.
Origin
The concept of the shrub originated in 17th-century England and was popular in Colonial America. This specific flavor combination is a modern creation, likely emerging from the craft cocktail and mocktail movement in the United States in the 21st century, capitalizing on seasonal holiday flavors.

Spiced Cranberry-Orange Shrub Mocktail

This drink is best known by its descriptive name, Spiced Cranberry-Orange Shrub Mocktail. Some call it a Festive Cranberry Shrub or Winter Spiced Cranberry Spritzer to emphasize its suitability for holiday seasons and its core flavor profile.
Original name
Spiced Cranberry-Orange Shrub Mocktail
Alternative names
  • Festive Cranberry Shrub
  • Winter Spiced Cranberry Spritzer
  • Non-Alcoholic Holiday Shrub

Characteristics overview

This mocktail presents a delightful balance of tart cranberry and sweet orange, with a warm spiced aroma and a clean, tangy finish from the vinegar. Its bubbly texture and beautiful ruby color make it a festive and refreshing seasonal drink.
Flavor
Tart, Sweet, Spiced, Fruity, Tangy, Acidic
Aroma
Cranberry, Orange Zest, Cinnamon, Clove, Star Anise
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Lingering Spice
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Deep Ruby Red, Clear, Sparkling
Texture
Light, Crisp, Bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, Autumnal, Wintery, Festive

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink's flavor is defined by a prominent, pleasant sourness and fruity character, balanced by moderate sweetness and gentle spice. It is completely non-alcoholic and has a lively carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The base of this drink is a homemade shrub syrup, created by simmering cranberries, orange, sugar, water, and spices, then infusing with apple cider vinegar. The final mocktail is made by mixing this syrup with sparkling water.
  • Spiced Cranberry-Orange Shrub Syrup45-60 ml / 1.5-2 oz
    Recipe to make the syrup is included in the instructions. This is the amount per serving.
  • Sparkling Water120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
    Or club soda. Adjust amount to taste.
  • Fresh Cranberries340 g / 12 oz
    For the shrub syrup. Can be fresh or frozen.
  • Granulated Sugar200 g / 1 cup
    For the shrub syrup. Amount can be adjusted to taste.
  • Water240 ml / 1 cup
    For the shrub syrup.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar240 ml / 1 cup
    For the shrub syrup. Ensure it has a good flavor.
  • Orange1 large
    Zest and juice are used for the shrub syrup.
  • Cinnamon Stick1
    For the shrub syrup.
  • Whole Cloves1/2 teaspoon
    For the shrub syrup.
  • Star Anise1 pod(optional)
    For the shrub syrup. Adds a lovely liquorice note.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need standard kitchen equipment like a saucepan and a sieve to prepare the shrub syrup. A bar spoon is useful for mixing the final drink in the serving glass.
  • Saucepan: For simmering the shrub ingredients.
  • Fine-mesh Sieve: For straining the solids from the shrub syrup.
  • Airtight Jar or Bottle: For storing the finished shrub syrup.
  • Bar Spoon: For gently stirring the mocktail in the glass.

Instructions

The process involves two main stages: first, creating a spiced cranberry-orange syrup infused with vinegar, which requires simmering and a 24-hour infusion. Second, assembling the drink by simply mixing the prepared syrup with sparkling water over ice.
1. To make the shrub syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the cranberries have burst (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 20 minutes. Gently mash the cranberries with a spoon or potato masher.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and the juice from the orange. Transfer the mixture to a clean glass jar, seal, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours (and up to 3 days) to allow the flavors to infuse.
5. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bottle or jar, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. The shrub syrup is now ready and can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
6. To assemble the mocktail: Fill a highball glass with ice.
7. Add 1.5 to 2 oz (45-60 ml) of the Spiced Cranberry-Orange Shrub syrup to the glass.
8. Top with 4 to 5 oz (120-150 ml) of cold sparkling water.
9. Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine.
10. Garnish with an orange twist and a skewer of fresh cranberries.

Garnishing

Garnish with an orange twist to add aromatic citrus oils and a skewer of fresh cranberries for a festive visual touch. A sprig of rosemary can also be added for extra aroma.
  • Orange Twist: Express the oils over the drink before dropping it in.
  • Cranberry Skewer: Thread 3-4 fresh cranberries onto a cocktail pick.
  • Rosemary Sprig: Optional, adds a lovely aroma and color contrast.

Dietary Information

This mocktail is suitable for a wide range of dietary needs as it is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. It is also completely free of alcohol and caffeine.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is relatively low in calories, with most coming from the sugar used in the shrub syrup. It contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and sugar per serving.
Calories
Averagely 100-130 kcal / 418-544 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 25-32 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 24-30 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is perfectly suited for festive occasions, especially during the autumn and winter months. Its vibrant color and warm spice notes make it an ideal choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve parties.
  • Holiday Parties
  • Thanksgiving Dinner
  • Christmas Gatherings
  • Winter Social Events
  • Celebratory Toasts

Pairing suggestions

The tart and spiced notes of this mocktail cut through rich foods beautifully, making it an excellent companion for holiday meals like roast turkey. It also pairs wonderfully with savory appetizers, such as cheese boards, charcuterie, and spiced nuts.
  • Roasted Turkey or Chicken
  • Cheese and Charcuterie Boards
  • Spiced Nuts and Olives
  • Holiday Appetizers

Spiced Cranberry-Orange Shrub Mocktail: A Festive Sip of History

The Spiced Cranberry-Orange Shrub Mocktail is a visually stunning and complexly flavored non-alcoholic drink. It cleverly uses the historic method of making a 'shrub' or drinking vinegar to create a modern beverage that is both refreshing and festive. Balancing the tartness of cranberry and vinegar with the sweetness of sugar and orange, all warmed by winter spices, this drink is a perfect celebratory choice for those seeking a sophisticated alcohol-free option. Its easy preparation (though requiring infusion time) and delicious results make it a standout for any holiday gathering.

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