Whiskey Shrub

A historic style of drink, the shrub uses a fruit and vinegar syrup to create a complex, tangy, and refreshing cocktail. Paired with the rich notes of whiskey, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spirit-forward character. The choice of fruit for the shrub syrup allows for endless seasonal variations, making it a versatile template for creativity. It's a sophisticated yet approachable drink that bridges the gap between classic sours and more modern, culinary-inspired cocktails.
Whiskey Shrub

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Whiskey Shrub is classified as a classic cocktail due to its historical roots dating back to the colonial era. It falls into the sour category of drinks, using a unique acid component (vinegar) instead of just citrus to achieve its characteristic tanginess.

Serving

The Whiskey Shrub is served cold over fresh ice in a Rocks or Old Fashioned glass. It's a moderately strong yet highly refreshing short drink.
Serving size
150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Shrubs date back to the 17th and 18th centuries as a method for preserving fruit in vinegar and sugar before the advent of refrigeration. The resulting concentrated syrup, or "shrub," was then mixed with water for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink or with spirits for a potent punch or cocktail. This preservation technique was particularly popular in Colonial America and has seen a significant revival in the modern craft cocktail movement for its unique ability to add acidity and complexity to drinks.
Origin
England and Colonial America, 17th-18th Century.

Whiskey Shrub

The drink is most commonly known as a Whiskey Shrub, with the alternative names simply specifying the type of American whiskey used. The name is descriptive, combining the base spirit (whiskey) with the key modifier (shrub), a type of vinegar-based syrup.
Original name
Whiskey Shrub
Alternative names
  • Bourbon Shrub
  • Rye Shrub

Characteristics overview

A Whiskey Shrub is a refreshingly tangy and fruity cocktail with a sharp, clean finish from the vinegar syrup, balanced by the whiskey's warmth. Its appearance and primary flavors change with the seasons, depending on the fruit used for the shrub.
Flavor
Fruity, Tangy, Sour, Oaky, Sweet
Aroma
Fruity, Vinegary, Spicy (from whiskey)
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet, Spirituous
Aftertaste
Clean, Tangy, Warming
Fizziness
Still or Lightly Fizzy (if topped with soda)
Color appearance
Varies based on fruit shrub (e.g., reddish for berries, golden for peach)
Texture
Smooth, Crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, Adaptable to seasons

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a flavor-forward drink where the bright, acidic tang of the shrub is the star, complemented by the fruit's sweetness. The whiskey provides a moderately strong, warming backbone without overpowering the other elements.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need a base of bourbon or rye whiskey and a fruit shrub syrup, which is a mix of fruit, sugar, and vinegar. A splash of soda water is an optional but recommended addition to lighten the drink.
  • Bourbon or Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    Bourbon will lend a sweeter, vanilla-forward profile, while Rye will provide a spicier backbone.
  • Fruit Shrub22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A homemade or store-bought shrub. Berry, peach, or apple shrubs work particularly well with whiskey.
  • Soda Water30 ml / 1 oz(optional)
    Optional, for a lighter, more refreshing drink with a touch of fizz.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This drink is shaken to ensure it is well-chilled and properly diluted. You will need a standard cocktail shaker and a strainer.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining the ingredients
  • Strainer for pouring the drink without the shaker ice

Instructions

The process is straightforward: shake the whiskey and shrub with ice, strain into an ice-filled glass, and then garnish. An optional splash of soda water can be added at the end to lighten the drink.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey and fruit shrub to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
4. Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.
5. Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
6. If desired, top with a splash of soda water.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist or a piece of fresh fruit matching the shrub.

Garnishing

A simple garnish that complements the fruit in the shrub is best. A lemon twist can add bright aromatic oils, or a fresh berry can signal the drink's primary flavor.
  • Lemon twist, or a piece of the fruit used in the shrub (e.g., a fresh berry)

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic and generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is vegan, and as distilled spirits, most whiskeys are considered safe for a gluten-free diet.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink's caloric and sugar content comes primarily from the whiskey and the shrub syrup. It is moderately caloric and contains a moderate amount of sugar, depending on how the shrub is made.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 10-15 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent drink for warm weather, perfect for sipping on a patio or enjoying at a barbecue. Its refreshing and tangy nature makes it a great afternoon cocktail. The versatility of the fruit shrub also allows it to be adapted for autumnal or wintery flavors, making it suitable for year-round enjoyment.
  • Summer Sipping
  • Barbecue
  • Patio Party
  • Afternoon Drink

Pairing suggestions

The tangy and robust profile of a Whiskey Shrub pairs wonderfully with rich and smoky foods like barbecue and grilled meats. Its acidity cuts through fat, making it a great companion for a cheese board with sharp or aged cheeses. It can also complement fruit-based desserts that echo the flavors in the shrub.
  • Grilled Meats
  • Sharp Cheeses
  • Smoky Barbecue
  • Fruit-based Desserts

The Whiskey Shrub: A Tangy Taste of History

The Whiskey Shrub is a versatile and historic cocktail that offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spirit. Using a fruit-and-vinegar syrup called a shrub, it creates a tangy and deeply flavorful drink that can be adapted to any season by changing the fruit. It's a testament to colonial-era ingenuity and serves as a refreshing, sophisticated alternative to standard whiskey sours. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it's a fantastic drink for both cocktail aficionados and curious beginners.

Similar Cocktails

Whiskey Sour

A classic cousin that uses lemon juice for sourness instead of a vinegar-based shrub, resulting in a more straightforward citrus-sour profile.

You May Also Like

Skinny Bitch

A crisp, clean, and low-calorie cocktail made with vodka, soda water, and a fresh lime wedge.

Cuba Libre

A refreshing and simple highball cocktail featuring rum, cola, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Pharmaceutical Stimulant

A rich and invigorating cocktail that perfectly balances strong coffee, smooth vodka, and sweet coffee liqueur.

White Linen

A crisp and refreshing modern gin cocktail featuring the floral notes of elderflower liqueur and fresh cucumber.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Ace Cocktail

A refreshing and silky classic gin sour with a bright citrus backbone and a subtle, cooling hint of mint.

Montreal Cocktail

A sophisticated and spicy rye whiskey cocktail balanced with dry vermouth and the herbal sweetness of Bénédictine.

Oaxacan Dead

A smoky and complex tiki cocktail that substitutes rum with mezcal for a unique twist on the classic Zombie.

San Martín Cocktail

A sophisticated and herbal gin cocktail from Argentina, balanced with sweet vermouth and a touch of Green Chartreuse.