Cranberry Shrub Cocktail Food

CRANBERRY SHRUB

Steps:

• Combine vinegar, water, and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cranberries, cardamom pods, allspice berries, and cinnamon stick; bring to a boil. Stir and cover until cranberries begin to pop, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir again, being careful that cranberries do not burn you as they pop. Reduce heat and simmer until sugar has dissolved and cranberries have released their juice, about 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Strain into a container, seal, and refrigerate. Discard pulp.

BOURBON-CRANBERRY SHRUB

Steps:

• Combine cranberries, sugar, and vinegar in a pot. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool completely. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks.
• For each cocktail, fill a rocks glass with ice. Stir in bourbon, seltzer, and 2 tablespoons shrub liquid. Add 1 tablespoon shrub cranberries; serve immediately.

CRANBERRY SHRUB

Steps:

• 1. Bring all ingredients to a simmer with 2 cups of water in a small soucepan over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and cook 5 minutes until most cranberries have burst.
• 2. Strain mixture, pressing liquid out of pulp using the back of a spoon. Discard pulp. Chill at least 1 hour. Store for up to 3 months.
• 3. Ways to use Shrub: 1. Pour over ice and top with club soda. 2.Mix with sparkling wine. 3.Muddle with an orange slice and ice. Add bourbon and top with club soda. 4. Fill a tall glass with ice, layer in a splash of shrub, then add equal parts orange juice and tequila. 5. Shake with ice and equal parts shrub, gin, and sweet vermouth. Strain into a glass.
• 4. I think it would also be good to use in a dressing with some olive oil or vegetable oil for a spinach salad. Or use also in a hot dressing for a wilted spinach salad.