Blackberry & Thyme Shrub

A shrub is an old-fashioned drink that’s found its way back to popularity. This one is well worth the fruits of your labour.

For the shrub

2 cups blackberries

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup honey

7 sprigs of fresh thyme

1/2 tsp freshly grated orange zest

1/2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar

For the cocktail

2 oz gin

2 oz blackberry & thyme shrub

Club soda or sparkling water, to top

Thyme and blackberries, to garnish

Place the blackberries in a mixing bowl, and toss them with the sugar and honey. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place in the fridge to macerate for 24 hours. Place the sprigs of thyme, orange zest, lemon zest and vinegars in a Mason jar, secure the lid and place in the fridge to steep for 24 hours.

Pour the steeped vinegar into the bowl with macerated fruit, and mix them together with a fork, crushing some of the berries as you go. Re-cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place in the fridge for 1 week.

Strain the mixture, discard the seeds and herbs and pour the shrub into a sealable jar. It’s now ready to add to your cocktail.

Fill a tall glass with ice, add the gin and shrub, top with club soda and stir. Add blackberries and thyme to garnish, then serve.