8 Healthy Sparkling Shrubs: DIY Fruit-Vinegar Drinks for Wellness

1. Strawberry Basil Sparkling Shrub

A classic summer favorite, fruity, fragrant, and so simple to make. The sweetness of strawberries and the freshness of basil come together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• A few basil leaves
• Sparkling water

Directions:

1. In a jar, mash strawberries with maple syrup and basil.
2. Add apple cider vinegar, cover, and let it steep in the fridge for 24 hours.
3. Strain, mix 2–3 tablespoons of the syrup with sparkling water, and enjoy chilled.

2. Pineapple Mint Shrub

This tropical-inspired drink feels like sunshine in a glass. Sweet, tangy, and so refreshing with that cool hint of mint.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• ½ cup white vinegar or rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar or agave syrup
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• Sparkling water

Directions:

1. Combine pineapple, mint, and sugar in a bowl and muddle lightly.
2. Add vinegar, stir, and refrigerate for 1–2 days.
3. Strain, then mix the syrup with sparkling water before serving.

3. Blueberry Lemon Shrub

A drink that feels both calming and bright. Blueberries bring a subtle sweetness, while lemon gives it that clean, uplifting flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup blueberries
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• Sparkling water

Directions:

1. Mash blueberries with lemon juice and honey.
2. Add vinegar and let sit in the fridge for 24 hours.
3. Strain, pour 2–3 tablespoons into a glass, top with sparkling water, and stir.

4. Raspberry Rose Shrub

Soft, romantic, and slightly floral. This one feels like something you’d sip during a quiet afternoon of self-care.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raspberries
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp rose water
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Sparkling water

Directions:

1. Mix raspberries and maple syrup in a bowl and mash gently.
2. Stir in vinegar and rose water.
3. Chill overnight, strain, and serve with sparkling water and ice.

5. Apple Cinnamon Shrub

This one tastes like fall in a glass, cozy, comforting, and surprisingly refreshing when chilled.

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, diced
• ½ tsp cinnamon powder
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• Sparkling water

Directions:

1. Combine apple, cinnamon, and honey in a jar.
2. Add vinegar, stir well, and let steep in the fridge for 24 hours.
3. Strain, mix with sparkling water, and add ice for a crisp finish.

6. Peach Ginger Shrub

The perfect mix of sweet and spicy, this one always wakes me up when I need a little boost in the afternoon.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe peach, sliced
• ½ tsp grated fresh ginger
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• Sparkling water

Directions:

1. Combine peach, ginger, and sugar in a bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes.
2. Add vinegar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
3. Strain, then pour a few tablespoons into sparkling water.

7. Watermelon Lime Shrub

Bright, juicy, and full of life. This drink tastes like pure happiness on a summer day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup watermelon cubes
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Sparkling water

Directions:

1. Blend watermelon with lime juice and sugar.
2. Stir in vinegar and refrigerate overnight.
3. Strain, pour into a tall glass, and add sparkling water.

8. Blackberry Sage Shrub

Earthy yet elegant. The pairing of blackberry and sage creates a deep, herbal flavor that feels both grounding and energizing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup blackberries
• 3–4 sage leaves
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• Sparkling water

Directions:

1. Mash blackberries with honey and sage leaves.
2. Add vinegar, cover, and steep in the fridge for 1–2 days.
3. Strain, then serve 2–3 tablespoons of the syrup with sparkling water.

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Homemade shrubs are a reminder that wellness can be beautiful in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive ingredients, just fresh fruit, a little patience, and the desire to take care of yourself. Each sip brings a spark of energy and calm, like a small celebration of balance. Whether you drink them as part of a morning ritual or share them with friends in the afternoon, these sparkling shrubs are a gentle way to nurture both body and spirit. One refreshing glass at a time.