Persimmon Vinegar can make a surprisingly delicious addition to a cocktail — and this whiskey shrub recipe from our friends at The Good Lion in Santa Barbara proves it. A shrub is a drinking vinegar syrup that adds bright acidity and depth to cocktails, and our naturally fermented Persimmon Vinegar is a perfect base. The result is a whiskey sour-style drink that’s complex, balanced, and unlike anything you’ve had before.
Bonus: Save any extra shrub syrup to serve with sparkling water later.
What Is a Shrub Cocktail?
A shrub (also called a drinking vinegar) is a sweetened, vinegar-based syrup that’s been used in cocktails and mocktails for centuries. The acidity of the vinegar acts like citrus — brightening flavors and balancing sweetness — while adding a unique depth you can’t get from lemon juice alone. When made with Persimmon Vinegar, the shrub takes on a subtle fruity complexity that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of whiskey.
Whiskey Shrub Cocktail with Persimmon Vinegar
Ingredients
- Water
- Sugar
- Juice from Citrus
- Persimmon Vinegar
- Whiskey
- Lemon
- Egg Whites
- Orange Wedge (garnish)
- Grated Nutmeg
Instructions
- Make a simple syrup by adding 1 part water and 1 part sugar to a pot on the stove. Heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly. Let cool.
- Next, make the shrub with 1 part simple syrup, 1 part citrus juice and 1 part vinegar.
- Add the following into a cocktail shaker: 1.5 oz whiskey, 0.5 oz shrub, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 0.25 oz lemon juice, egg white (1 for every 2 drinks).
- Shake and serve over rocks. Grated nutmeg and orange wheel garnish.
Tips & Variations
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Make it ahead: The shrub syrup keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks — make a big batch and use it all week.
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Skip the egg white for a simpler version, or use aquafaba for a vegan-friendly foam.
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Try it as a mocktail: Swap the whiskey for sparkling water and serve over ice for a refreshing non-alcoholic shrub soda.
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Experiment with citrus: Lemon, lime, blood orange, or grapefruit all work beautifully in the shrub base.
About The Good Lion
The Good Lion is one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved craft cocktail bars, known for their seasonal, ingredient-driven drinks. We’re proud to share their love of local, quality ingredients — and thrilled they chose our Persimmon Vinegar as the star of this recipe.
Have a favorite Persimmon Vinegar recipe? Send us a note and we’ll share it!
