Strawberry Shrub & Shou Mei Cocktail

As someone who doesn't drink, I often find that non-alcoholic cocktails can be overly sweet and lacking in complexity. This Strawberry Shrub & Shou Mei Cocktail is a refreshing exception, perfect for summer.

Using tea in your summertime drinks is a great way to add nuance and depth without relying on simple syrup. Shou Mei tea, with its earthy and fruity notes, pairs beautifully with the tartness of the strawberry shrub, creating a balanced and sophisticated flavor profile.

A note on the apple cider vinegar: the suggested amount can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your strawberries. If your berries are more tart, you might want to use less vinegar. Conversely, if they're sweeter, feel free to add a bit more. Trust your taste buds and adjust accordingly.

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INGREDIENTS 

Strawberry Shrub

• 2 c sliced & hulled strawberries

• 2 c unrefined cane sugar

• 1 c apple cider vinegar

Cocktail

• 1 c brewed Shou Mei, cooled

• 2 Tbsp Strawberry Shrub

DIRECTIONS

Shrub

1. Add fruit to a sterilized jar and pour sugar on top. Stir and cover. Let sit for 1-2 days. You may need to stir periodically to ensure that the sugar all dissolves. 

2. Filter out the syrup into a sterilized jar, pressing lightly on the solids to extract all the juice.

3. Add apple cider vinegar and stir. Store in the refrigerator. 

Cocktail

1. Add ice to a glass and pour in the Shou Mei and the shrub. Stir and garnish with a cut strawberry and mint. 

Serves 1

NOTES

• For in depth instructions on how to brew the tea, head to the Tap Twice Tea website.

• If you have the foresight, I particularly like to brew several cups of the tea and then chill it. When it comes time to make a drink I forgo ice and just mix in the shrub.