4/25/2025
Cherry Black Cardamom Shrub
Shrubs are a vinegar based flavoring syrup used as a concentrate to add to drinks of all kinds. These are typically fruit or berry based with honeys and vinegars.
This is a perfect way to use some fun spices and so we're bringing in black cardamom! Black Cardamom is a distant cousin of Green Cardamom but has a smoky flavor that is unique to it. Cardamom, Maple and Cinnamon all pair beautifully with cherries and honey so this is a great combination that works in many different drinks!
- 4 cups bing cherries, fresh or frozen
- 16 black cardamom pods, split open for seeds, discard pods
- 1 1/3 cup maple sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Cinnamon Green Apple White Balsamic Vinegar
- ice, club soda, lemonade, iced tea
In a large mason jar, place the cherries, cardamom seeds and maple sugar in a large jar. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, muddle the sugar and spices into the cherries.
Place in the fridge and let sit for about 2 days, shaking occasionally to help dissolve sugars. Once the two days are up, pour the mixture into a blender and pour through a fine sieve to collect any remaining solids. Mix the strained fruit mixture with the honey, apple cider vinegar and the Cinnamon Green Apple White Balsamic.
Place the syrup in a fresh mason jar or glass bottle. Place back in the fridge for 5-7 days. Shake syrup each time before using.
Mix 1 part syrup to 6 parts sparkling water/lemonade/iced tea and pour over ice. You may like more or less syrup, depending on your preferences.
I personally love this mixed with lemonade! It's like a spiced cherry lemonade that I can't get enough of. I like to mix about 1 part of shrub to 4-6 parts of lemonade but I'll taste it as I go to make adjustments if needed.
