WHAT IS BITTERS?
Bitters are alcoholic spirits that are infused with herbs, roots, fruit and leaves. They typically consist of water and alcohol, which has been steeped with a combination of botanicals. Made with high proof alcohol and strong flavors, bitters are highly concentrated; just a dash or three is usually necessary in a cocktail.
I think of bitters as the spice rack in the drink world. You can use just a little salt, or you can combine 7 different spices for a flavor smorgasbord.
Bitters can be used as more than just cocktail flavoring I enjoy adding bitters to soups, iced tea (or hot), and sparkling water. One of our partners loves adding a dash of bitters when baking. Have you ever had a gingersnap with a touch of orange bitters? Everything is better with a ‘tinge of the ginge.’
-By the drop-
What are shrubs?
Shrubs are an ancient way of preserving fruits after harvest. It was a preserved good commonly practiced by many cultures before refrigeration or industrially processed foods existed. Shrub are made by macerating fruits in sugar and preserving them with vinegar. The word shrub stems from the Arabic word “sherab” which means “to drink.” American colonists dubbed it “drinking vinegar” and one would often have this invigorating beverage on a hot afternoon or as a way of enjoying fruits long into the winter months. Our shrubs are made with fresh fruit and herbs, and are then cold macerated with organic sugar and then soaked in organic apple cider vinegar to create a delightfully refreshing concentrated shrub. These shrubs are meant to be diluted. Some day we hope to be able to offer them canned in a ready to drink vessel.
How we use shrub:
Try making an invigorating “soda” by adding a splash to a glass of sparkling water. You can also add shrub to your favorite cocktail recipe for a lively punch of flavor, you can even use this flavored drinking vinegar for a quick and tasty vinaigrette.