About Shrubs
A SHRUB IS A SIMPLE BLEND OF FRUIT, VINEGAR, AND SUGAR THAT, WHEN MIXED WITH SPARKLING SODA AND OTHER FLAVORS, CREATES A UNIQUE, ALCOHOL-OPTIONAL REFRESHMENT. (BUT A SPLASH OF LIQUOR CAN’T HURT 😉
Nicole Tostevin is the creative mixologist behind the Shrub Alchemy Lab. Nicole is obsessed with preserving fruit and creating creative shrub cordials for mixing into mocktails and cocktails.
Nicole’s french surname Tostevin is derived from the phrase “tost de vin,” meaning “toast with wine,” and has a historical connection to medieval drinking customs. The practice of dipping spiced toast into wine was a common way to enhance the drink’s flavor, and the phrase has been applied to a host or a social figure involved in toasting and drinking ceremonies. Let’s just say being a mixologist runs in her blood.
Contact Nicole and Shrub Alchemy Lab to see the latest artisanal shrubs lovingly brewed in West Marin California. nicole@shrubalchemylab.com
Alcoholic Additions
Shrubs are great mixers
Enjoy Shrubs with:
Vodka – Neutral and versatile
Rum – Often used with tropical fruits
Tequila – Works great with citrus fruits
Gin – Complements berries, citrus, and botanicals.
Whiskey – Pairs well with cherries, apples, & citrus.
Champagne/Sparkling Wine – Often mixed with berries, peaches, or citrus in cocktails like Mimosas.
Cachaça – Perfect with lime and sugar in Caipirinhas.
Brandy – Commonly used with pears, apples, and cherries.
Prosecco – Pairs beautifully with peaches or berries in light cocktails.
Pisco – Often mixed with citrus and tropical fruits.
A Health Drink?
Starting your day with a small dose of vinegar can offer a range of health benefits. It may help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and boost metabolism. The acetic acid in vinegar supports gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, while also enhancing your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. Drinking vinegar in the morning can be a simple and refreshing way to kickstart your digestive system and maintain balanced energy throughout the day.
Is a shrub alive?
Crafted by blending fruit, sugar, and apple cider vinegar, then allowing it to steep for 24 hours, this mixture transforms into a nutrient-rich syrup packed with antioxidants and live cultures. While shrubs are steeped in history, they offer a fresh, vibrant tonic perfect for whatever 2024 has in store.
