Holiday DIY - Festive Holiday Shrubs & Seasonal Mocktails

The holidays are full of sparkle—twinkle lights, joyful gatherings, endless cookie trays—but they can also be full of something else: alcohol. And while there’s nothing wrong with a classic holiday cocktail, many people are choosing to sip something lighter, brighter, or booze-free altogether.

Enter the holiday shrub: a vibrant, tangy, fruit-infused drinking vinegar that turns into the most beautiful non-alcoholic cocktail you’ve ever tasted. Shrubs offer complexity, depth, and ceremony—all without the alcohol. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for seasonal hosting.

If you’re looking for a festive alternative to cocktails this season, this is your new holiday tradition.

What Exactly Is a Shrub?

A shrub is ahand-crafted concentrated syrup made from fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Once mixed, it becomes a balanced, sweet-tart base that you can top with sparkling water, ginger beer, tonic, or even use in salad dressings. The result? A drink that feels festive, and ideal for guests who want something more exciting than soda, but not alcoholic. Bonus - shrubs are cost-effective and store wonderfully in the fridge (4-6 weeks).

Three Festive Shrubs for the Holiday Season

You can make all three in one afternoon—or choose the one that matches your flavor mood:

Pomegranate Rosemary Shrub

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds (or pure pomegranate arils)

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

  1. Combine pomegranate seeds and sugar in a jar. Muddle lightly to release juice.

  2. Add vinegar and rosemary.

  3. Seal and refrigerate for 2–3 days, shaking daily.

  4. Strain and store chilled for up to 2 months.

To serve:
Mix 1–2 tbsp shrub with sparkling water. Garnish with rosemary or pomegranate seeds.

Orange Ginger Cinnamon Shrub

Ingredients

  • Zest and juice of 2 oranges

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 cup white vinegar or champagne vinegar

  • 1 thumb-size piece of fresh ginger, sliced

  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

  1. Combine orange zest, juice, ginger, and sugar in a bowl. Let sit 1 hour.

  2. Stir in vinegar.

  3. Pour into a jar, refrigerate 2–3 days.

  4. Strain into a clean bottle.

To serve:
Add shrub to ginger beer or sparkling water. Garnish with an orange slice.

Cranberry Spice Shrub

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 2 cloves or a pinch of allspice

  • Optional: a splash of vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Gently heat cranberries and sugar in a saucepan until berries burst.

  2. Let cool, then add vinegar and spices.

  3. Pour into a jar, refrigerate 2–3 days.

  4. Strain and bottle.

To serve:
Mix with sparkling apple cider for a festive punch.

How to Use a Shrub Like a Holiday Mocktail Pro

  • Start with 1–2 tablespoons of shrub to 8–12 oz sparkling water.

  • Add herbs (thyme, rosemary, mint) or citrus peel for extra elegance.

  • Use fancy glassware—half the magic is presentation.

  • Add ice, but not too much—you don’t want to dilute the flavor too quickly.

Bonus: Shrubs Make Fantastic Gifts

Bottle your homemade shrub in a small glass jar, add a ribbon or sprig of rosemary, and include a card with serving suggestions. It’s thoughtful, seasonal, and totally unique—and perfect for anyone cutting back on alcohol this year.

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