Rum Shrub Cocktail

For July 4th, serve a libation enjoyed by George Washington

Ben Franklin too. And no doubt many of our other founding fathers. That’s because shrubs – fruit preserved in a syrup of sugar and vinegar – were extremely popular in both America and Britain in those days.

Shrub syrup is even better if you add some strong spirits to the mix. But maybe you guessed that already.

You can use almost any booze, but we’re using rum. It was by far the most popular spirit in America around the time of the Revolutionary War. And the flavor of rum blends perfectly with shrub syrup.

Ready to fuel your patriotic fervor?

Ice Cream Shrub Soda with Booze (or not)

The perfect summer dessert – for kids of all ages

Ice cream might be the ultimate summer dessert. You know all about that. But shrub? And why call this an ice cream soda rather than a float?

Patience, grasshopper. All will be revealed. For the moment, just think about cool, refreshing ice cream mixed with sweet but tangy shrub.

It’s great for the 4th of July. Especially since shrubs were extremely popular in colonial America. So this drink offers a taste of America’s culinary history.

Let the fireworks begin.

The Bee's Knees Cocktail

Perfect for Father’s Day. Because Dad is, well, the bee’s knees.

In the US, Father’s Day is this Sunday, the 19th.  If you’re searching for an appropriate celebratory drink, look no further.

This cocktail is a charmer. Not to mention a terrific thirst quencher for the hot weather we’re having now in much of the country.

“Bee’s knees” was 1920s flapper slang for “the best.” And this drink – like Dad – is.

Berry Shrub (Nonalcoholic)

Use almost any berry or fruit to make this refreshing beverage

Shrubs were all the rage during colonial times, both here in the US and in Britain.

Shrub syrup is usually made from fruit preserved with vinegar and sugar. Berries are a popular choice of fruit – and they’re our favorite.

Shrub syrups tend to be used in drinks (with or without booze). Today we’re making a nonalcoholic shrub drink, so you can serve this one to the whole family. It’s easy to make too. Just add shrub syrup to soda water and you’ll have an old-timey beverage that’s better than commercial sodas.

So mix one up and quaff like Alexander Hamilton. No wig required.

The White Lady Cocktail

Perfect for toasting brides – past, present, and future

Wedding season is here. So you need a drink, right?

Fortunately, we have just the thing. The White Lady has a crisp, lively flavor that’s perfect for warm weather. It features a hint of sweetness, but not too much.

So it will whet your appetite for that overpriced reception dinner. And help you endure Uncle Harry. That’s our kind of white wedding.