30+ Easy and Delicious January Shrub Recipes to Warm Up Your Day

As the chill of January settles in, many of us crave drinks that bring warmth and comfort while lifting our spirits.

One of the best ways to add brightness to your winter days is by experimenting with shrub recipes.

A shrub—a tangy, vinegary syrup infused with fruits, herbs, or spices—offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making it the ideal beverage for those cozy, cold days.

Whether you’re looking for a vibrant fruit shrub to complement your meals or a spicy option to add warmth to your evening, this collection of 30+ January shrub recipes has something for everyone.

From classic combinations like apple and cinnamon to more adventurous pairings like pineapple and jalapeño, there’s no shortage of creative flavors to explore this winter.

Each recipe in this list is designed to not only please your taste buds but also refresh and rejuvenate you throughout the month of January.

So, grab your muddler, your favorite fruits and spices, and let’s dive into the world of shrubs to add a little flair to your January sips.

30+ Easy and Delicious January Shrub Recipes to Warm Up Your Day

With these 30+ January shrub recipes, you have a vast array of creative and refreshing drink bases that will carry you through the month and beyond.

Whether you enjoy the classic sweetness of fruits or prefer the complexity of spices and herbs, shrubs offer endless versatility in flavor combinations.

The best part is that they can be easily added to sparkling water for a quick refreshment or used in your favorite cocktails for a more elevated experience.

As you explore these recipes, you’ll find that shrubs are not just for summer—they make an excellent addition to winter gatherings, helping you celebrate the season with bold, vibrant flavors.

So why not make January the month of experimentation?

Try out these shrubs, get creative with your mixology, and enjoy the tangy, sweet, and spicy wonders that shrubs bring to your winter drinks.

Citrus Rosemary Shrub

Bright and zesty, this citrus rosemary shrub combines tangy orange and lemon with fragrant rosemary for a refreshing and versatile drink base. Perfect for January, it adds a ray of sunshine to the winter gloom. Use it to create sparkling mocktails or a unique twist for cocktails.

Ingredients

• 1 large orange, peeled and sliced
• 1 lemon, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the orange slices, lemon slices, and sugar. Gently mash with a muddler or wooden spoon to release the juices.
2. Add the rosemary sprigs and toss to coat with the sugar mixture. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours to macerate.
3. After 24 hours, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing the fruit to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar until well combined. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking it daily.
5. Serve 1–2 tablespoons of the shrub in sparkling water or mix into cocktails for a bright, herbal flavor.

The citrus rosemary shrub bursts with natural sweetness and tangy notes balanced by the herbaceous rosemary. Its bright flavor makes it a versatile addition to winter drinks, bringing cheer to even the coldest January days.

Pomegranate Ginger Shrub

This pomegranate ginger shrub is a perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy. The vibrant color and bold flavor make it ideal for crafting beautiful drinks that offer warmth and depth, perfect for January gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup freshly grated ginger
• 1 cup red wine vinegar

Instructions

1. Place the pomegranate seeds and sugar in a mixing bowl. Use a muddler or spoon to crush the seeds, releasing their juices and mixing them with the sugar.
2. Stir in the grated ginger, cover the bowl, and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours to infuse.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing firmly to extract all the liquid.
4. Add the red wine vinegar and mix well. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking daily to ensure even flavor development.
5. Use 1–2 tablespoons of the shrub in soda water or as a base for creative winter cocktails.

The pomegranate ginger shrub delivers a vibrant, tart, and spicy profile that warms up chilly January evenings. Its beautiful ruby hue and bold flavor make it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Cranberry Spice Shrub

Packed with winter warmth, this cranberry spice shrub combines tart cranberries with cinnamon, cloves, and apple cider vinegar for a festive and flavorful drink enhancer. It’s a delightful nod to January’s cozy vibe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves

Instructions

1. Combine the cranberries and sugar in a bowl. Muddle the cranberries until they release their juices and mix thoroughly with the sugar.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and cloves, stirring to combine. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours to macerate.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar until fully mixed. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking it daily to infuse the flavors evenly.
5. Add 1–2 tablespoons of the shrub to sparkling water or your favorite cocktails for a spiced, tart twist.

This cranberry spice shrub is a heartwarming addition to your winter drink repertoire. Its tangy, spiced flavors evoke the coziness of January while adding a festive, refreshing touch to any beverage.

Pear Vanilla Shrub

This pear vanilla shrub is a soft, aromatic drink base that blends the mellow sweetness of ripe pears with the warm essence of vanilla. Perfect for January, it creates a soothing and sophisticated flavor ideal for mocktails and cocktails alike.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the diced pears and sugar. Muddle the pears to release their juices, then mix thoroughly.
2. Add the vanilla bean to the mixture, stir, and cover. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing the pears to extract all the liquid.
4. Mix in the white wine vinegar, seal the jar, and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking daily to ensure the flavors meld.
5. Serve 1–2 tablespoons in sparkling water or use as a base for your favorite drinks.

The pear vanilla shrub offers a uniquely smooth and aromatic profile. Its subtle sweetness and vanilla undertones make it a luxurious addition to beverages, providing warmth and elegance to your January gatherings.

Apple Cinnamon Shrub

Embrace the cozy essence of January with this apple cinnamon shrub. Combining the crisp sweetness of apples with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, this shrub is perfect for chilly days when you crave a flavorful, spiced drink.

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

1. Combine the diced apples and sugar in a bowl. Use a muddler to crush the apples, releasing their juices, and mix thoroughly.
2. Add the cinnamon stick, stir, and cover the bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing the apples to extract as much juice as possible.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, seal the jar, and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking daily.
5. Use 1–2 tablespoons of the shrub in sparkling water or your favorite cocktail recipes.

The apple cinnamon shrub delivers a balance of tart, sweet, and spicy flavors. It adds a comforting touch to beverages, perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold January evening.

Blood Orange Clove Shrub

Capture the vibrancy of winter with this blood orange clove shrub. The tart, jewel-like blood oranges pair beautifully with the earthy warmth of cloves, creating a bold and refreshing drink base for January festivities.

Ingredients

• 2 blood oranges, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 4 whole cloves

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the blood orange slices and sugar. Muddle the oranges to release their juices and mix well.
2. Add the cloves to the mixture, stir, and cover the bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing the oranges to extract all the liquid.
4. Stir in the red wine vinegar, seal the jar, and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking it daily to infuse the flavors.
5. Mix 1–2 tablespoons of the shrub into sparkling water or cocktails for a tangy, spiced twist.

The blood orange clove shrub is as bold in flavor as it is in color. Its zesty citrus notes and warm spice make it an invigorating choice for January drinks, perfect for brightening up the winter season.

Blackberry Thyme Shrub

Rich and earthy, the blackberry thyme shrub combines the sweet, tart essence of blackberries with the herbal sophistication of thyme. This shrub is a delightful addition to January beverages, offering a bold, layered flavor profile.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3–4 sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Combine the blackberries and sugar in a bowl. Use a muddler or spoon to mash the berries, releasing their juices.
2. Add the thyme sprigs to the mixture, stir, and cover. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing the berries to extract as much juice as possible.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar until fully combined. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking it daily.
5. Mix 1–2 tablespoons into sparkling water, or use it as a flavorful base for cocktails or mocktails.

This blackberry thyme shrub boasts a deep, fruity flavor with herbal undertones, creating an elegant drink that’s perfect for winter evenings or as a refreshing mid-day treat.

Grapefruit Honey Shrub

Fresh and tangy, this grapefruit honey shrub offers a sweet twist with the addition of natural honey. Its bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with sparkling water or champagne, making it a vibrant choice for January celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 large grapefruit, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup white wine vinegar

Instructions

1. Place the grapefruit slices and sugar in a bowl. Use a muddler to mash the fruit, extracting the juice and blending it with the sugar.
2. Add the honey, stirring well to combine. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing down on the fruit to extract all the liquid.
4. Add the white wine vinegar and mix until smooth. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking daily to integrate the flavors.
5. Serve 1–2 tablespoons in sparkling water, soda, or cocktails for a refreshing, zesty drink.

The grapefruit honey shrub delivers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Its sunny citrus flavor is ideal for lifting spirits during the cold and gray days of January.

Cherry Balsamic Shrub

Luxurious and bold, the cherry balsamic shrub combines sweet cherries with the rich tang of balsamic vinegar. This unique shrub is perfect for creating sophisticated drinks that pair beautifully with hearty winter meals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Combine the cherries and sugar in a bowl. Muddle the cherries to release their juices and mix thoroughly with the sugar.
2. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing the cherries to extract all the liquid.
4. Add the balsamic vinegar and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking daily.
5. Use 1–2 tablespoons in soda water, cocktails, or even drizzled over savory dishes for a tangy-sweet kick.

The cherry balsamic shrub offers a deep, rich flavor with a slightly tart finish. Its bold taste makes it a versatile ingredient for drinks or culinary creations, adding a touch of elegance to January menus.

Lemon Lavender Shrub

This fragrant and refreshing lemon lavender shrub combines the bright citrusy notes of lemon with the calming floral hints of lavender. A perfect shrub to bring a touch of spring to the cold, grey days of January.

Ingredients

• 2 large lemons, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the lemon slices and sugar. Muddle the lemon slices gently to release their juices and mix with the sugar.
2. Add the dried lavender flowers and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours to infuse the flavors.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing the lemons to extract all the juice.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and mix well. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking daily to blend the flavors.
5. Use 1–2 tablespoons of the shrub in sparkling water or mix into cocktails for a bright, fragrant drink.

The lemon lavender shrub has a light, uplifting flavor, balancing the tartness of lemon with the gentle floral notes of lavender. It offers a soothing yet invigorating option for your January beverage collection, perfect for cozy afternoons or elegant evening drinks.

Pineapple Jalapeño Shrub

For those who love a little spice, this pineapple jalapeño shrub is a bold and fiery mix of tropical sweetness and spicy heat. It adds a punch of flavor to any drink, making it a great choice for January when you want something extra kicky to brighten your mood.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1/2 jalapeño, sliced (seeds removed for milder heat)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup white wine vinegar

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the pineapple chunks and sugar. Muddle the pineapple to release its juice and mix thoroughly with the sugar.
2. Add the sliced jalapeño to the mixture and stir well. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours to infuse.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing down to extract all the liquid.
4. Stir in the white wine vinegar until well mixed. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking it daily to enhance the flavor.
5. Add 1–2 tablespoons of the shrub to sparkling water, cocktails, or mocktails for a tropical, spicy twist.

The pineapple jalapeño shrub is a perfect balance of sweet and heat. It offers a vibrant, bold flavor that’s perfect for anyone looking to add a little extra warmth to their January drinks.

Raspberry Mint Shrub

This raspberry mint shrub is a refreshing combination of tart raspberries and cool mint, ideal for January when you want something both bright and soothing. The sweet-and-tart berry flavor paired with mint’s freshness makes this shrub perfect for a winter pick-me-up.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5–6 fresh mint sprigs

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the raspberries and sugar. Muddle the raspberries to release their juices and mix thoroughly with the sugar.
2. Add the fresh mint sprigs and gently bruise them with a muddler to release the oils. Stir to combine, then cover and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing the raspberries and mint to extract all the liquid.
4. Add the apple cider vinegar and mix well. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking it daily.
5. Serve 1–2 tablespoons of the shrub in sparkling water or cocktails for a fruity, refreshing experience.

The raspberry mint shrub offers a deliciously vibrant flavor combination, perfect for creating refreshing drinks that can brighten any chilly January day. Its balance of tart raspberries and cool mint creates a pleasant, invigorating sip.

Strawberry Basil Shrub

A delightful blend of fresh strawberries and aromatic basil, this strawberry basil shrub brings a refreshing burst of flavor perfect for the beginning of the year. The sweetness of ripe strawberries is perfectly complemented by the earthy, slightly peppery taste of basil, creating a wonderfully unique drink base.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 4–5 fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Gently muddle the strawberries to release their juices and mix thoroughly with the sugar.
2. Add the fresh basil leaves, bruising them slightly with your fingers to release their oils. Stir to combine, then cover and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing down on the strawberries and basil to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and mix well. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking daily to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Use 1–2 tablespoons in sparkling water, cocktails, or mocktails for a fruity, herbal refreshment.

The strawberry basil shrub combines the best of both worlds—sweet fruitiness and aromatic herbaceousness. It’s a perfect choice for elevating any January drink, offering a sophisticated, refreshing twist that’s ideal for winter gatherings.

Spiced Pear Shrub

A cozy and warming spiced pear shrub, this recipe combines the rich sweetness of ripe pears with the warming spices of cinnamon and cloves. It’s a fantastic shrub to enjoy in the winter months, bringing a comforting and flavorful drink to your January repertoire.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Combine the diced pears and sugar in a bowl. Muddle the pears gently to release their juices and mix thoroughly with the sugar.
2. Add the ground cinnamon and whole cloves, stirring well to combine. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing the pears and spices to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and mix thoroughly. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking daily to infuse the flavors.
5. Add 1–2 tablespoons of the shrub to sparkling water, or use it as a base for a warm winter drink or cocktail.

The spiced pear shrub is a cozy, warming option that infuses your January beverages with the comforting essence of winter spices. Its smooth, fruity sweetness and spiced depth create the perfect drink for cold weather gatherings or a quiet evening at home.

Cranberry Orange Ginger Shrub

A zesty and bold shrub, this cranberry orange ginger combination offers a bright, tart flavor with a hint of spice. It’s a perfect choice for the cold winter months, adding a pop of color and flavor to any drink.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 orange, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the cranberries, orange slices, and grated ginger. Use a muddler or spoon to mash the mixture, releasing the juices.
2. Add the sugar and stir until it begins to dissolve. Cover and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 24 hours to infuse the flavors.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing down to extract all the liquid.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and mix well. Seal the jar and refrigerate for 5–7 days, shaking it daily.
5. Add 1–2 tablespoons of the shrub to sparkling water or cocktails for a refreshing, tart drink with a spicy kick.

The cranberry orange ginger shrub is a tangy and invigorating drink base. It combines the tartness of cranberries with the warmth of ginger and the bright citrusy notes of orange, creating a flavor-packed addition to your January beverages that’s both refreshing and lively.

Note: More recipes​ are coming soon!