50+ Easy and Refreshing Winter Shrub Recipes to Warm Up You

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s time to embrace flavors that bring warmth and comfort to our lives.

Winter shrub recipes offer a delightful combination of sweet, tart, and spiced elements, creating a perfect base for both cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.

Shrubs, made from a mixture of fruit, sugar, and vinegar, are steeped in tradition, dating back to ancient times.

But their versatility and refreshing taste make them a modern favorite, especially during the colder months when bold, bright flavors are much appreciated.

In this collection of 50+ winter shrub recipes, you’ll discover unique combinations that highlight seasonal fruits, spices, and herbs, turning simple drinks into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or curling up by the fire with a refreshing beverage, these shrubs are sure to add a burst of flavor to your winter repertoire.

From classic favorites like cranberry-orange to more adventurous blends like spiced fig balsamic, there’s a shrub recipe here for every palate and occasion.

50+ Easy and Refreshing Winter Shrub Recipes to Warm Up You

Winter shrubs are a fantastic way to experiment with seasonal flavors and add a refreshing twist to your drinks throughout the colder months.

With their bright, tangy base and the ability to customize with spices, herbs, and fruits, shrubs provide endless possibilities for winter beverages that are both festive and flavorful.

Whether you’re preparing mocktails for a gathering or creating a cozy cocktail for a quiet evening, these shrubs will add that special something to your winter drink menu.

As you explore these 50+ winter shrub recipes, you’ll find yourself transported by the vibrant and complex flavors that shrubs have to offer.

From the tangy bite of pomegranate ginger to the earthy depth of spiced fig balsamic, each recipe invites you to savor the season in a whole new way.

Cranberry Ginger Winter Shrub

This cranberry ginger shrub combines the tangy flavor of cranberries with the warm, spicy notes of ginger. The deep red color makes it a festive addition to any winter beverage, whether it’s a simple soda or a sophisticated cocktail. The tartness of cranberries, combined with the zing of fresh ginger, creates a balanced drink that’s both refreshing and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, ginger, water, and sugar.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Once the cranberries begin to pop and break down, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Strain the mixture into a clean jar, pressing the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Add the apple cider vinegar and stir to combine.
6. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to meld.
7. To serve, mix the shrub syrup with sparkling water or use it as a base for cocktails.

This cranberry ginger shrub is perfect for adding a tart and spicy kick to your winter drinks. It’s easy to make and can be stored for weeks, making it a great go-to for holiday gatherings or quiet winter nights at home.

Apple Cinnamon Shrub

Apple and cinnamon are classic winter flavors that evoke warmth and coziness. This apple cinnamon shrub is like sipping on the essence of winter in a glass. The tartness of apples pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon, making it a perfect addition to sparkling water or your favorite whiskey.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, cored and chopped
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, cinnamon sticks, water, and brown sugar.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the apples are soft and the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Strain the mixture into a jar, pressing the apples to extract all the liquid.
5. Stir in the apple cider vinegar.
6. Refrigerate the shrub for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to deepen.
7. Serve by mixing the shrub syrup with soda water or as a cocktail mixer.

This apple cinnamon shrub captures the warmth of a cozy winter evening. Its sweet and tangy flavor can brighten up a cold day, and the syrup stores well, ready for any festive gathering.

Pomegranate Rosemary Winter Shrub

The combination of tart pomegranate and aromatic rosemary makes this shrub an elegant winter drink. Pomegranate seeds bring a bright, tangy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the earthy, herbal flavor of rosemary. This shrub not only tastes delicious but also adds a pop of color to your winter drink menu.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pomegranate seeds (or 1 cup pomegranate juice)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the pomegranate seeds (or juice), rosemary, water, and sugar.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Once the mixture reaches a simmer, remove from heat and let cool.
4. Strain the mixture into a jar, discarding the rosemary sprigs and seeds.
5. Add the red wine vinegar and stir.
6. Refrigerate the shrub for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to develop.
7. Serve by mixing the shrub with sparkling water, or use it in a cocktail.

The pomegranate rosemary shrub brings a touch of elegance to any winter drink. Its unique blend of tart, sweet, and herbal flavors can elevate a simple beverage into something truly special, perfect for both quiet winter moments and festive celebrations.

Orange Clove Winter Shrub

This orange clove shrub captures the bright, zesty flavor of oranges paired with the warm, spicy notes of cloves, making it an ideal winter drink. The citrusy tang of the orange is perfectly balanced by the depth and slight spice of the cloves, resulting in a shrub that evokes holiday cheer in every sip.

Ingredients:

• 2 oranges, peeled and chopped
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the chopped oranges, cloves, water, and sugar.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Once the oranges have softened, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Strain the mixture into a jar, pressing the oranges to extract the liquid.
5. Add the white wine vinegar and stir to combine.
6. Refrigerate the shrub for at least 3 days to let the flavors meld.
7. Serve by mixing the shrub syrup with sparkling water, or add it to a cocktail for a citrusy twist.

This orange clove shrub is a delightful balance of citrus brightness and cozy winter spices. The vibrant flavor can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink or used to enhance holiday cocktails, offering a taste that’s both comforting and uplifting.

Pear Vanilla Winter Shrub

This pear vanilla shrub is a luscious and smooth concoction, combining the sweet, mellow flavor of pears with the rich, creamy taste of vanilla. The result is a delicate and aromatic shrub that pairs perfectly with soda water or prosecco, offering a soft, fruity flavor that’s perfect for winter sipping.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe pears, peeled and chopped
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the chopped pears, vanilla bean and seeds, water, and sugar.
2. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the pears have softened.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Strain the mixture into a jar, pressing the pears to extract all the liquid.
5. Add the apple cider vinegar and stir to combine.
6. Refrigerate the shrub for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to intensify.
7. Serve with sparkling water, or add it to a light cocktail for a fruity vanilla touch.

This pear vanilla shrub offers a subtle, luxurious flavor that’s perfect for winter gatherings or a quiet evening at home. Its smooth, sweet notes are comforting and versatile, making it a lovely base for a variety of winter beverages.

Blackberry Sage Winter Shrub

Blackberries and sage might seem like an unusual pairing, but they work together to create a beautifully balanced winter shrub. The deep, tart flavor of the blackberries is complemented by the earthy, aromatic quality of sage, resulting in a complex and refreshing drink that’s perfect for colder months.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
• 2 sprigs fresh sage
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the blackberries, sage, water, and sugar.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Let the mixture simmer until the blackberries begin to break down, then remove from heat and let cool.
4. Strain the mixture into a jar, discarding the sage and blackberry solids.
5. Stir in the red wine vinegar.
6. Refrigerate for at least 3 days to let the flavors deepen.
7. Serve by mixing the shrub syrup with sparkling water or using it as a base for a cocktail.

This blackberry sage shrub is a perfect choice for those seeking a drink with both fruity tartness and herbal complexity. It’s a great way to introduce a unique and sophisticated flavor to your winter beverages, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night by the fire.

Cinnamon Apple Cider Shrub

This cinnamon apple cider shrub is a celebration of all things warm and cozy. Combining the tartness of apple cider with the spicy depth of cinnamon, it offers a taste reminiscent of a classic winter cider but with a refreshing, tangy twist. It’s perfect for adding a unique flavor to non-alcoholic drinks or cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, water, and sugar.
2. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Strain the liquid into a jar, discarding the cinnamon sticks.
5. Stir in the apple cider vinegar.
6. Seal and refrigerate for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to fully develop.
7. Serve with sparkling water or mix into cocktails for a spiced twist.

The cinnamon apple cider shrub is the ultimate winter drink enhancer, bringing warmth and a punch of flavor to your beverages. Its rich, spiced notes make it the perfect companion for chilly days and festive gatherings.

Maple Cranberry Winter Shrub

This maple cranberry shrub combines the tart brightness of cranberries with the deep, earthy sweetness of maple syrup. The result is a shrub that’s not only festive but also comforting, offering a burst of flavor that’s great for holiday drinks or for adding a seasonal twist to your everyday refreshments.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, maple syrup, and water.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and break down.
3. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Strain into a clean jar, pressing the cranberries to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Add the apple cider vinegar and stir well.
6. Refrigerate for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve by mixing the shrub with soda water or as a base for holiday cocktails.

The maple cranberry shrub brings together the best of winter flavors: sweet, tart, and robust. It’s perfect for adding seasonal warmth to your beverages, and its vibrant color and taste make it a great addition to any winter gathering.

Ginger Pear Winter Shrub

This ginger pear shrub pairs the mild sweetness of ripe pears with the zingy, invigorating heat of fresh ginger. The combination of these flavors creates a shrub that’s both soothing and refreshing, ideal for winter when you’re looking for something that has both comfort and a little bit of spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe pears, peeled and chopped
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped pears, sliced ginger, water, and sugar.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until the pears are soft and fragrant.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Strain the liquid into a jar, pressing the pears and ginger to extract as much flavor as possible.
6. Stir in the apple cider vinegar.
7. Seal and refrigerate for at least 3 days to let the flavors intensify.
8. Serve by mixing the shrub syrup with sparkling water or as a flavorful addition to winter cocktails.

The ginger pear shrub is a perfect blend of fruity sweetness and spicy warmth, making it an excellent winter refresher. Whether you’re enjoying it with soda water or using it to add complexity to cocktails, this shrub brings a burst of cozy flavor to your winter drink menu.

Honey Lemon Thyme Shrub

The honey lemon thyme shrub brings together sweet honey, bright lemon, and fragrant thyme for a refreshing and aromatic winter drink. This shrub is a delightful blend of tangy and herbal flavors, perfect for adding a sunny touch to the colder months. It pairs well with both sparkling water and cocktails, offering a versatile base for winter refreshments.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, thyme sprigs, and water.
2. Heat gently over medium heat until the honey dissolves, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Strain out the thyme and mix the honey syrup with the fresh lemon juice.
4. Add the apple cider vinegar and stir well.
5. Transfer the shrub to a jar and refrigerate for 2-3 days to allow the flavors to develop.
6. Serve by mixing the shrub with sparkling water or using it as a base for cocktails.

The honey lemon thyme shrub is both bright and soothing, offering a touch of warmth from the honey and an herbal twist from the thyme. It’s a lovely way to add complexity and depth to your winter drinks while still feeling light and refreshing.

Spiced Plum Shrub

This spiced plum shrub combines the deep, sweet flavor of ripe plums with warming winter spices like cinnamon and cloves. The result is a richly flavored shrub that works beautifully with soda water, cocktails, or even as a glaze for roasted meats. Its combination of sweetness, tartness, and spice makes it a perfect drink for cold evenings.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe plums, pitted and chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the chopped plums, cinnamon stick, cloves, water, and sugar.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the plums have softened and released their juice.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Strain the mixture into a jar, pressing the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
6. Add the red wine vinegar and stir to combine.
7. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 3 days to let the flavors blend.
8. Serve with sparkling water or use it as a cocktail ingredient.

The spiced plum shrub is a deliciously cozy drink, with a rich, fruity base enhanced by warming spices. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or just curling up by the fire with a festive, flavorful drink in hand.

Cranberry Orange Cardamom Shrub

This cranberry orange cardamom shrub is a vibrant and festive drink, bursting with tart cranberries, zesty orange, and a hint of exotic cardamom. It brings together classic winter flavors with a twist, offering a refreshing yet comforting drink that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange zest, cardamom, water, and sugar.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Let the mixture simmer until the cranberries start to pop and break down.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Strain the mixture into a jar, pressing the solids to extract all the liquid.
6. Stir in the apple cider vinegar.
7. Refrigerate for 3-4 days to allow the flavors to develop fully.
8. Serve by mixing the shrub with sparkling water or as a cocktail mixer.

This cranberry orange cardamom shrub is a bold, refreshing drink with layers of flavor that are perfect for winter. The tart cranberries and bright orange zest, combined with the warming spice of cardamom, make this shrub a festive and versatile addition to your seasonal drinks.

Pomegranate Ginger Shrub

The pomegranate ginger shrub combines the vibrant, tart flavor of pomegranate with the zesty heat of ginger, making it a delightful winter drink. The freshness of pomegranate juice contrasts with the warming spice of ginger, creating a tangy and invigorating shrub that’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to winter cocktails or sodas.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds or 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine pomegranate seeds (or juice), sliced ginger, water, and sugar.
2. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Continue simmering for about 10 minutes until the ginger infuses and the pomegranate breaks down.
4. Remove from heat, let cool, and strain the mixture into a jar, discarding solids.
5. Add the apple cider vinegar and stir to combine.
6. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 3 days to develop flavors.
7. Serve with sparkling water or use as a cocktail mixer for a refreshing winter drink.

This pomegranate ginger shrub is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy. It’s a bold, invigorating choice for a cold winter’s day and makes for a delicious addition to sparkling beverages or seasonal cocktails.

Clementine Cinnamon Shrub

This clementine cinnamon shrub is a bright, citrusy winter drink with a warm, spiced twist. The juicy sweetness of clementines pairs beautifully with the comforting flavor of cinnamon, creating a shrub that’s bursting with holiday cheer. It’s a fantastic addition to mocktails, sparkling water, or festive cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 4 clementines, peeled and chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine chopped clementines, cinnamon stick, water, and sugar in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the clementines soften.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Strain the mixture into a jar, pressing the clementines to extract the juice.
5. Stir in the white wine vinegar.
6. Refrigerate for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to blend.
7. Serve with soda water or use it as a cocktail base for a festive, citrusy drink.

The clementine cinnamon shrub brings a burst of sunshine to cold winter days with its bright citrus and subtle spice. It’s perfect for holiday parties or simply enjoying a cheerful, flavorful beverage by the fire.

Spiced Fig Balsamic Shrub

This spiced fig balsamic shrub is a rich, earthy winter shrub perfect for those who love deep, complex flavors. The sweetness of figs is elevated by the tangy richness of balsamic vinegar and warming spices, creating a drink that’s ideal for winter evenings or sophisticated cocktail recipes.

Ingredients:

• 6 dried figs, chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine chopped figs, cinnamon stick, cloves, water, and sugar.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Let the mixture simmer until the figs soften and release their flavor.
4. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Strain the mixture into a jar, pressing the figs to extract the liquid.
6. Stir in the balsamic vinegar.
7. Refrigerate for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to develop.
8. Serve with sparkling water or use as a base for a rich, flavorful cocktail.

The spiced fig balsamic shrub is a complex, luxurious drink that adds a unique depth to winter beverages. The combination of sweet figs, warm spices, and tangy balsamic makes it an excellent choice for sophisticated holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!