Aronia Berry Shrub

Ingredients

• 1 cup aronia berries, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Combine the aronia berries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a simmer, mashing the berries with a spoon as they soften, and cook for 10–15 minutes until the mixture is thick and deeply colored.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then strain through a fine sieve into a jar, pressing to extract the juice, and discard the solids.
4. Stir in the vinegar until fully combined.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld before using — it keeps improving over the next few days.
6. Store in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 2 months. To serve, stir 1–2 tablespoons into a glass of sparkling water over ice, or use in cocktails.