Pear Shrub with Vanilla & Cardamom

Time:

30-60 Min.

Makes:

1 Quart

A shrub is a flavorful tonic made from fruit, sugar, and vinegar that adds a delicious twist to beverages, and this pear shrub is bursting with fresh pear flavor enhanced by creamy vanilla bean and aromatic cardamom. Mix it with prosecco or sparkling water for a refreshing holiday cocktail or fruit soda—using the ripest pears will give you the best flavor.

INGREDIENTS

5 ripe Starkrimson or Red Bartlett USA pears, large dice
1 vanilla bean, scrapings and pod
8 whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed and toasted in a dry pan
1 ½ cups sugar
1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar

DIRECTIONS

Combine ingredients: In a 2-quart jar, add diced pear, vanilla bean (and scrapings), toasted cardamom pods, and sugar. Seal and rotate to combine.
Macerate: Let sit on the counter for 48 hours, rotating the jar twice daily. The pears will release liquid and the sugar will start to dissolve.
After 48 hours, add vinegar, seal, and rotate to combine. Let sit on the counter for 24 hours, turning several times daily until the sugar fully dissolves.
Strain the mixture through a sieve into a bowl, pressing gently to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
Transfer the liquid into clean jars and refrigerate. The shrub will keep for several months.

Note: To make the pear soda pictured, combine 3 tablespoons shrub, ice, and unflavored sparkling water in a pint glass and stir to combine.