Elderberry Shrub

A favored summer indulgence of the 18th century, shrub was both a refreshing beverage and a practical means of preserving the fleeting sweetness of ripe fruit. Elderberries have a complex flavor profile described as tart followed by a deep, fruity sweetness reminiscent of blackberries or black currants. Most enjoy shrub served simply with chilled sparkling water and this new light, bright flavor does not disappoint.

Colonial households commonly prepared shrubs during the height of the harvest, bottling the essence of orchard fruit before it could spoil. Vinegar acted as both preservative and tonic, praised for its invigorating properties. Peach shrub was especially beloved in southern colonies, where peaches flourished and the humid heat demanded a cool, reviving draught.

Served diluted with water or mixed with spirits, a peach shrub offers a fine balance of sweet and sour—ideal for fortifying travelers, entertaining guests, or simply savoring at day’s end. It may be enjoyed as our forebears did: over shaved ice, in punch, or with a generous pour of rum.

From field to flask, this shrub is a taste of the 18th century’s ingenuity and hospitality