Ginger-Spiced Apple Shrub Cooler
A tangy and spicy cooler combining apple shrub vinegar with fresh ginger and sparkling water for a crisp finish. This recipe, ready in about 6 minutes, brings together apple shrub vinegar, fresh ginger juice, bourbon for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 oz apple shrub vinegar
- 1/2 oz fresh ginger juice
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz sparkling water
- as needed ice cubes
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Add 1.5 oz bourbon, 1 oz apple shrub vinegar, 1/2 oz fresh ginger juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 4: Top with 3 oz sparkling water and stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 5: Garnish with a thin apple slice and a small piece of crystallized ginger skewered on a cocktail pick.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Spiced Apple Shrub Cooler take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Ginger-Spiced Apple Shrub Cooler?
Refrigerate any leftover ginger-spiced apple shrub cooler in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Spiced Apple Shrub Cooler?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ginger-Spiced Apple Shrub Cooler for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Ginger-Spiced Apple Shrub Cooler?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
