Two-Ingredient Summer Mocktail Fix

A Journey into the World of Shrubs

Starting my career in food writing at a renowned publication, I quickly found myself immersed in the vibrant and expansive world of food and drink. Each day brought something new, surprising, and inspiring. One of the first stories that really left an impression on me was from a former colleague, Lucy Simon, who wrote about shrubs—concentrated, nonalcoholic syrups traditionally made by macerating fruit and sugar in vinegar. With a bit of sparkling water and/or spirits, these syrups are transformed into a bright, tangy, and refreshingly complex drink. They have since become a staple in my warm-weather beverage rotation.

While her piece focused on the cocktail potential of shrubs, which I certainly enjoy, I usually opt for a nonalcoholic version, topped with a splash of sparkling water. My favorite, which I also discovered through that story, is Kosterina's Crushed Strawberry Vinegar. This product is bright, tart, and just sweet enough, making it the base for my definitive drink of the summer.

What Makes Kosterina Crushed Strawberry Vinegar Special?

Kosterina may be known for its high-quality extra-virgin olive oils, but my favorite products are the lesser-known fruit vinegars. Available in Tangerine, Blueberry, and Strawberry, these vinegars are made with just fruit, white wine vinegar (imported from Greece), and white cooked grape musk (a sugary, reduced grape syrup). All three are delicious, but the one that stands out, especially during the summer, is the strawberry variety. It's bright, sweet—but not too sweet—and absolutely delicious.

The Versatility of Crushed Strawberry Vinegar

While the thought of fruit vinegar might seem unusual, it actually makes a lot of sense. Fruit and vinegar pair so well together because they balance each other out—both chemically and flavor-wise. The acidity of the vinegar matches and tames the sweetness of the fruit and syrup. Additionally, vinegar can amplify our taste buds, making the flavor of nearly any fruit much more complex. Trust me, it's wonderful.

Creative Uses for Kosterina Crushed Strawberry Vinegar

This strawberry nectar has a wealth of other uses beyond just drinks. It makes a fabulous vinaigrette, an unexpected yet life-changing topping for a yogurt bowl, and a great marinade for chicken. A little goes a long way in all of these applications, similar to distilled white vinegar.

How to Enjoy Kosterina Crushed Strawberry Vinegar

For those incredibly refreshing drinks I mentioned earlier, I start by filling a glass with ice. You can choose nugget ice if you prefer. Then, I spoon about a tablespoon of the vinegar into the cup and top it off with sparkling water. It's sweet, funky, and takes mere seconds to come together. It's truly the best thing you can make for yourself this summer.

Where to Buy

Kosterina Crushed Strawberry Vinegar is available for $15 for 8 ounces at Kosterina.

Share Your Go-To Summer Drink

What's your go-to summer drink? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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