Recipe | Jorge Washington shrub-mezcal cocktail for President’s Day

A shrub is an old-timey cocktail that has a mix of sweet and tart, coming from a fruit syrup or a vinegar base. They were popular in Colonial America, and began as a way of preserving fruit. When the base is lightly sweetened and stirred with cold water, a refreshing drink is crafted.

It becomes deliciously bracing when a spirit is added, in this case, mezcal. The Jorge Washington recipe comes from Josh Seaburg, bartender at Hilton Norfolk The Main [LINK]

APPLE-PLUM VINEGAR INGREDIENTS

16 ounces apple cider vinegar

1 gala apples, cored and chopped

2 black plums, stone removed and chopped

APPLE-PLUM VINEGAR METHOD

Sous vide: add vinegar and chopped fruit in a sous vide bag and sous vide at 135F for 2 hours; strain.

Tabletop: add vinegar and chopped fruit in a glass container, seal, and leave in a cool, dark place for two weeks; strain.

(Makes enough vinegar for multiple cocktails; keep extra sealed and refrigerated)

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 ounces apple-plum vinegar

1-1/2 ounces mezcal [What is mezcal? [LINK]]

2 ounces seltzer

COCKTAIL METHOD

In a tall glass, add apple-plum vinegar and mezcal and stir to incorporate. Add ice and seltzer and serve. Yields 1 drink.

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