Pineapple-Ginger-Thyme Shrub

This is my year for playing with shrubs (fruity vinegar concentrate that can be mixed with water / sparkling water / alcohol to make a super refreshing drink). I love this shrub since it uses something you normally throw away- pineapple core! You can also use the pineapple chunks if you don't have the core. There is a difference if you use pineapple chunks vs pineapple core- the chunks yield a more pronounced pineapple flavors, whereas the core yields a more pronounced ginger flavor with a hint of pineapple. I like the sweet, spicy, herby combo either way, which tastes even more fun when you dilute it with sparkling water.

Ingredients

1 cup pineapple chunks or core, roughly chopped

1 tbsp fresh ginger, thinly sliced

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 cup sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Place everything in a glass jar. Cover, shake, and refrigerate for 7-10 days. Shake it once a day to make sure everything is mixed well.

Note: If you are using sugar- Heat the apple cider vinegar, white balsamic vinegar and sugar in a small pot on the stove on low. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Then mix with the rest of the ingredients.

2. Strain the shrub into a new glass jar by passing the mix through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer.

3. Cover and store in the fridge until ready to use.