Lemon – Cucumber – Grapefruit White Balsamic Shrub

This refreshing shrub combines bright grapefruit balsamic with fresh cucumber and lemon for a naturally sweet and tangy drink base. Perfect for spritzers or cocktails, it’s a healthy alternative to store-bought sweetened beverages and can be customized with seasonal fruits and herbs.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Paducah Olive Oil’s Grapefruit White Balsamic (or your favorite white balsamic)

• 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)

• ½ lemon, thinly sliced

• 8 cups seltzer or sparkling water (without added sodium)

Instructions

1. In a 1-liter mason jar or container, add sliced cucumber and lemon.

2. Pour grapefruit balsamic over the fruit and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.

3. Strain and keep refrigerated in a tightly covered container for up to 2 months.

4. To serve, add 1–2 tablespoons of shrub (adjust for sweetness) to 8 oz of chilled sparkling water. Serve over ice if desired.

Makes 16–32 servings, depending on how much shrub is used per drink.