INTRODUCTION
Viral drinks are dominating TikTok and Instagram, and the newest darling? The refreshing pear-ginger shrub mocktail. This trend blends juicy pear, zingy ginger, and tangy vinegar for a gut-healthy, non-alcoholic sipper with layers of flavor. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a pear-ginger shrub (mocktail style) like the viral “pear‑ginger” drinks taking over social media.
And if you love fruity fizz, don’t miss our Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail for your fall recipe list.
Table of Contents
What Is a Shrub Drink?
The Vinegar-Based Elixir
A shrub is a vinegar-based syrup infused with fruit, herbs, or spices. Popular in colonial America, shrubs are making a modern comeback in non-alcoholic drinks for their tangy punch and probiotic benefits.
Why Shrubs Are Trending in Mocktails
Shrubs provide complexity and depth, especially when you skip alcohol. They’re shelf-stable, customizable, and mix beautifully with sparkling water or tonic.
Why This Pear-Ginger Shrub Mocktail Works
H3: Naturally Bold, Balanced Flavor
Pear offers subtle sweetness while fresh ginger delivers a warming bite. Apple cider vinegar adds tartness, balancing the drink without overpowering.
Great for Digestion & Gut Health
This shrub combines fresh ingredients with raw apple cider vinegar, supporting digestion and offering natural detox properties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears (peeled and diced)
- 3-inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 1 cup raw apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Sparkling water, for serving
- Ice, optional
- Pear or ginger slices, for garnish
How to Make a Pear-Ginger Shrub (Mocktail Style)
Step 1 – Macerate the Fruit
In a bowl, combine diced pears, sliced ginger, sugar, and salt. Stir well to coat. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for 12–24 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and draws out the juices.
Step 2 – Add Vinegar
Pour in the apple cider vinegar and mix thoroughly. Transfer to a mason jar or airtight glass container. Refrigerate for 3–5 days to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
Step 3 – Strain and Bottle
Strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle or jar. Discard solids or save them to use in vinaigrettes or smoothies.
Step 4 – Assemble the Mocktail
To serve, fill a glass with ice, add 2 tablespoons of shrub, and top with sparkling water. Stir gently. Garnish with a pear slice or candied ginger.
Tips for the Perfect Shrub Mocktail
Use Ripe Fruit
Underripe pears won’t provide enough juice. Use soft, fragrant pears for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Shrubs need at least 3 days to mellow and blend. The longer they rest (up to 2 weeks), the smoother the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over crushed ice for a chilled summer refresher
- Use in place of cocktail bitters in other mocktails
- Mix with tonic and fresh rosemary for an elevated evening drink
Variations and Substitutes
H3: Swap the Fruit
Try apples, plums, or peaches instead of pear. Each brings its own sweetness and depth.
Add Warm Spices
Infuse with star anise, cinnamon sticks, or cloves during the maceration for a cozy seasonal twist.
Storing and Preserving the Shrub
Keep your shrub refrigerated in a glass container with a tight lid. It can last up to 6 months. Shake gently before each use, as natural settling occurs.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 38
- Total Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fiber: <1g
- Alcohol: 0%
FAQ
What is the basic mocktail formula?
A typical mocktail formula includes a base (juice or soda), acid (citrus or vinegar), sweetener, and flavorings (herbs or spices). This pear-ginger shrub follows that formula with vinegar as the acid.
How do you make a fruit mocktail drink?
Start with fruit (fresh, juiced, or muddled), add a sweetener and acidic element, then top with soda water. In this shrub recipe, macerated pear becomes the syrup base.
How to make a nice ginger drink?
Use fresh ginger slices or juice for a clean spice, combine with lemon, honey, or fruit, and serve over ice. Ginger adds warmth and depth without bitterness.
How do you make ginger twist mocktail?
A ginger twist mocktail often includes ginger syrup, citrus juice (lime or lemon), and soda. This shrub mocktail offers a similar profile with layered flavors from vinegar and pear.
Conclusion
Now you know how to make a pear-ginger shrub (mocktail style) like the viral “pear‑ginger” drinks everyone’s talking about. It’s tart, sweet, spiced, and surprisingly simple to create at home.
Need more non-alcoholic drink ideas? Check out How to Make Sparkling Plum Shrub and 5-Minute Ginger Lemon Fizz for your next gathering.