Shrubs are one of my favorite summer beverages. Especially in the warmer months when produce is in its prime. The basic components of a shrub are fruit, sugar and vinegar. Traditionally shrubs are made by cold pressing fruit with sugar over time and then adding in vinegar. This honey peach shrub can be made in just a matter of minutes, by simplifying the process on your stove top. Either way you make a shrub though, they both yield a tangy and delicious end product.

- 1 cup filtered water
- 2 cups peaches, diced
- 1/2 cup local honey
- 1/4 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
- 1 cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 4 ounces vodka or gin
- ice
- sparkling water or club soda
- more peaches to garnish

First you simmer the peaches with water. In a small sauce pan, bring the water and peaches to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to rest for about 5 minutes. Then add in the honey and salt and stir to dissolve.

Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, reserving the liquid and discarding the peach pulp. Add in the apple cider vinegar, stir once more. Cool completely before use.

To make each cocktail combine 4 ounces peach shrub with 1 ounce of vodka or gin and ice in a martini shaker. Shake until frothy, pour into a martini glass and top with sparkling water. Garnish with peaches.