Peach Basil Shrub – A Refreshing Gut-Healthy Mocktail for Summer
Published Aug 13, 2025
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There’s no better time than late summer to embrace the bounty of ripe peaches—and this Peach Basil Shrub is the perfect way to enjoy them. Whether you’re looking for a cooling afternoon refresher or a sophisticated mocktail for your next gathering, this fruity vinegar-based drink offers vibrant flavor with a functional twist.
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Shrubs, also known as drinking vinegars, have been making a comeback thanks to their tangy flavor and gut-friendly benefits. This version uses just a handful of simple, whole-food ingredients and skips the refined sugar, making it a feel-good drink you’ll love sipping all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal and fresh: With peaches in peak season, there’s no better time to turn them into something truly special.
- Naturally gluten-free and allergy-friendly: Free from dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and refined sugar—it fits most dietary needs.
- Great for gut health: Made with Marukan Organic Rice Vinegar, this shrub delivers a gentle dose of digestive support.
- Versatile and customizable: Add more or less sparkling water to adjust sweetness and acidity to your liking.
- Make ahead magic: It only gets better with time and keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks.
How It Works
This shrub starts with juicy peaches, maple syrup, and torn basil—gently muddled to release their flavors. After a short rest, everything is stirred with rice vinegar and left to infuse in the fridge for a day or two. The result? A concentrated syrup that blends beautifully with sparkling water and ice for a fizzy, refreshing drink.
Serve it with a few peach slices and a sprig of basil, and you’ve got a mocktail that feels both nourishing and fancy.
Tips for Making the Best Shrub
- Use ripe peaches: The juicier, the better. Frozen peaches work too—just be sure they’re fully thawed.
- Don’t skip the resting time: The 24–48 hour infusion really deepens the flavor.
- Try other herbs: If basil isn’t your thing, mint or thyme would be equally delicious.
- Serve chilled: This shrub is meant to be sipped cold, especially over ice on a hot day.
- Use it creatively: Add a splash to iced tea, drizzle over fruit salad, or even use in salad dressings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shrub?
A shrub is a sweet-tart syrup made with fruit, vinegar, and sweetener. It’s used to flavor drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Is it supposed to taste like vinegar?
Yes, but in a good way! The tang from the vinegar balances the sweetness of the fruit and syrup, giving the drink a refreshing edge.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s better when made in advance. The longer it sits (up to 2 weeks), the more the flavors meld.
What vinegar works best?
We recommend Marukan Organic Rice Vinegar for its smooth, mellow acidity that lets the fruit and herbs shine through.
With summer peaches at their peak, now’s the perfect time to whip up a batch of this Peach Basil Shrub. Whether you’re focusing on gut health, reducing sugar, or just love a bright, fizzy mocktail, this recipe brings flavor and wellness into one glass. Cheers to healthy sipping!
Peach Basil Shrub
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced, or 1½ cups frozen peach slices (thawed), plus more peach slices for serving
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, lightly torn
- ½ cup Marukan Organic Rice Vinegar
- Ice, for serving
- Sparkling water, for serving
- Fresh basil sprigs, for serving
Instructions
- In a glass jar or bowl, combine the peach slices and maple syrup.
- Muddle the peaches gently with a spoon or muddler to release their juices.
- Stir in the torn basil leaves and let the mixture sit for about 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir in the vinegar.
- Cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 24 to 48 hours, shaking or stirring occasionally to help the flavors infuse.
- After the resting period, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar.
- Press down on the peaches to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids or repurpose them in smoothies or desserts.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will deepen over time!
To serve:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of shrub syrup with sparkling water over ice garnished with peach slices and basil sprigs.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
