Element Shrub FAQ (2024)

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WHAT IS A "SHRUB"?

At a very basic level (in this context at least), a shrub is a vinegar-based fruit syrup, not a bush. The history of shrubs is long and complicated dating back to the 15th century, but during the colonial era shrubs (using vinegar instead of citrus) were used to preserve fruit before refrigeration was invented. The vinegar helped to preserve the fruit while adding a unique flavor. The term “shrub” itself is derived from the Arabic word “sharāb” meaning “to drink”.

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DOES YOUR VINEGAR HAVE "THE MOTHER" IN IT?

YES! We use 100% Certified ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR WITH THE MOTHER. 100% of apples used to make the vinegar are sourced from the USA.

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WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE ON ELEMENT [SHRUB]® AND HOW LONG WILL IT LAST ONCE I OPEN IT?

Our shrubs will keep for 24 months unopened and unrefrigerated (see best by date on bottle). Once you open them, we do recommend keeping them in the fridge. They should be good for another 9-12 months once you open them but let’s hope you need more before then!

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HOW MUCH ELEMENT [SHRUB]® SHOULD I USE?
  • For co*cktails, we recommend anywhere between a 0.25 OZ - 1 OZ per co*cktail depending on the drink. Click HERE for co*cktail recipes.
  • For sodas, we recommend a ratio of one 1 PART SHRUB TO 5-7 PART SELTZER depending on how strong you like your drinks.
  • For cooking, use our shrubs IN LIEU OF WHATEVER ACID YOU ARE USING (i.e. lemon juice, red wine vinegar) to add acidity AND add a punch of flavor. Click HERE for cooking recipes.
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    DOES ELEMENT [SHRUB]® NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED?

    Element [Shrub]® does not need to be refrigerated until it is opened. Once opened, it should be refrigerated.

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    CAN I USE ELEMENT [SHRUB]® WITH FOOD?

    Yes, absolutely! Just replace any other acid (balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, etc.) you use in your cooking with Element [Shrub]®.

    For marinating - When marinating meats, vinegar helps tenderize the meat so our shrubs are functional AND add a punch of flavor.

    For salad dressings - Our shrubs + olive oil & salt make FANTASTIC salad dressings.

    As a finishing vinegar - Drizzle over fresh fruit or roasted vegetables.

    For baking - Shrubs are also great for baking. When mixed with baking soda, it creates a carbon dioxide which makes muffins, cakes and pancakes fluffier.

    Check out our RECIPE page for recipe inspiration!

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    IS ELEMENT [SHRUB]® VEGAN & GLUTEN FREE?

    YES! Are shrubs are naturally vegan and gluten free. We don’t use honey in any of our products and the organic cane sugar that we use is Certified Vegan.

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    DO YOUR SHRUBS CONTAIN ALCOHOL?

    NO, our shrubs do NOT contain alcohol. In fact, we invented Element [Shrub]® as an alternative to alcohol that was full of flavor without a ton of sugar. Check our OUR STORY to learn more.

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    CAN MY KIDS DRINK ELEMENT [SHRUB]®?

    Yes! Element [Shrub]® and Element Shrub & Club® are both great, healthy juice and soda alternatives for your kids. Our 5-year-old and 2 year old love them.

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    ARE YOUR SHRUBS PASTEURIZED?

    YES! We started ELEMENT [SHRUB]® when my wife was pregnant, so we wanted to make sure they were safe not only for her but for every other mom looking for a complex drink made with real ingredients.

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    CAN I BUY THIS WHOLESALE TO SELL AT MY STORE/RESTAURANT/BAR/HOTEL?

    Yes! Please complete the CONTACT US form and we'll follow up.To all of the bars and restaurants, you can currently purchase from the following distributors:

    DC/MD/VA/DE: Bacchus Imports

    CT: Brescome Barton

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    IS THE PACKAGING YOU USE TO PACK YOUR PRODUCTS SUSTAINABLE?

    We do our best to avoid using any plastic in our shipments. The packaging peanuts that you may receive are 100% biodegradable. They are made of cornstarch and if you place them in your sink they will dissolve in water.

    Element Shrub FAQ (2024)

    FAQs

    How long does a shrub drink last? ›

    How Long Does A Shrub Last In The Fridge? Filled and tightly sealed in a jar, shrubs last about 6 months in the refrigerator if used sparingly. With more frequent use, similar to other condiments that are kept refrigerated, shrubs last 6-8 weeks.

    Can you drink shrub by itself? ›

    Once the Shrub is created, many can drink it on its own, top it with a seltzer, use as a marinade, or combine in a co*cktail! Of course you are not limited to just fruits. Some other common ingredients paired with shrubs are herbs, vegetables and nuts.

    Does a shrub need to be refrigerated? ›

    You can store them unrefrigerated and unopened for 18-24 months or 9-12 months once opened and refrigerated. Although they won't last that long once you've tried them in a co*cktail.

    Can you drink shrubs when pregnant? ›

    YES! We started ELEMENT [SHRUB]® when my wife was pregnant, so we wanted to make sure they were safe not only for her but for every other mom looking for a complex drink made with real ingredients.

    Are shrub drinks healthy? ›

    Cherry & Thyme Classic Shrub

    Cherries carry with them powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanins and cyanidin. Their power to reduce inflammation aids in arthritis pain relief and post-workout muscle pain.

    Why is my new shrub dying? ›

    Water problems: Both too much and too little water can stress a shrub out and cause it to turn brown. Fertilizer overload: Pouring too much fertilizer into plant beds can essentially burn your shrubs by increasing salt levels in the soil.

    Is shrub a probiotic drink? ›

    Each Sauvie Shrub is fermented, full of probiotics, rich in good enzymes and bacteria, acetic acid, antioxidants, potassium and vitamins.

    What is the difference between a shrub and a tincture? ›

    Bitters are made with a pure grain spirit inundated with bittering agents like fruit peels, spices, or funky stuff like bark or cassia. Tinctures act as straight-up botanical, fruit, or vegetable infusions without any bitterness. A shrub adds sugar to fruit juice and uses vinegar to cut the sweetness.

    How much alcohol is in shrub? ›

    This strawberry shrub is pretty and easy to make, and even makes for a great gift. Unlike kombucha, there is no alcohol in a shrub, so this makes a great mixer to give to anyone, whether or not they drink alcohol! This will make around 8 oz.

    Why is a drink called a shrub? ›

    The American version of the shrub has its origins in 17th century England where vinegar was used as an alternative to citrus juices in the preservation of berries and other fruits for the off-season. Fruit preserves made in this fashion were themselves known as shrubs and the practice carried over to colonial America.

    What does a shrub taste like? ›

    If your tastebuds get excited by tart things, you'll love shrubs. Just like any good co*cktail, a shrub is a mix of sour and sweet. You could try using them in place of a sweetener in your favorite co*cktail to add not only sweetness but also create a more complex flavor profile.

    How to use a shrub in a co*cktail? ›

    The simplest way to use shrubs in co*cktails is to make your favorite co*cktail recipe just as you always do and add a splash of shrub at the end for a bit of sourness. A local bartender from our hometown of Madison, Keezing, created this Bees Knees Shrub recipe using our Cranberry Shrub.

    How long does shrub syrup last? ›

    Store. Store the shrub syrup in the refrigerator. Tightly sealed, it can last for up to 6 months. Taste before using to make sure the flavor is still good.

    Does shrub go bad? ›

    How long does Shrub last? The “best by date” is 2 years from the bottling date. However if left in a cool dark place they can last even longer. We have never seen a good Shrub go bad.

    What teas are not safe during pregnancy? ›

    Black, green, matcha, oolong, white, and chai teas contain caffeine, a stimulant that should be limited during pregnancy.

    How long can shrubs last? ›

    What is the Average Lifespan of Shrubs? Some people believe their plants and shrubs will live forever, but this is rarely the case. Shrubs usually live around 10 to 15 years before you need to consider new plants.

    How long does bush beer last? ›

    Because of this shelf-life, each can or bottle of beer brewed by Anheuser Busch has a “born on date” printed on its side. The shelf life for that can of Budweiser in your fridge or out in the garage is 110 days from the “born on date.” Keg or draft beer will go bad 50 days after the “born on date.”

    How many gallons of water does a shrub need per week? ›

    Trees & Shrubs
    Plant SizeAmount of water per application
    Small shrubs(<3 feet)4-5 gallons
    Large shrubs(>3 feet)7-10 gallons
    Small Trees(<2” caliper)7-10 gallons
    Large trees(>2” caliper10-20 gallons

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