An intriguing and festive beverage that will delight your guests during the holidays. A shrub, meaning drink, is a beverage made from a fruit syrup to which water, wine, or liquor has been added. Delicious! Adapted from Christmas in the Heartland by Marcia Adams.

Ingredients:

• (1) 10-ounce package frozen raspberries, thawed, or 2 cups fresh raspberries
• 1 cup dry white wine or white rum, chilled
• Ice cubes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 quart chilled club soda
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Directions:

Purée the berries in a food processor or blender; strain into a small saucepan. Add the sugar and cook over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and chill in the refrigerator until cool. Add the wine or rum. To serve, pour a small amount of the shrub mixture over ice in a wine glass. Fill to the top with club soda, and garnish with fresh mint. The shrub may be beautifully served from a glass pitcher!

Makes 6 - 8 servings