Just because a drink is non-alcoholic doesn’t mean it can’t taste as complex as a cocktail. This plum blossom shrub mocktail is the epitome of this principle. It has a mellow, sweet amaretto note and just a touch of bitterness. Each version— hot, room temp and iced— also yields a different taste.

This shrub mocktail recipe was created by photographer and recipe developer Gabriel Cabrera. When he discovered that there was a tea made from the blossoms of the plum tree, he tried it and the taste blew his mind. So he decided to transform the blossoms into a drink that is part shrub, part aperitivo. A stunning zero-proof sip to enjoy solo or impress friends with.

Plum Blossom Shrub

Gabriel Cabrera

Plum blossoms get transformed into a moody non-alcoholic drink that is part shrub, part aperitivo.

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Equipment

mixing glass
cocktail glass

Ingredients

Super-Steeped Plum Blossom Tea

2 tbsp plum blossom tea leaves
½ cup hot water

Mocktail

ice
⅓ cup apple cider cold
¼ cup Super-Steeped Plum Blossom Tea cold
1 tsp port vinegar or sherry vinegar
2 dashes Angostura Bitters or other aromatic bitters
splash sparkling water optional
fresh plum slice for garnish

Instructions

Super-Steeped Plum Blossom Tea

Place tea leaves in hot water and let steep for at least 15 minutes. Let cool, then strain. Save leftover tea for another mocktail; it will keep in fridge for up to 1 week.

Mocktail

In glass with ice, add apple cider, Super-Steeped Plum Blossom Tea, vinegar and bitters and stir to combine.
Strain into glass and add splash of sparkling water (if using). Garnish with plum slice and serve.