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DictionaryshrubDrink syrup
noun

shrub

A sweetened vinegar-based syrup used in drinks.

The bartender mixed berry shrub with sparkling water.

Etymology
shrubArabicdrink

The Arabic source means drink. The borrowed beverage-name developed into a term for sweetened fruit preparations, including vinegar-based syrups mixed into drinks.

More examples

  • She prepared a sweet vinegar shrub.
  • The drink used peach shrub for a tart flavor.
  • A bottle of shrub stood beside the syrups.

Forms

shrub

Similar words

syrup
Syrup is the broader sweet liquid category; a shrub specifically combines sweetness with vinegar and usually fruit.
cordial
A cordial can be a sweet drink concentrate or liqueur; a shrub is vinegar-based.