FIVE OF A KIND

From tart and tangy to spicy, these vinegar-based syrups add unique flavour to summer cocktails or non-alcoholic tipples.

Shrubs.

1

WELLSTEAD TANGELO AND ROSEMARY

Light, fresh and fragrant to start, this delicate infusion has a lovely herbaceous tone due to the addition of rosemary, while tangelo brings a vibrant citrus hit. Try a generous splash in a sodatopped cocktail for a twist on something classic. $26 for 300ml. wellsteadshrubs.com

2

18.21 BLACKBERRY

AND PEPPERCORN

18.21 are devoted to crafting the perfect cocktail, as seen in their name, which references the 18th amendment passing prohibition and the 21st, which appealed it. Bold and cordiallike, this fusion is reminiscent of vincotto with pepper forming the backbone and blackberry bringing tart flavour. Add to a Dark and Stormy or an Old Fashioned. $39.95 for 473ml. danmurphys.com.au

4

CRUDE CUCUMBER

Crude craft its shrubs in small batches, using glass pots or wood barrels for the ageing process. Here, the scent of freshly cut cucumber lingers long after the last drop. Made with three simple ingredients – cucumber, cane sugar and vinegar – the flavour of this shrub is soft and light, with emerging accents of dill pickle. We’re loving a dash in a G&T. $24.95 for 237ml. onlybitters.com

3

CAPE FARM SHOP PEAR AND GINGER Ginger reigns supreme here. Just a sip leaves a warm tingle on the tongue, yet there’s freshness aplenty with soft notes of pear perfectly balancing the heat from the ginger. Add to a prosecco-based Spritz, perhaps, or mix with whisky for a spicefuelled pick-me-up. $10.95 for 375ml. capefarmshop.com.au

5

PYEWACKET’S TRADITIONAL BLOOD ORANGE AND TURMERIC Genna Pyewacket and Katrina Patton founded their Lismore-based shrubs business out of a mutual love of experimental fermentation. This version has a refined sweetness with turmeric providing a zesty counterpoint. Add to tonic for a vibrant, health-conscious drink. $15 for 200ml. pyewacketstraditional.com