Switchel or shrub, and why vinegar matters

Switchel or shrub, and why vinegar matters

The Alcohol-Free Sommelier

Christine Parkinson explores the revival of switchels and shrubs with guests Bethan Higson and Matthew Jukes.

InformativeEngagingAuthenticThought-provokingEntertaining

15:0227 Oct 2021

RSS Feed

The Vinegar Revival: Unpacking Switchels and Shrubs with Christine Parkinson

I love the romance around drinks and I was just fascinated that there was this whole category of drinks that had existed that we'd forgotten about, and this idea of being able to scratch around and rediscover something that had existed before was really lovely.

Imagine a time before refrigerators, when vinegar wasn't just for salads but also kept drinks fresh. That's right, we're diving into the world of switchels and shrubs in this episode of 'The Alcohol-Free Sommelier'. Host Christine Parkinson chats with Bethan Higson, founder of Mother Root, and wine expert Matthew Jukes to uncover why vinegar is making a comeback in non-alcoholic beverages. Ever heard of a shrub? It's not just a garden plant.

A shrub drink combines vinegar, fruit, and sweetener for a tangy treat. And a switchel? Think of it as a shrub with a zing of ginger. Bethan shares her journey of rediscovering these age-old drinks and why she chose apple cider vinegar as her star ingredient. Matthew dives into the nuances of different vinegars and how they shape the character of his creation, Jukes Cordialities. Together, they explore the excitement brewing in the industry for these innovative drinks.

Whether you're a beverage enthusiast or just curious about the past meeting the present, this episode offers a refreshing take on non-alcoholic drinks that are anything but boring.

Podcast buttons

Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Related Episodes

Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.