Lemon Raspberry Shrub Syrup

Get all of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar without the potent flavor with this simple and delicious recipe for homemade drinking vinegar.

apple cider vinegar uses, uses for apple cider vinegar, health benefits, shrubs, homemade shrubs, drinking vinegar, paleo

Over the past few years apple cider vinegar has not only become one of my absolute favorite health products, but it’s gaining a ton of spotlight in the media as well. It seems like ACV is all the rage right now right? Something that we weren’t even aware existed a few years back is now a common household name, something that we’re adding to daily tonics, salads and maybe even taking as a straight up shot. But why? Do you actually know what benefits this very tart, very sour, very acidic vinegar has to offer you and your health?

5 BENEFITS OF ACV:

define fettle, shrub recipe, homemade, beverage recipe, lemon raspberry, apple cider vinegar, health benefits, ACV, health coach, 21dsd health coach, minneapolis,

Regular/improved digestion
- ACV may help ease digestive disorders as it helps stimulate digestive juices to help fully breakdown the food you’re consuming and the acidity of the vinegar may also reduce the growth of bad gut bacteria and yeast.
Immunity boosting
- ACV aids in detoxification specifically in the liver by removing toxins from the blood system/body and boosting energy levels.
Increase healthy gut probiotics
- Regular consumption of ACV not only may help reduce candida growth within the body, but also may promote the growth of probiotics {good gut bacteria}.
Balances blood sugar/promotes weight loss
- Regular ACV consumption may be linked to decreased sugar cravings, leading to fewer spikes in blood sugar levels as well as feelings of satiety, resulting in less weight gain over time.
Maintain a more alkaline ph level in the body
- ACV is acidic, but the acetic acid in it has an alkaline effect on the body which may prevent tissue damage and unhealthy bacterial growth. Learn more about balancing your bodies ph level here.

Based off of my own personal experience, I can tell you that I truly believe this shit is powerful. My favorite benefit of ACV is ‘improved digestion.’ Healthy digestion is something that I never really understood until after my transition to a real food/paleo lifestyle nearly 4 years ago. From a very young age I had unexplainable stomach aches, constipation, bloating and gas making for VERY uncomfortable and even painful situations that were happening all too frequently. I know that cutting out gluten, grains and dairy obviously is a huge factor in my improved digestion, but regular consumption of ACV has definitely helped me maintain a state of good digestion.

It’s also one of the items that I rarely travel without. Being around other people, splurging and eating foods that I generally wouldn’t consume, increased sugar consumption, public restrooms {need I say more?} there’s just a lot of change going on when you are away from home and I’ve found that a daily dose of ACV not only minimizes excess bloating, but it has great immune boosting power and has kept me feeling great through my travels {even my 2week west coast road trip}!

There are multiple ways to consume ACV, but the most important thing to note is that you need to dilute it in some way. ACV is very acidic and can cause some major irritation to your esophagus and the lining of your stomach if you aren’t careful. You will hear me talk about taking shots of ACV, but there are a few guidelines #1 I chase with water {just like college days, take a pull of ACV, chase with your water--haha} but for real, don’t ever take a straight up shot because I promise you will not feel well afterwards. #2 is start slow-- your body needs time to get used this highly acidic liquid, maybe start out with a tsp and then work your way up to 1-2tbsp over time.

So the shot thing isn’t for you? I get it, that’s what the majority of people say. Instead opt to mix the vinegar right into a 8oz glass of still or sparkling water, maybe add some lemons and you have yourself a healthy bevvie that’s the perfect morning {pick me up}. Additionally, one of my favorite ways to consume ACV in the colder months is to mix hot water with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and ginger making a tea-like detox beverage that can also be a great way to start or closeout your day.

Last but certainly not least, if you’re not feeling the vinegar thing, if you can’t quite get over the smell making your nostril hairs stand on end or the taste is not going to fly with your taste buds… SHRUBS. Shrubs or drinking vinegars are sweetened vinegar based syrups that can be used to make cocktails or mocktails {non-alcoholic} and act as a great, taste bud approved way to get some ACV in your life. I was introduced to shrubs by a local husband/wife team who started their own company just a few {maybe coming up on 2} years ago so I have to give them a shout out--check out The Twisted Shrub-- I loved their product and started using it regularly to craft cocktails or dress up a plain soda water beverage. After doing a bit of digging, I started to craft my own shrub concoctions because I used it so frequently and loved the ability to make any flavor I desired.

Lemon is one of my top 3 favorite flavors and you just can’t go wrong with raspberries--- this is my go-to flavor and I have it on hand at all times. AT. ALL. TIMES. If ACV has never been your thing, I challenge you to give this recipe a try and I guarantee you will have a different feeling when you’re through.

beverage, paleo beverage, naturally sweetened, apple cider vinegar, shrubs, shrub syrup,

lemon raspberry shrubs, define fettle, paleo recipes, shrubs, easy recipes, healthy recipes, homemade, summertime,

LEMON RASPBERRY SHRUB SYRUP

{Printable Recipe}

Ingredients:

2C. Raspberries, washed
2C. Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Lemons, juiced
1 Tbsp. Raw Honey, melted

Methods:

Add raspberries to quart sized mason jars
Then pour in your lemon juice and apple cider vinegar
Store this mixture in the refrigerator for 7-10 days
Once the time is up, empty the contents into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth
Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth
Add in your melted honey and stir thoroughly
Store your shrub in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month
Add 1-2 Tbsp of the shrub syrup to a glass of club soda or use to make your new favorite mixed adult beverage;)

Chat with me!

What is your favorite way to consume ACV? Have you ever tried shrubs or drinking vinegars? What flavor would you make first?

P.S. Stay tuned for a recap of the 2017 DefineYOU Retreat!

P.P.S. Follow along with me on Facebook//Instagram//Twitter//Pinterest to ensure you don’t miss out on healthy recipes, workouts, and daily inspiration.