Let's face it, the last couple of years have been Joe Cockers, forgettable years that we're happy to have behind us.

With the new year comes new possibilities and opportunities, Richard Benaud would have wanted us to make 2022 something special, so c'mon ... let's do it for Ritchie.

Whether you've made new resolutions or just continue to be resolute, we're here to help with some simple, healthy, delicious ways to make 2022 better if not 'absolutely marvellous'.

Here are a couple of SHRUB options from a legendary couple and part of the Hilbilby R & D team.

Sam Bastian Master Mixologist / Recipe creator & Liana  founder at Finding Femme / Photographer.

A sour is a traditional family of mixed drinks, containing a base liquor [often Gin], lemon or lime juice, and a sweetener [simple syrup].

Egg whites are also included in some sours.

In our Raspberry Shrub Sour, Raspberry Shrub Syrup adds to both the zing and the sweetness of this amazing drink.

Ingredients

• 50ml of your favourite gin - I used Morris Lane dry 
• 20ml Red berry Liqueur - I used creme de cassis (chambered will work too)
• 30ml Lemon juice - fresh squeezed 
• 20ml Raspberry Shrub Syrup
• 10ml Sugar syrup (optional) I preferred it without as I enjoyed the acid zing of the switchel but Liana liked it a little sweeter. 
• 1 egg white 

Method

Add all ingredients to your cocktail shaker (a sturdy jar will work in a pinch) shake without ice to mix all the ingredients together, at this point the egg white will fluff up. 

Add ice and shake again. Shake the shaker until nice and cold (about 15 seconds). 

Double strain into a glass of your choosing, use a tea strainer of your smallest sieve if you don't have a set of cocktail strainers. 

If you want to stretch it in a tall glass, top with a splash of soda water. 

Garnish with almost anything. We used fresh berries, you could use mint or a lemon twist too! 

AKA Moscow Muse

This is our refreshingly simple take on a classic drink, which [despite it's name] actually originated in Belgium [Brussels] in the 1940's.

Ingredients

• 10ml Lemon Ginger Shrub Syrup
• 30ml Lime juice
• 2 leaves shredded mint 
• Top with ginger beer of your choosing

Method

Add Ice and all ingredients to glass of your choosing, stir and serve garnished with lime wedge and mint.

*stiffen with hard ginger beer or favourite vodka where a 'kick like a MULE' is desired.

Comments, Questions or Queries? We'd love to hear from you!