A lazy Sunday afternoon in Maine in the fall calls for a crisp, sparkling, cider-based cocktail while we enjoy the football game. This one I'm calling the Mimosa Bourbon Cider Shrub.

If you've never had the cocktail version of a "shrub", you're in for a treat!

A shrub is technically a "drinking vinegar". It's basically a syrupy liquid created by mixing vinegar, usually apple cider vinegar, with fruit juices and sugar. Sort of like a vinegar simple syrup.

Then that fruit-infused vinegar is added to still or sparkling water - or used as the base for various mixed drinks.

The History of the Shrub

Shrubs have been around in various parts of the world for centuries. Popular in the United States in the 17th century, they were enjoyed by other cultures even earlier than that, mostly as a way to preserve fruits and berries.

Okay, so I know that it might sound odd to add vinegar to a cocktail, but until you've tried one, you won't know what you're missing.

I love the clean, tartness that the shrub mixture adds to mixed drinks and cocktails. So much so, that I was inspired to make this version on a shrub.

These Mimosa Bourbon Cider Shrubs are perfect on a cool, crisp fall day - they're basically fall in a glass!

And they mix up quickly. Instead of pre-making the shrub mixture, I use jam and a nice balsamic vinegar to create the iconic flavor in less time.

I used Stonewall Kitchen Mimosa Jam in mine, which also lends itself to being the perfect brunch or celebratory cocktail, but feel free to substitute any type of jam you like.

I'm thinking I'll be serving these Mimosa Bourbon Cider Shrubs at Thanksgiving! They're so refreshing and festive.