Sekahnjebin a Mint and Cucumber Cooler

Another great Shrub type of syrup. This shrub known as Sekanjabin is just wonderful. I do not know if it is the wonderful addition of cucumbers in this or the flavor. Either way this is a must add to your refreshing summer drink menu. Also a bonus is no fruit required! 

Sekanjabin now what is it? It is an Iranian syrup added to pitchers of cold water to help get through those hot summer days. 

A few years back I went through a Shrub phase. The wonderful thing about all these concoctions is they make for such great pitchers of Summer Coolers for any party or gathering.

Plus throughout the year when you throw a party there are so many ways to use Shrubs and Sekanjabin in your cocktails. 

This Iranian Syrup is made with sugar, mint and water. Vinegar is mixed once the syrup is done and helps to balance the sweetness. Sounds like a Shrub to me. Here is a link to my other Shrubs. The difference between a Sekanjabin and a Shrub is the Sekanjabin is served on ice with shaved cucumber in the pitcher. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of white wine vinegar (I used Apple Cider Vinegar)
• 1 cup fresh mint loosely packed
• Thinly sliced lemon (personal preference)

Add to a pitcher of 

7  cups cold water

3 Persian cucumbers, grated

In a small pot over medium heat whisk together sugar and 1 cup water until the sugar has dissolves. Let the sugar mixture simmer for at least 10 minutes then turn off the heat and let it cool.

Remove the mint once the syrup has cooled
Grate your cucumbers

* At this point you could add the grated cucumbers and save this syrup and use it by the glass but this recipe is calling out for a pitcher. Party Pitcher Time ! 

For a pitcher of Sekahnjebin Shrub use a pitcher adding 6 cups cold water a 1 1/2 cups of syrup.

Stir until combined and add cucumbers and ice

I cook my syrup to save. I add one or two tablespoons per glass of  beverage. It taste great.  I loved this drink it was refreshing and when I drank it it seemed so healthy. Must have been the vinegar ! 

Cherry-Mint Shrub

Cherry Mint Shrub yes this summer as long as I am preserving my jam's I will add a new shrub to the list. I just got my shipment of fresh cherries from the Washington State Fruit Board and NW Cherries. I am so honored and delighted to be a part of their program. A big shout out to them!






Ingredients

2 cups chopped cherries
1/2 cup fresh peppermint leaves
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
1/4 cup apple cinder vinegar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar



Place the cherries, mint and sugar into a medium bowl. Stir to combine. I always give you little tips on the things we make and preserve. I will spend about an hour stirring and combining to make sure I get everything together and dissolved.

My hubby "Pa" cut the end of some old wooden spoons for me and I use them for all thing's. They are so great for the bottom of flat pans to get everything off the bottom that likes to hide.








Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 1 day. I switched the recipe up a bit. I will take the mixture out of the refrigerator and add the vinegar's the next day.















I will then return it to the refrigerator to sit for an additional day. I think that the longer it gets to sit together the better the combination is going to be. So far this method has worked for me and everyone is still alive! 

 Now you are ready to strain this lovely combo. Remove the cover and stir your ingredients. Place a piece of cheese cloth over your bowl and slowly pour the ingredients over the bowl.

* I secure my cheese cloth with a rubber band and wash your hands

I leave the ingredients to strain for about an hour then slowly remove cheese cloth so as to be able to hold it and squeeze it until all the liquid is in the container.






 Now you should have a beautiful dark liquid to pour into your mason jar. Look you can see me waving in the reflections. So cute I am! Once it is in a container secure the top and return to the refrigerator for one week to sit prior to using it.





 Enjoy this and all our Shrub recipes !