Nonsuch Shrub a historical drink.

Hi all, today I was listening to a new podcast called “Real” and the title was “Turning drinking traditions upside down- a non-alcoholic podcast with Henry Chevallier Guild and REAL kombucha”
Anyways they were talking about how apple cider was started and then they went into a topic about a drink called Nonsuch  Shrubs, that was and still is made with macerated fruit and sugar, vinegar, and botanicals. The Romans would use it to turn brackish water into something drinkable as the PH in it would kill any pathogens. He had a lot of history on it.
I am going to be researching it, but I was curious if any one here knows about it?

Both Lora and Posta seemed to have been on the acidic side, making it a safe drink.
I haven't done a detailed research, you might want to check which sources you find in English on those.

Hi Shelby,

Welcome to Permies.

I don't know if this company (in the UK) took their name from something historical though they appear to be making that drink:

THE CONTENDERS

Add sparkling water or mixers for a simple grown up alcohol free tipple, and use as the perfect foundation for a non alcoholic cocktail. Alternatively, blend with standard spirits and mixers such as a Gin & Tonic to elevate into cocktail territory, these syrups are also great for making a range of classic and simple to prepare cocktails.
4 Flavour Set

https://nonsuchshrubs.com/

When I read this, I just thought of shrub as a sweetened vinegar for drinking, but I checked some books as a refresher. In both Wild Fermentation and The Art of Fermentation, Katz suggests shrub is made by soaking berries in vinegar (overnight or up to two weeks), removing them, and sweetening with sugar. That produces a shrub concentrate that's diluted with water for drinking. Stephen Cresswell in Homemade Root Beer Soda & Pop mostly agrees (but adds heat), and includes a couple of more detailed recipes. I'd also suggest Pascal Baudar's books The Wildcrafting Brewer and Wildcrafted Vinegars if you're interested in the subject. (I can't find my copies right now to be sure, sure, they cover shrubs, but I think they must and they're wonderful books in any case.)

It's also worthwhile reading the Wikipedia article on shrubs.

https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Fermentation-Flavor-Nutrition-Live-Culture/dp/1603586288
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Fermentation-Depth-Exploration-Essential/dp/160358286X
https://www.amazon.com/Homemade-Root-Beer-Soda-Pop/dp/1580170528
https://www.amazon.com/Wildcrafting-Brewer-Creating-Concoctions-Ingredients/dp/1603587187
https://www.amazon.com/Wildcrafted-Vinegars-Ferments-Dressings-Mustards/dp/1645021149/

Some things intrigue me so I did some more search and yes, Henry Chevallier Guild is the founder of the company.

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/henry-chevallier-guild-624a10a

John F Dean wrote:Hi Shelby,

Welcome to Permies.

Thanks! I’ve been lurking for awhile and learning what I can

Thanks for all the resources! I’m excited to delve into them and learn more