http://imbibemagazine.com/homemade-drinking-vinegars/
2 cups fresh, whole berries (frozen also works)
2 cups vinegar (we like using Champagne or apple cider vinegar, though distilled white vinegar may be substituted in a pinch)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, or more, to taste
Combine the fruit and vinegar in a large jar, tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Let infuse for one week at room temperature, shaking daily. Strain the juice through a double layer of cheesecloth and funnel into a clean glass bottle. Add sugar and shake to combine. Refrigerate for one week before using, shaking daily until sugar has fully dissolved.
To dilute in a drink, add one ounce (or more, depending on taste) to five ounces of soda water. Serve over ice. Following the method outlined above, you can experiment with these other flavor combinations:
Blackberry + fresh thyme
Cucumber + mint + honey
Cherry + vanilla bean + maple syrup
Ginger + Demerara sugar
Apple + agave
Strawberry + basil
Strawberry Drinking Vinegar
Makes around 1 1/2 cups of syrup
1 cup strawberries, hulled and cut into chunks
1/2 sugar (or honey or stevia)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup plus more to taste of apple cider or red wine vinegar
Ice cubes and soda water
Fennel, basil, or mint sprigs to garnish
Blend the strawberries into a puree using a blender or food processor. Then strain them through a sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids in the sieve to get all of the smooth puree out.
In a small saucepan combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring until all the sugar dissolves. Simmer on low for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from the heat. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Stir together the syrup and the strawberry puree. Stir in 1/4 cup of vinegar, taste and add more to taste. Put in a covered container and refrigerate until you want to use it. It will keep for at least a couple of weeks in the fridge.
To make a drink, put 1 or 2 ounces of the fruit vinegar in a glass, add a couple of ice cubes, then top it off with cold seltzer water. Garnish the drinks with a sprig of herb. You can make the drink stronger or weaker to suit your mood. You can also use the base for exciting cocktails.
I stuck by a recipe of one cup fruit, 1/4 cup herbs, one cup vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar.
Blackberry + Thyme in Balsamic Vinegar – Cold Method
Strawberry + Basil in Champagne Vinegar – Cold Method
Wild Maine Blueberry + Lemon Verbena in Cider Vinegar – Hot Method
Cherry + Sage in Champagne Vinegar – Hot Method
Cardamom + Lavender in White Balsamic Vinegar – Hot Method
Ginger + Cilantro in Champagne Vinegar – Cold Method