Meyer Lemon and Blood Orange Shrub

I recently spent 6 days on the couch with a truly horrible cold. The sort of cold that convinces you that it will never leave your body and you'll be forced to stay in doors for the rest of time. I spent most of these days in a heavy haze of over the counter cold meds and alka seltzer PM. When I'm sick, it is very very hard for me to take a plant based remedy unless it's being handed to me; there is just no way I'm going to prepare anything for myself. No sexy herbal remedies for this herbalist and I will admit that I'm slightly disappointed in myself for it. I don't get sick often so when I do, I get overwhelmed and so damn exhausted herbs are most likely the last thing on my mind. 

If only I had thought of citrus!! It’s pretty miraculous that citrus fruits grow during our darkest and coldest months; providing what we need to stay healthy and happy. I absolutely love this earth, don’t you? 

The beauty of citrus is this: it goes with almost anything. Serve this shrub with tonic and gin, vodka and bitters or on its own with some fizzy water. Regardless of how you serve this, I'd love to see your creations! Use the hashtag #blottobotany to share your pics. 

Ingredients 

5 Meyer lemons
2 large blood oranges
2 sprigs fresh rosemary // or 1 cup fresh or dried holy basil
1 1/2 cup local honey (or regular sugar) 
Champagne or apple cider vinegar
1 half gallon glass jar with lid

Method

Gently scrub lemons and oranges with warm water and cut into thin slices. Place in a glass jar along with sugar and rosemary and muddle with a long wooden spoon. Completely cover with vinegar and cap tightly. I recommend putting a piece of fabric between the lid and the jar to prevent sticking. Infuse on counter or in fridge for 2 weeks before straining... though I usually dip into in after about a week. Oh well.