Quaker City Mercantile and Diageo Launch Quaker City Shrubs

PHILADELPHIA — Spirits industry pioneer Steven Grasse, in partnership with Diageo, is pleased to announce the release of Quaker City Shrubs – a brand new line of sparkling, tart, and tangy canned alcoholic beverages made with apple cider vinegar.

Hitting shelves June 25th, just in time for the start of summer, Quaker City Shrubs present at 4% ABV with just 3g of sugar and are only 90 calories. Consumers can choose from natural fruit flavors including Grapefruit, Blackberry and Apple.

These low-calorie, low-sugar and low-ABV beverages are delicious straight from the can, poured over ice, or used as mixers in simple cocktails. They offer imbibers the perfect all-natural alternative to beer and cider compared to other ready-to-drink cocktails which are commonly packed with sugar or cold-fermented dextrose (found in most hard seltzers). Apple cider vinegar enhances natural fruit flavors while adding tart, tangy notes and a dry finish.

The inspiration for Quaker City Shrubs came to Grasse when he discovered this classic historical shrub recipe while doing research for his book, Colonial Spirits. Traditionally, a shrub was used as a way to preserve fruit by combining it with sugar and vinegar. This concentrated liquid could then be watered down with still or sparkling water (or spiked with rum or brandy) for a refreshing, fruity treat in any season.

“The beer-alternative category is saturated with sugary, spiked beverages packed with synthetic ingredients,” said Grasse. “We spent a long time perfecting this recipe to create a liquid that would appeal to mindful drinkers and would be a welcome alternative to beer and overly-sweet hard ciders and other spiked sparkling beverages. Instead of trying to recreate the wheel, we allowed an old-world health tonic celebrated for its holistic qualities to be our guide. Apple cider vinegar provides the perfect amount of natural sweetness to create an exciting flavor profile without relying on common sweeteners or fermented dextrose.”

Quaker City Shrubs launch this summer at Whole Foods, Wegman’s, and Total Wine stores across the Philadelphia, Delaware and southern New Jersey regions, as well as at boutique bottle shops, beer distributors and your favorite neighborhood bars and beer gardens. Quaker City Shrubs are made with all natural ingredients and boast only 3g of sugar and 90 calories. At 4.0% ABV the liquid is specially crafted to remove gluten.

Quaker City Mercantile is celebrating the official launch of #SummerofShrubs on July 17th (6-9pm) with a BOKYARD BBQ, QC Shrub tastings and specials (with RSVP), Shrub Floats courtesy of Capogiro Gelato Artisans, bites from South Philly Smokhaus BBQ and Simply Good Jars, a garnish station from Greensgrow Farms and fruit kebabs thanks to Riverwards Produce. Noted WXPN DJ, Robert Drake will be providing the beats and guests will enjoy the QC Shrubs Smilebooth all while taking in the gorgeous Philly views from Bok Bar’s scenic rooftop bar. The event is free but guests must RSVP through Eventbrite. Quaker City Mercantile will be donating $1 for each guest towards Southwark School.

For more information and recipe inspiration visit Quaker City Shrubs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and follow along with #SummerofShrubs.

About Quaker City Shrubs

Quaker City Shrubs is a product of Quaker City Mercantile and Diageo, the world’s largest producer of spirits. Drawing inspiration from a classic historical recipe, Steven Grasse created Quaker City Shrubs as an alternative to beer and cider with an unlikely ingredient: apple cider vinegar. Presenting at 4% ABV with just 3g of sugar and only 90 calories, the sparkling, tart and tangy alcoholic beverages come in an array of natural fruit flavors, including Grapefruit, Blackberry and Apple. For more information please visit instagram.com/quakercityshrubs/.

About Quaker City Mercantile

Spear-headed by spirits industry pioneer, Steven Grasse, Quaker City Mercantile creates world-famous spirits, beers and other libations. Their expertise includes conceptual ideation, liquid development, manufacturing, distillery/brewery construction, brand building, and on-and off-trade distribution. They own their own distilleries and brewery and maintain a work force that includes distillers, brewers, mixologists, chefs, chemists, botanists and creative teams from various disciplines. In addition to creating their own award-winning products, they build and grow product lines for partners worldwide. Quaker City Mercantile is a unique force in the beverage industry with notable achievements including Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, and Lo-fi Aperitifs. For more information please visit http://quakercitymercantile.com/