Shrubs, or drinking vinegars, are an old timey magickal concoction that was used to preserve fruits and for its healing properties. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been having a moment for the last few years thanks to its gut healing properties, and that’s what we’ll be using as the base for our love potion.

Some of you witches may be turning your noses up at “drinking vinegars,” but this is definitely one of those instances where you shouldn’t knock it before you try it. These are absolutely delightful in sparkling water, sparkling wine, or mixed up with your favorite liquor - mine is whisky or bourbon with this tangy delight. Think of them as a simple syrup of sorts.

Like most of the recipes I share, you can get creative and put your own twist on the fruit and herb combinations you use. This summer I made a shrub with local peaches and tulsi (holy basil) from my friend’s garden. There’s really no limit to the different combinations of fruits and herbs you can use.

On that note, let’s talk ratios! Once you have the basic ratios and process nailed down, you can mix and match away with the fruits and herbs that are in season near you. Or whip up shrub potions with different magical intentions whether its love, luck, prosperity, healing, or protection.

The Ingredients

2 C pears, chopped

2 C organic apple cider vinegar

1 C sugar (I like brown sugar, personally, but raw or white sugar work well, too.)

6 green cardamom pods, crushed

1 T black pepper, fresh ground or whole

The Ritual

Place your chopped pears and spices in a large, clean mason jar. Add your sugar, and pour your ACV over top of the mixture.

Layer a small piece of parchment paper over the mouth opening before placing the lid on. This helps to prevent the vinegar from coming into contact with the metal of the lid which creates rust.

Give it a good shake as you whisper your intentions over it, and place in a cool, dark place. Each day for 2-4 weeks, give it a good shake and repeat your intentions over it.

Once the infusion is complete, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve layered with cheese cloth. This will help to get any chunks or smaller remnants out of the liquid. Dispose of what’s caught in the cheese cloth and pour your shrub into a bottle or jar with a lid.

At room temperature, your shrub will keep for 2-3 weeks. If you refrigerate the shrub, it will keep for up to 3 months (sometimes even longer).

Now that you have your delicious love potion prepared, add it to some seltzer for a lovely alcohol-free botanical mocktail to show yourself a little self-love or prepare it for you and your beloved to enjoy together. This would also make a great marinade for meats as pear acts as a really amazing tenderizer or mix it with some olive oil to create a scrumptious salad dressing.

As always, be very careful with love spell work. Of all the spell work, it has the highest tendency to backfire or come with unintended results if your intentions aren’t clear. Your intended should be a willing participant in receiving the spell as well.

The Magick

Pear Magickal Properties

Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Lust, Love, Aphrodisiac

Cardamom Magickal Properties

Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Lust, Love, Aphrodisiac

Black Pepper Magickal Properties

Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, Passion, Confidence

If you liked this recipe, be sure to grab a copy of SPELLbook Spring Edition which features a deeper look at the trend towards botanical, alcohol-free cocktails along with more recipes for creating your own magick potions.