Strawberry Vinegar

Flavored vinegar might sound like something you’d find at a high-end grocery store, but it’s actually surprisingly easy to make at home. With a handful of fresh strawberries, a glug of cider vinegar and a bit of sugar, you can make a delicious strawberry vinegar for homemade salad dressings.

It’s a very versatile condiment, elevating everyday dishes with its fruity essence, floral aroma and tangy character. Use it in marinade recipes for steak, poultry or fish, or simply drizzle it over roasted vegetable recipes for an added burst of freshness. Whatever you choose to make, this homemade vinegar will taste fantastic—and it’s a wonderful way to use up extra strawberries.

Ingredients for Strawberry Vinegar

• Fresh strawberries: Juicy, just-ripe strawberries give this homemade fruit vinegar its vibrant color and natural sweetness. Use overripe strawberries for a more concentrated flavor, but frozen strawberries work in a pinch if you can’t find fresh produce.
• Cider vinegar: Cider vinegar gives this recipe its signature acidic character. Its tart and slightly sweet flavor adds hints of fruitiness that complement the strawberries. Feel free to use different types of vinegar, like white vinegar for a milder flavor or balsamic vinegar for a heightened sweetness.
• Sugar: Sugar is essential to counteract the vinegar’s acidity. Adjust the amount in this recipe according to your personal preferences.

Directions

Step 1: Macerate the strawberries

In a large bowl, combine the strawberries and vinegar. Cover and let stand for an hour.

Editor’s Tip: If your strawberries aren’t fully ripe, try macerating them by tossing them with a little sugar. This tenderizes the fruit and intensifies its natural sweetness, making it easier for the fruity characteristics to combine with the vinegar.

Step 2: Simmer the vinegar

Transfer the strawberry mixture to a large saucepan. Stir in the sugar and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes. Then remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.

Editor’s Tip: It’s important to keep the lid on during the simmering process. This retains moisture and prevents the liquid from evaporating.

Step 3: Strain and store

Strain and discard the pulp. Pour the liquid into sterilized jars and cover with tight-fitting lids. Store the strawberry vinegar in a cool and dark place.

Editor’s Tip: To remove all the pulp and seeds, line your fine mesh strainer with a layer of cheesecloth. Squeeze the cheesecloth to ensure you get every last drop of the prepared vinegar.

Recipe Variations

• Use a different kind of vinegar: Balsamic vinegar and strawberries are a beloved flavor combination. Used here, balsamic can add a syrupy consistency and introduce complementary notes of cherries, chocolate and figs. Since it’s sweeter than cider vinegar, adjust the added sugar accordingly.
• Add herbs: Infuse the vinegar with herbs and spices like thyme, basil or mint to add a floral and aromatic twist to this recipe.
• Swap the berries: This recipe is just a template, so don’t be afraid to make it with other fruits, like raspberries or blueberries.

How to Store Strawberry Vinegar

Store your homemade fruit vinegar in sterilized jars with tight-fitting lids. Keep them in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. If your home runs on the hot side, we suggest refrigerating the vinegar instead.

How long does strawberry vinegar last?

Homemade infused vinegars like strawberry vinegar will generally last up to six months when stored in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration may extend the shelf life, but be sure to check for signs of spoilage, like mold.

Strawberry Vinegar Recipe Tips

What kind of vinegar works best for infusing with strawberries?

You can use any vinegar to make strawberry-infused vinegar. We like white vinegar for its mild flavor, but you can choose bolder vinegars like balsamic to create a sweeter condiment with a thicker viscosity. Adjust the amount of sugar in the infusion accordingly to balance out the chosen vinegar’s acidity.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh to infuse strawberry vinegar?

You can use fresh or frozen strawberries to make infused vinegar. Just remember to thaw frozen fruit in the fridge overnight before infusing. If you thawed too much, use the leftovers to make frozen strawberry recipes like cakes, pies and milkshakes.

How do I serve strawberry vinegar?

You can use strawberry vinegar to make a strawberry vinaigrette and serve it over leafy greens, vegetables or proteins. You can also keep it simple and combine the strawberry vinegar with olive oil as a dip for crusty bread.