Cucumber Shrub — EEM Thai BBQ

House Shrub

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What It Is

"A bright, acidic shrub built on fresh-juiced cucumbers, yuzu, and rice vinegar — balanced with agave and sugar, then steeped with Thai basil for herbal depth. The backbone of Have Fun Help Each Other."

Flavor Profile

Character

Fresh Cucumber Yuzu Citrus Tangy & Bright Thai Basil Lightly Sweet

Yield: large batch · Storage: labeled, walk-in · Shelf life: 2 weeks

Timing

Plan Ahead

Thai basil steeps for 2 full days before straining. Start this at least 2 days before you need it on the bar.

Ingredients

Large Batch — Two-Stage Build

— stage 1: blend & steep —
~20 lbs	Cucumbers (1 case), juiced
1 L	Agave
1 L	Yuzu juice
4.5 L	Unseasoned rice vinegar
2 qts	Sugar (first addition)
8 oz	Thai basil (by weight — add last, steep 2 days)

— stage 2: after straining —
3 qts	Sugar (second addition)

What is a Shrub? — Staff Knowledge

A shrub is a drinking vinegar — a concentrated syrup made by combining fruit or vegetables with sugar and acid (usually vinegar). The acid acts as a preservative and brightener, giving the shrub a sharp, refreshing tang that cuts through sweetness and adds complexity to cocktails. Our cucumber shrub uses rice vinegar and yuzu for a clean, bright acidity, with agave for balance and Thai basil for an herbal finish. It's what gives Have Fun Help Each Other its savory depth and makes the Approved by Chef work as a non-alcoholic drink worth ordering.

Method

Juice the full case of cucumbers through the juicer into the largest available container.
Add agave, yuzu juice, rice vinegar, and 2 qts sugar. Blend thoroughly with the large commissary immersion blender.
Weigh out 8 oz Thai basil on the bar scale and add to the blend. Let rest for 2 full days.
Strain out basil — first through the strainer, then a second pass through cheesecloth from the kitchen.
Add the remaining 3 qts sugar and blend again until fully incorporated.
Label with date and store in the walk-in.

Used In

Have Fun Help Each Other · Approved by Chef N/A

Prep Video — Watch Before Your First Batch Scan to see the full prep walkthrough: juicing, blending, basil steep timing, two-stage straining, and final sugar addition. Replace this QR with your actual video link before printing.