Reduce alcohol & embrace balance: How shrub syrups support women during peri-menopause / menopause
As more women seek ways to support their health during peri-menopause & menopause, reducing alcohol is emerging as a powerful step toward better sleep, hormonal balance, and improved mental well-being. But going alcohol-free doesn’t mean going flavour-free—thanks to the rise of Shrub Syrups, a sophisticated and satisfying alternative for the mindful drinker.
Reducing alcohol during menopause can help with a range of things, such as improved sleep, weight management, reduced anxiety & improved mood.
“Women in perimenopause and menopause are often managing sleep disturbances, hot flushes, anxiety, and fluctuating energy levels,” says Pia, creator of The Curious Cabinet, the leading Australian Shrub Syrup company. “Alcohol can make all of those symptoms worse— I know from experience - so we’re thrilled that our range provides something beautiful and beneficial to drink instead.”
Shrub Syrups are crafted from fruit, cane sugar, and apple cider vinegar to deliver a zesty, complex flavour profile that pairs perfectly with soda water, herbal tea, or even in cooking. They're rich in natural ingredients, and deliver a refreshing bite without the side effects of alcohol.
Why Reducing Alcohol in peri-Menopause and menopause Matters:
Improved Sleep: Alcohol disrupts REM cycles, compounding the sleep issues already common during menopause.
Hormone Support: Alcohol can interfere with liver function and hormone clearance, intensifying mood swings and hot flushes.
Weight Management: Alcohol adds empty calories and can contribute to midsection weight gain, a common concern in midlife.
Emotional Balance: Reducing alcohol can help improve mood regulation and lessen anxiety, which often spikes during hormonal transition.
Shrub Syrups: A Smart Swap
Unlike sugary mocktails or bland soft drinks, Shrub Syrups offer a grown-up drink option that feels celebratory but supports the body instead of stressing it.
“Our customers say they feel empowered having a go-to alcohol alternative that isn’t just juice or water,” says [Brand Name] founder. “We believe every woman deserves a drink that supports her wellbeing—especially during menopause.”
Available in flavours such as Mandarin, Rhubarb, Boysenberry and Bay Leaf, Shrub Syrups are the ultimate pantry staple for women choosing to prioritise health without compromising pleasure.
Thanks for reading,
Pia Cook
Founder, The Curious Cabinet
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MELBOURNE CONVENTION EXHIBITION CENTRE LAUNCHES THE CURIOUS CABINET MOCKTAIL BAR
We’ve partnered with the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on a Mocktail Bar
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has expanded its alcohol-free menu, featuring our award-winning Shrub Syrups. This exciting collaboration includes the debut of a bespoke The Curious Cabinet Mocktail Bar, dedicated to offering an innovative, inclusive beverage experience for all visitors.
The menu highlights our award winning Shrub Syrups, crafted from natural, simple ingredients and bursting with complex flavours that cater to diverse palates. From refreshing citrus blends to bold botanical infusions, these mixers deliver a refined drinking experience without the alcohol.
“Every year, MCEC welcomes millions of visitors from around the world. Providing a welcoming and inclusive experience is at the heart of what we do,” said Vai Sadavarte, Catering Operations Manager at MCEC.
“Partnering with The Curious Cabinet allows us to offer sophisticated, alcohol-free options and showcase high-quality local flavours that perfectly complement our unique culinary offerings.” The Curious Cabinet Mocktail Bar will feature a curated range of mocktails, each inspired by the rich and versatile flavours of Shrub Syrups. The bar aims to redefine non-alcoholic beverages by showcasing the same level of care and creativity often reserved for traditional cocktails.
Pia Cook, Founder of The Curious Cabinet, expressed her excitement about the partnership:
“At The Curious Cabinet, we believe that alcohol-free options should never feel like an afterthought. This collaboration with MCEC allows us to share the joy of sophisticated, handcrafted beverages with a broader audience. We’re thrilled to be part of this movement towards greater inclusivity in hospitality.”
This initiative aligns with MCEC’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and supporting local businesses. The Curious Cabinet’s syrups are proudly made in Geelong, further strengthening MCEC’s focus on showcasing the best of local talent and produce.
The Curious Cabinet Mocktail Bar is now available to book at MCEC events, and the alcohol-free menu is available across a range of functions and conferences hosted at the venue. See here for details.
What are Shrub Syrups? A deep dive into their history and their uses
Ever wanted to know what a shrub syrup is, or where shrub syrups came from? Here we delve into the intriguing history of the Shrub Syrup, and its delicious evolution throughout history.
Introduction
Whilst simple in their make-up, Shrub Syrups offer a perfectly balanced sweet and tart flavour that add complexity to beverages and culinary creations. But what exactly are Shrub Syrups, and how have they functioned throughout history?
The Shrub syrup that we know today is an alcohol-free drink, however throughout history Shrub Syrups were commonly made with brandy, making it an alcoholic tipple, and perfect for early cocktail making. Let’s explore their origins, their evolution over time, and how they’re used today.
What is a Shrub Syrup?
A shrub syrup is syrup made of fruit, sugar, and apple-cider vinegar. The vinegar acts as a natural preservative, adding a tart flavour which balances the sweetness of the fruit with a sharp, refreshing acidity. Shrubs can be mixed simply with soda water, added into cocktails, or even used in cooking to add depth to dishes.
Recipe from Jerry Thomas’ The Bartenders Guide (1876)
The historical function of Shrub Syrups
The word “shrub” itself comes from the Arabic “sharab,” meaning “to drink”. The use of Shrub Syrups can be traced back to ancient times, when vinegar was commonly used to preserve fruit and even sanitise water.
Recipe from Martha Stockbridge What to Drink (1920)
In the 17th and 18th centuries, shrubs became a popular way to preserve fruit at sea and were even added to rum or brandy as a way of concealing the harsh taste of the alcohol. On land, shrubs were a staple in households before refrigeration, allowing people to enjoy the taste of seasonal fruits long after their harvest.
Recipes of Shrub Syrups have been found as early as 1876. Jerry Thomas’ The Bartender’s Guide: How to Mix All Kinds of Plain and Fancy Drinks records a Raspberry Shrub recipe which he recounts was ‘an excellent drink in warm weather and in fevers’ (Thomas 1876).
During the Prohibition era in the 1920s, shrubs gained popularity as a non-alcoholic alternative to cocktails. In 1920 Bertha Stockbridge published a recipe for Raspberry Shrub in her book alcohol-free drink recipes book What to Drink, which highlighted the importance of Shrub Syrups as a central element of excellent hosting:
“A generation or two ago every housewife who prided herself upon her ability as a hostess was very sure to have in her cellar shrubs and fruit vinegars of many kinds. For in this way she could always offer a guest a delightful and refreshing drink with the least amount of work and expenditure of time.
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The decline and the revival of Shrubs
With the advent of modern refrigeration and commercial preservatives, shrubs fell out of widespread use. However, their unique flavour profile never entirely disappeared. In recent years, the growing interest in craft cocktails, artisanal beverages, and health-conscious drink alternatives has led to a resurgence of Shrub Syrups.
Shrub Syrups are even listed on The Ark of Taste, an initiative focused on the slow food movement and dedicated to traveling the world and ‘collecting small-scale quality productions that belong to the cultures, history and traditions of the entire planet: an extraordinary heritage of fruits, vegetables, animal breeds, cheeses, breads, sweets and cured meats’.
Today, the return of the Shrub Syrup is celebrated for their ability to add depth and balance to drinks, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
How to use Shrub Syrups today
Modern shrub syrups can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
Mixed with sparkling water for a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink.
Added into cocktails to add acidity and complexity.
Drizzled over salads or desserts for a tangy twist.
Used in marinades and sauces to enhance savory dishes.
With their rich history and unique taste, Shrub Syrups are more than just a trendy revival—they are a testament to centuries of culinary ingenuity. Whether you’re sipping a Shrub-infused drink or using one in your kitchen, you’re partaking in a tradition that has stood the test of time.
5 EASY ALCOHOL-FREE RECIPES
We’ve taken the hard work out of FebFast with these 5 simple alcohol free recipes!
rhubarb & apple spritz
The Curious Cabinet is now available on MadeMart.
We’re thrilled to announce that The Curious Cabinet is now available on MadeMart, an online marketplace connecting conscious consumers with independent, handmade, and small- batch businesses. This partnership makes it easier than ever for you to enjoy our handcrafted Shrub Syrups, Preserves, and Dusts, whilst shopping a range of other amazing products.
Why MadeMart?
Founded by Samantha Finnegan, a natural extension of her gift boxing company MadeBox, MadeMart aims to bring Australia’s finest small-batch product directly to consumers. In a world dominated by mass production, MadeMart stands as a beacon for those who seek quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. It’s a platform designed to champion independent makers, bringing together the best locally made goods. By shopping on MadeMart, you’re not just purchasing a product—you’re supporting small businesses.
A Perfect Match
At The Curious Cabinet, we believe in reviving the lost art of Shrubs, and in the process creating sustainable products by turning all of the fruit strained off our syrups into preserves and cocktail dusts. Every product is crafted with care, using thoughtfully sourced ingredients and sustainable packaging. Partnering with MadeMart allows us to reach like-minded consumers who appreciate the story, passion, and purpose behind what they buy.
The Power of Shopping Small
When you choose to buy from small, independent businesses, you’re making a powerful statement. You’re supporting local artisans, reducing environmental impact, and promoting a diverse, creative marketplace.
Discover & Sip
A selection of our Shrub Syrups , Preserves, and Dusts are now available on MadeMart, Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, a health-conscious sipper, or simply someone who loves trying new things, our shrubs bring something truly unique to your glass.
Visit us on MadeMart today and be part of a growing community that values taste, shopping local, and supporting small producers.
Summer Concert Series - Make our recipes at home!
Enjoy the festival spirit long after the music fades with our a Day on the Green alcohol-free cocktail series! Designed for those who love bold flavours without the booze, these refreshing recipes are straight from our festival bar and easy to recreate at home.
Whether you're reminiscing about sun-soaked afternoons on the grass or simply looking for a delicious new drink, these vibrant, handcrafted mocktails bring the magic of live music and good company to every sip. Grab your ingredients, mix up something special, and keep the festival feeling alive—no ticket required!
See the recipes linked below, and here’s where you can find them.
Dark and Stormy
A standout favourite in the library of cocktails. This alcohol free version combines the traditional flavours of ginger beer, Rum (alcohol free) and with the unusual addition of our Festive Spiced Tea blend. The tannins in the tea provide a similar kick to alcohol, and the spices give you that hint of a spiced rum. YUM>
INGREDIENTS
30ml alcohol free dark rum
45ml pre-brewed and chilled The Curious Cabinet Festive Spiced Cocktail Tea
Ginger Beer
Citrus wheel to garnish
METHOD
Add rum and chilled tea to a tall glass with lots of ice. Top with ginger beer. Stir. Garnish with a citrus wheel. Enjoy.
shop the recipe
Rhubarb and Apple Spritz
A delicious strawberry twist on a sour, this is a festive cocktail that is sure to please. It can also be made as a mocktail with instructions included in the recipe.
Rhubarb and apple. A match made in heaven. Try this and you’ll keep coming back for more.
INGREDIENTS
30ml The Curious Cabinet Rhubarb Shrub Syrup
Soda water
Sliced apple for garnish
METHOD
Fill a spritz glass with ice. Top with Shrub Syrup and soda. Stir. Garnish with sliced apple.
Add a splash of gin for a harder version.
shop the recipe
Dark Cherry Spritz
Dark, rich and delicious - this spritz is one to remember.
INGREDIENTS
30ml The Curious Cabinet Cherry Shrub Syrup
Soda Water
Sprig of Rosemary
METHOD
Add Cherry Shrub Syrup to tall glass with lots of ice. Top with soda. Stir. Garnish with rosemary. Enjoy.
shop the recipe
Strawberry and Cucumber Cup
Summer in a glass! Our Strawberry and Cucumber Cup is super easy to create and will wow your friends and family. Add a splash of gin or tequila for a stronger version.
INGREDIENTS
30ml The Curious Cabinet Strawberry Shrub Syrup
150ml Soda Water
Freshly sliced cucumber and strawberries to garnish
METHOD
Add Strawberry Shrub Syrup to tall glass with lots of ice. Top with soda. Stir. Garnish with cucumber and strawberries. Enjoy.