Discover the Best Vinegar Drinks in the US: Where to Buy, What to Try, and How to Use Them

What exactly are vinegar drinks?

If you’ve ever sipped a tangy, slightly sweet beverage that woke up your taste buds like a squeeze of lemon, you’ve probably encountered a vinegar drink. These drinks are usually made from vinegar—often apple cider vinegar (ACV) or fruit vinegars—mixed with water, sugar, fruit, or herbs to make a refreshing, drinkable product. Think of them as the beverage cousin of a salad dressing: bright, acidic, and surprisingly versatile.

Types of vinegar drinks

Vinegar drinks come in several forms. “Drinking vinegar” or shrubs are fruit-infused vinegars blended with sweeteners. Switchels are old-school drinks that pair vinegar with water, ginger, and molasses or honey. Then there are ready-to-drink ACV tonics and sparkling vinegar beverages sold in bottles. Each type gives a slightly different experience—some effervescent, some still, some tart and herb-forward.

Common ingredients you’ll find

Typical ingredients include apple cider vinegar, cane sugar, honey or maple syrup, fresh fruit or fruit juice, herbs like rosemary or basil, and sometimes ginger for spice. Many bottled versions add carbonation for brightness and probiotics for a tangy, fermented note that mimics kombucha without being exactly the same.

Why are vinegar drinks growing in popularity?

They’re trendy for a reason. Vinegar drinks offer a punchy flavor profile that cuts through sweetness and richness in food, and they’re easy to incorporate into daily routines. People are also curious about functional beverages that feel natural and low-calorie. If you like tart sodas, craft cocktails, or herbal tonics, vinegar drinks can feel like a delicious middle ground.

Flavor and culinary flexibility

Vinegar drinks balance sweet, sour, and sometimes bitter notes, making them excellent palate cleansers and mixers. They’re like a culinary Swiss Army knife: use them as a base for mocktails, add them to sparkling water, or splash them into salad dressings to give a dish an instant lift.

Health-minded reasons to try them

People often reach for vinegar drinks looking for a lower-calorie alternative to soda or a replacement for sugary mixers. While vinegar drinks shouldn’t be treated as medicine, many enjoy them as a tangy addition to a balanced diet. If you’re sensitive to strong acids, dilute them to taste—your mouth will thank you.

Top US stores to buy vinegar drinks

Wondering where to stock up? Vinegar drinks are popping up everywhere, from big-box retailers to specialty grocers. Here’s a quick guide to the stores where you’re likely to find a good selection.

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods tends to carry a wide range of artisan shrubs, organic ACV tonics, and fermented beverages. If you want high-quality, often organic options and local small-batch producers, this is a strong place to start. Expect bottles in sizes around 8–16 fl oz and prices on the higher side for premium labels.

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s usually offers a couple of unique options—seasonal shrubs or ACV-infused items—at wallet-friendly prices. Their flavor picks can be surprising and fun, and you’ll often find single-serve or smaller bottles that are great for trying something new without committing to a large bottle.

Walmart and Target

These national chains are good for standard brands and affordable, ready-to-drink vinegar beverages. You’ll find both ACV-based tonics and flavored vinegar drinks at competitive prices, often in larger bottle sizes like 16–32 fl oz that stretch your dollars further.

Amazon

Amazon is unbeatable for range. You can find imported drinking vinegars, niche artisan shrubs, and bulk sizes shipped right to your door. It’s a great place to compare brands, read reviews, and see different flavor profiles across price points. Just watch for shipping sizes—bottles are often sold in 8–12 fl oz packs.

Sprouts Farmers Market and Wegmans

Both Sprouts and Wegmans emphasize fresh, local, and natural products. Their shelves often include small-batch shrubs, ACV tonics, and sometimes local makers who aren’t available in big-box stores. Prices vary by region, but the selection often leans toward craft and organic labels.

Costco and Sam’s Club

If you consume vinegar drinks regularly or want to experiment with different flavors at home, wholesale clubs like Costco can offer good value on multipacks or larger bottles. You might find 32 fl oz bottles or packs of single-serve sparkling vinegar drinks—perfect for parties or weekly routines.

Popular brands and what they offer

There’s a mix of heritage brands and new craft makers in the vinegar drink space. Knowing who makes what helps you find the flavor and format that fits your habits.

Classic apple cider vinegar brands

Brands known for apple cider vinegar, like Bragg, often offer drinking versions or mixes that are easy to add to water. These are reliable if you want the distinct ACV taste without hunting for niche labels.

Artisan shrub makers and local producers

Smaller companies and local beverage makers produce shrubs with creative flavor combos—think strawberry-basil, blueberry-rosemary, or pear-ginger. These are fantastic for craft cocktails and culinary use. Check farmers markets, local grocers, and specialty sections at larger supermarkets.

Kombucha and fermented beverage brands

While not identical, some kombucha brands and other fermented beverage makers create tangy, vinegar-adjacent drinks that appeal to the same crowd. If you like a fizzy, probiotic-rich sip, these brands are worth exploring alongside pure vinegar drinks.

How to choose the right vinegar drink for you

Picking a vinegar drink can feel like choosing a wine—there are fruity, dry, sweet, and earthy options. Here’s how to narrow it down based on taste, use, and ingredient preferences.

Decide on sweetness level

Some vinegar drinks lean sweet and fruit-forward while others stay sharp and dry. If you’re replacing soda, try a sweeter shrub or a pre-sweetened ACV tonic. If you want a mixer for cocktails or a palate-cleansing sip, a dryer, less-sweet option will serve you better.

Look at ingredient labels

Want organic? Want probiotics? Want no refined sugar? Labels will tell you. If you’re sensitive to added sugar, look for drinks sweetened with honey or stevia, or buy an unsweetened vinegar and sweeten it yourself at a rate you like.

DIY drinking vinegar: an easy shrub recipe

Making your own shrub is simpler than you’d think. You control sweetness, tartness, and flavor combinations, and you’ll usually end up with a jar that lasts for weeks in the fridge.

Basic shrub recipe (yields about 16 fl oz)

Ingredients: 2 cups chopped fruit (berries, peaches, or cherries work great), 1 cup sugar or 3/4 cup honey, and 1 cup apple cider vinegar. Combine fruit and sugar in a bowl, press gently to release juices, then let sit covered in the fridge for 24–48 hours. Strain the mixture into a jar, mix in the vinegar, and let it age in the refrigerator for 3–7 days before tasting. For a sparkling drink, dilute 1–2 tablespoons of shrub syrup with 6–8 fl oz of sparkling water.

Variation ideas and tips

Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup, add a thumb-size piece of grated ginger for spice, or toss in herbs like basil or thyme. If you prefer a less sweet profile, reduce the sweetener by 25 percent. Remember, the shrub syrup is concentrated—start small when mixing with water or soda.

Creative ways to use vinegar drinks

Vinegar drinks are more than sips. Use them like a chef: as mixers, marinades, and even dessert accents.

Mixers and mocktails

Combine vinegar drink syrup with sparkling water and a splash of citrus for a quick mocktail. For a cocktail, swap out a portion of the citrus or vermouth with shrub syrup to add depth and acidity. Vinegar drinks can cut through heavy or sweet cocktails the way lemon does in a recipe.

Cooking and baking

Use shrubs in vinaigrettes, glazes for roasted vegetables, or marinades for chicken and pork. A tablespoon of shrub syrup can brighten a sauce the way a squeeze of lemon would, and a dash in baked fruit mixtures can accentuate natural sweetness.

Storage, shelf life, and safety

Storage is simple: most vinegar drinks are naturally acidic, which helps preserve them, but once opened you’ll want to treat them like any other perishable condiment or beverage.

How long do they last?

Unopened bottled vinegar drinks typically keep for many months—sometimes up to a year—depending on preservatives and packaging. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2–6 months for best flavor. Homemade shrubs are best consumed within 1–3 months, though they may last longer; always use your nose and eyes to check for off smells or mold.

Best storage practices

Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place before opening. After opening, keep them refrigerated and sealed tightly. For homemade shrubs, use sterilized jars and strain thoroughly—keeping cleanliness is the easiest way to prevent spoilage.

Price expectations and value hunting

How much should you spend? Prices vary by brand, bottle size, and whether it’s craft-made or mass-produced. Here’s a rough guide to help you budget.

Typical price ranges

Single bottles (8–12 fl oz) from craft makers often cost between $6 and $12. Ready-to-drink bottles in 12–16 fl oz sizes can range from $2 to $5 for mass-produced brands and $4 to $8 for premium lines. Bulk or multipacks at warehouse clubs often bring the per-bottle price down significantly.

Saving money without sacrificing flavor

Buy larger bottles if you use vinegar drinks regularly, shop multipacks, or learn to make shrubs at home—the ingredient cost is low and you can experiment without wasting store-bought bottles. Local farmers markets and co-ops can also offer seasonal flavors at fair prices.

Pairing vinegar drinks with food

Think of vinegar drinks as a bright friend for richer, heavier foods. They cut through fat, balance sweetness, and refresh the palate.

Smart pairings

Pair tangy shrubs with grilled meats to balance smoky richness, use them with fried foods to cut grease, or enjoy a sparkling ACV tonic with salty snacks. For desserts, a tiny drizzle of fruit shrub over vanilla ice cream or baked fruit adds a gourmet twist.

Final tips before you buy

Start with small bottles to experiment, check labels for sugar and additives, and don’t be afraid to ask staff at specialty stores about local producers. If you’re unsure about the acidity, dilute to taste—vinegar drinks are highly customizable.

Vinegar drinks are part curiosity, part craft, and all about flavor. Whether you buy a sparkling ACV tonic from a national brand or make a shrub from backyard fruit, you’re stepping into a world of bright, tangy possibilities.

Conclusion

Vinegar drinks offer a flavorful, versatile alternative to sodas and sugary mixers, and they’re easy to find across the US at grocery chains, specialty stores, and online retailers. From classic apple cider vinegar tonics to artisan shrubs and sparkling fermented beverages, there’s a style and flavor for every palate. Try a few brands, experiment with DIY recipes, and use them in both drinks and cooking. You might just discover a new everyday favorite that livens up your meals and beverages with a single splash.