Method

• 1.
  Wash, hull and chop strawberries. Place in a bowl or jug and sprinkle with sugar and fennel seeds. Using a stick blender, blend until smooth.
• 2.
  Pour strawberry mixture into a saucepan over very low heat and cook, stirring, for 8-10 minutes until sugar has dissolved. Add 1/4 cup (60ml) water and, stirring constantly, bring to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat and set aside until cooled and flavours have infused. Check the consistency and add more water, up to another 1/4 cup (60ml), if required.
• 3.
  Once cooled, either pour mixture through a fine mesh sieve or a sieve lined with muslin cloth. Add vinegar, taste, then pour into sterilised jars and seal. Chill for up to 2 weeks.
• 4.
  TO MAKE A COCKTAIL: Fill a glass with ice. Pour over 80ml shrub, add a fennel flower and top with sparkling water. You could also add 30ml of vodka, gin or white rum.