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Homebrewed Vinegar: How to Ferment 60 Delicious Varieties, Including Carrot-Ginger, Beet, Brown Banana, Pineapple, Corncob, Honey, and Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a long history as a folk remedy for a variety of health conditions and, as a result, has achieved something akin to cult status among natural health enthusiasts. But many people don’t realize that there is a whole world of options beyond store-bought ACV or distilled white vinegar. In fact, vinegar can be made from anything with fermentable sugar, whether leftover juicing pulp or brown bananas, wildflowers or beer. With her in-depth guide, Kirsten K. Shockey takes readers on a deep dive into the wide-ranging possibilities alive in this ancient condiment, health tonic, and global kitchen staple. In-depth coverage of the science of vinegar and the basics of equipment, brewing, bottling, and aging gives readers the foundational skills and knowledge for fermenting their own vinegar. Then the real journey begins, as the book delves into the many methods and ingredients for making vinegars, from apple cider to red wine to rice to aged balsamic. Along the way, Shockey shares insights into vinegar-making traditions around the world and her own recipes for making vinegar tonics, infused vinegars, and oxymels.
296 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2021
78 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 7, 2021
If the world needed a vinegar bible, this is it. This enormous book is packed with information about the benefits of vinegar, how to make your own, and why you should (I will never again buy white vinegar after reading what it really is). There are gorgeous color photos and a ton of diverse recipes. Love it.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
June 15, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Super impressive and thorough reference book that has got me covered on vinegar for life, probably.
I’m a big fan of fermenting stuff, so I was really looking forward to learning more about vinegar. I don’t know too much about the author, but I do know that she’s a bit of a celebrity in the fermentation world, and I can see why. I will also say that I didn’t realise making vinegar was as complex as this. It’s a bit too daunting for me to give it a try at the moment, but that’s absolutely not an issue with the book.
This covers everything I could possibly want from a book of this nature. There is a lot of background on vinegar history, science and a wealth of recipes (asparagus vinegar made from the woody ends?!), including those that sound disgusting to any normal human being but are weirdly appealing to fellow fermentation freaks (fermented banana pulp bread, anyone?). Also lots of tips on what to do with scraps and other things that are normally considered food waste.
So yeah I’m not really qualified enough to know if the actual content, recipes and tips are as good as they seem, but it’s super impressive for a total beginner and I will definitely use this as my reference book when I finally gather the courage to start making my own vinegar at home (and not just letting a small bottle of my kombucha sit for months so it gets ridiculously acidic, yum).
Super impressive and thorough reference book that has got me covered on vinegar for life, probably.
I’m a big fan of fermenting stuff, so I was really looking forward to learning more about vinegar. I don’t know too much about the author, but I do know that she’s a bit of a celebrity in the fermentation world, and I can see why. I will also say that I didn’t realise making vinegar was as complex as this. It’s a bit too daunting for me to give it a try at the moment, but that’s absolutely not an issue with the book.
This covers everything I could possibly want from a book of this nature. There is a lot of background on vinegar history, science and a wealth of recipes (asparagus vinegar made from the woody ends?!), including those that sound disgusting to any normal human being but are weirdly appealing to fellow fermentation freaks (fermented banana pulp bread, anyone?). Also lots of tips on what to do with scraps and other things that are normally considered food waste.
So yeah I’m not really qualified enough to know if the actual content, recipes and tips are as good as they seem, but it’s super impressive for a total beginner and I will definitely use this as my reference book when I finally gather the courage to start making my own vinegar at home (and not just letting a small bottle of my kombucha sit for months so it gets ridiculously acidic, yum).
February 9, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and Storey publishing for providing me with ARC.
I don't know a lot about vinegar history but i loved and use it in many ways. I used it in my beauty such as: masks, nails and also baking, it's so good and make dough fluffy.
I don't know a lot about vinegar history but i loved and use it in many ways. I used it in my beauty such as: masks, nails and also baking, it's so good and make dough fluffy.
October 16, 2020
Never knew vinegar could be so pretty and yummy looking. I have made vinegar a few times, but never really thought about it as something more. After reading this absolutely delightful book I now have a new appreciation for the art of making vinegar.
I don’t think the author left anything out of this book. Took me by surprise how comprehensive it is. You can really see she has put her heart and soul into getting to know every aspect of vinegar making. Now there is one more reason for me to wait for spring - lilac vinegar. I love lilacs and I’m sure lilac vinegar will be a winner!
There are many great recipes I’m going to try. The great thing is that you don’t really need to buy expensive equipment or special ingredients to start the process. I really enjoyed the descriptions about using a mother or not using a mother (vinegar mother as a ‘starter’). I’ll try both and then I’ll see how it works for myself. Making different vinegars will take up a lot of my time in the near future. Thanks for this fabulous book with its fantastic pictures!
I don’t think the author left anything out of this book. Took me by surprise how comprehensive it is. You can really see she has put her heart and soul into getting to know every aspect of vinegar making. Now there is one more reason for me to wait for spring - lilac vinegar. I love lilacs and I’m sure lilac vinegar will be a winner!
There are many great recipes I’m going to try. The great thing is that you don’t really need to buy expensive equipment or special ingredients to start the process. I really enjoyed the descriptions about using a mother or not using a mother (vinegar mother as a ‘starter’). I’ll try both and then I’ll see how it works for myself. Making different vinegars will take up a lot of my time in the near future. Thanks for this fabulous book with its fantastic pictures!
November 13, 2020
As a vinegar lover, this book is IT for me. Of the books I've read on the subject, this is by far the most comprehensive and educational. It's like an entirely new language! My experience of vinegar hasn't extended beyond reading about it, infusing it with herbs and enjoying aceto tradizionale di Modena d.o.p. on trips to Italy. So, this further information is thrilling. I enthusiastically discussed this book during my one-hour massage today! Shockey has an engaging and encouraging way with words which makes the topic sizzle.
Vinegar adds a vibrancy and verve to food. It sings! Sure, I have my favourite infusions, but this...this is a revelation. Homebrewing is new to me, though I've heard of it. This turned everything I knew upside down. The history is absorbing...who knew in about 1000 BC Babylonians created vinegar pickles and that vinegar makers in France formed a guild in 1394? So much to absorb including the importance of surface area, percent acid, creating wild yeast, esters, pH, materials needed, pasteurization and molecular chemistry. I had not heard of backslopping, lees, creating vinegar from pasta and rice water, switchels and vinegar eels. Not only this but you will read about the health benefits and even a blurb on foraging and troubleshooting information.
The flavours that scream out to me most are lilac, elderflower, honey, begonia, lavender, beet, fig leaf, maple syrup, asparagus, persimmon, quince, hibiscus, chanterelle and chocolate. Summer cannot come soon enough...Four Thieves Vinegar looks wonderful! For pickling vegetables and fruits I use various infused vinegars but this book gives me so many ideas it's not even funny.
If you are at all interested in the workings of vinegar and where it comes from, read this. Those with just a passing interest may find this more than they need but for science-minded nerds like me, it's heavenly! The photography is inspiring, too.
My sincere thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this special, special book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
Vinegar adds a vibrancy and verve to food. It sings! Sure, I have my favourite infusions, but this...this is a revelation. Homebrewing is new to me, though I've heard of it. This turned everything I knew upside down. The history is absorbing...who knew in about 1000 BC Babylonians created vinegar pickles and that vinegar makers in France formed a guild in 1394? So much to absorb including the importance of surface area, percent acid, creating wild yeast, esters, pH, materials needed, pasteurization and molecular chemistry. I had not heard of backslopping, lees, creating vinegar from pasta and rice water, switchels and vinegar eels. Not only this but you will read about the health benefits and even a blurb on foraging and troubleshooting information.
The flavours that scream out to me most are lilac, elderflower, honey, begonia, lavender, beet, fig leaf, maple syrup, asparagus, persimmon, quince, hibiscus, chanterelle and chocolate. Summer cannot come soon enough...Four Thieves Vinegar looks wonderful! For pickling vegetables and fruits I use various infused vinegars but this book gives me so many ideas it's not even funny.
If you are at all interested in the workings of vinegar and where it comes from, read this. Those with just a passing interest may find this more than they need but for science-minded nerds like me, it's heavenly! The photography is inspiring, too.
My sincere thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this special, special book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
December 14, 2020
This is the ultimate vinegar bible! I love making vinegar. There is something magical about putting together just the right ingredients and letting nature do her thing. It is almost like magic when you find that your almost forgotten treasure has actually turned into vinegar!
The author obviously knows her stuff. She gives you a thorough history of the origins and uses of vinegar. Not only does she include culinary recipes, but also medicinal vinegar recipes.
This book would make a great gift to someone who enjoys cooking from scratch, cooking for health, or adventurous culinary experiments.
Source: I was provided an advanced temporary electronic copy of this book at my request in exchange for an honest review.
I will definitely purchase a hard copy of this book when it is released. This is right up my culinary alley!
The author obviously knows her stuff. She gives you a thorough history of the origins and uses of vinegar. Not only does she include culinary recipes, but also medicinal vinegar recipes.
This book would make a great gift to someone who enjoys cooking from scratch, cooking for health, or adventurous culinary experiments.
Source: I was provided an advanced temporary electronic copy of this book at my request in exchange for an honest review.
I will definitely purchase a hard copy of this book when it is released. This is right up my culinary alley!
May 31, 2021
Amazing reference! Beautiful photography and detailed information and instructions. As a long-time kombucha brewer and apple cider vinegar lover, I can't wait to delve in and start making vinegars of my own!
April 25, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Homebrewed Vinegar is a comprehensive guide with recipes to brewing and using vinegar by Kirsten K. Shockey. Due out 11th May 2021 from Storey, it's 296 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
I am enthusiastic about fermentation. I love homemade wines, became a beekeeper to fuel my mead brewing, make my own kimchi and other ferments, and just generally all around love the microbes which enrich our lives (and occasionally disappoint us when they're not where we think they should be). This is a really well written and *useful* guide to intentionally turning alcohol into vinegar, or as the author whimsically put it, acid alchemy. I'm also a person who -loves- vinegar and I've been known to sneak a spoonful of one of my collection of balsamic vinegars straight from the bottle.
The information is arranged logically and easy to find in the text. Chapters progress from an introduction, through the science of fermentation, an alcohol primer, alcohol to vinegar. The following chapters deep dive into vinegars from cider, wine, and beer and further into additional vegetable additives such as fruits, nuts, and even scraps and leavings. The final chapters present an impressive array of useful recipes.
The recipes contain an introduction, ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar, and step by step instructions. Measurements are given in American standard, with metric in parentheses (yay!). The ingredients are mostly relatively easily sourced, but some will obviously require access to mail order or a specialty brewing supplier (especially the equipment).
The book is quite lavishly illustrated, the photographs are colorful, clear, and easy to understand. There are so many beautifully presented serving suggestions and the vinegars have such a lovely range of colors - they almost look like jewels in their glass jars. This is a book full of inspirations.
The author has also included a fairly comprehensive links and resources list for further reading. There are numerous specialty retailers as well as lots of fun links.
Five stars. This book would make a superlative selection for homebrewers, sustainable agriculture folks, smallholders, orchardists, gardeners, local food fans, adventuresome cooks, and other lifestyle readers. This is a passionately written, eminently reasonable, usable guide to making and enjoying vinegar for cuisine and health uses.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Homebrewed Vinegar is a comprehensive guide with recipes to brewing and using vinegar by Kirsten K. Shockey. Due out 11th May 2021 from Storey, it's 296 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
I am enthusiastic about fermentation. I love homemade wines, became a beekeeper to fuel my mead brewing, make my own kimchi and other ferments, and just generally all around love the microbes which enrich our lives (and occasionally disappoint us when they're not where we think they should be). This is a really well written and *useful* guide to intentionally turning alcohol into vinegar, or as the author whimsically put it, acid alchemy. I'm also a person who -loves- vinegar and I've been known to sneak a spoonful of one of my collection of balsamic vinegars straight from the bottle.
The information is arranged logically and easy to find in the text. Chapters progress from an introduction, through the science of fermentation, an alcohol primer, alcohol to vinegar. The following chapters deep dive into vinegars from cider, wine, and beer and further into additional vegetable additives such as fruits, nuts, and even scraps and leavings. The final chapters present an impressive array of useful recipes.
The recipes contain an introduction, ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar, and step by step instructions. Measurements are given in American standard, with metric in parentheses (yay!). The ingredients are mostly relatively easily sourced, but some will obviously require access to mail order or a specialty brewing supplier (especially the equipment).
The book is quite lavishly illustrated, the photographs are colorful, clear, and easy to understand. There are so many beautifully presented serving suggestions and the vinegars have such a lovely range of colors - they almost look like jewels in their glass jars. This is a book full of inspirations.
The author has also included a fairly comprehensive links and resources list for further reading. There are numerous specialty retailers as well as lots of fun links.
Five stars. This book would make a superlative selection for homebrewers, sustainable agriculture folks, smallholders, orchardists, gardeners, local food fans, adventuresome cooks, and other lifestyle readers. This is a passionately written, eminently reasonable, usable guide to making and enjoying vinegar for cuisine and health uses.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 16, 2022
This is the best source I have seen so far about making vinegars. I checked the book out of the library, but since it is loaded with so much information, I purchased a copy. Kirsten provides a little history and then some basic science about vinegar. She then gives the reader a variety of processes for making vinegar, depending on what you are starting with. The between the science, methods, recipes, and ideas she gives the reader access to not just 44 varieties, but hundreds limited only by my resources and imagination.
One factor that helps me determine if I like a recipe is how easily are items obtained. I can make items based on what I have in the kitchen right now so I was able to get started right away. At first I was put off by needing a hydrometer to help with making the alcohol. I found a home brewing shop close to my house. When I saw how inexpensive they are I purchased one. Kristen's recipes are designed so the reader doesn't need one if they didn't have the ability to get one, but I wanted to take a little less guessing out of my particular food scraps. The hydrometer is very easy to use, and she gives enough information to know exactly what reading is needed to make the alcohol.
The author is very careful with using resources and making full use of food items that she gives ideas of how to use the items after making the vinegar. There are plenty of recipes that can be made with food scraps, out of the garden, items in season, or easily source so one can make vinegar for very small cost.
Kristen's style of writing is clear, easy to follow, and friendly. It was so pleasant to read I stayed up a little too late at night because I couldn't put it down. At first I was a little confused and intimidated by the science, but when I started reading her recipes, I could see why she laid the material out the way we did. This is now my go to book for making vinegar--perfect for the home vinegar maker.
If anyone is starting to make vinegar, and only has access to what is available online, I highly recommend this book as a starting point. She takes so much guess work out of the process.
One factor that helps me determine if I like a recipe is how easily are items obtained. I can make items based on what I have in the kitchen right now so I was able to get started right away. At first I was put off by needing a hydrometer to help with making the alcohol. I found a home brewing shop close to my house. When I saw how inexpensive they are I purchased one. Kristen's recipes are designed so the reader doesn't need one if they didn't have the ability to get one, but I wanted to take a little less guessing out of my particular food scraps. The hydrometer is very easy to use, and she gives enough information to know exactly what reading is needed to make the alcohol.
The author is very careful with using resources and making full use of food items that she gives ideas of how to use the items after making the vinegar. There are plenty of recipes that can be made with food scraps, out of the garden, items in season, or easily source so one can make vinegar for very small cost.
Kristen's style of writing is clear, easy to follow, and friendly. It was so pleasant to read I stayed up a little too late at night because I couldn't put it down. At first I was a little confused and intimidated by the science, but when I started reading her recipes, I could see why she laid the material out the way we did. This is now my go to book for making vinegar--perfect for the home vinegar maker.
If anyone is starting to make vinegar, and only has access to what is available online, I highly recommend this book as a starting point. She takes so much guess work out of the process.
November 25, 2020
An excellent kitchen resource! I have always loved vinegar, but only recently have begun to learn about all the various types. This book will give you an excellent background, understanding and appreciation for this fine tonic. I was given confidence to try some of my own brews and look forward to experimenting some more. The graphics are very helpful, especially as you just start out and learn for yourself how things should look (and smell). Thank you for taking the time to compile this excellent tool.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
April 28, 2021
This is an extremely thorough and well researched book that will tell you everything you need to know about vinegar. From its history to the various types, ph levels, mom starterss, etc. etc. There are photographs throughout for this complicated and time-consuming process.
Ironically, I discovered I have no desire to put that much time and effort into something like a vinegar. But gourmands will find much to love here since this is the most comprehensive book I've ever seen on the subject. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
Ironically, I discovered I have no desire to put that much time and effort into something like a vinegar. But gourmands will find much to love here since this is the most comprehensive book I've ever seen on the subject. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
April 7, 2024
Apple cider vinegar has become such a popular thing for many people, with too many health benefits to count. But, many people don't know that there are many different vinegars that are easily made and equally healthful to consume. This 300 page book is filled with lots of information about what vinegar is and how to use it. I loved all the colorful pictures. The book includes 60 different recipes for various vinegars including tomato, maple syrup, and pineapple, my personal favorite! I will be adding this title to my cookbook collection for sure.
November 21, 2020
Like many other readers of this book my first reaction was WOW! I have used common vinegars in my home both for cooking and cleaning for my entire life, yet I was SO oblivious to the many kids of vinegar as well as how in-depth it is. This book was full of history and scientific based facts on how to make vinegar perfectly every time. I doubt I will ever be this into making it, but I saved a few recipes to try.
If you are serious about making vinegar, learning the history of vinegar, or have a loved one who is, look no further. Get this book and you will never have to do a "quick google" search again.
If you are serious about making vinegar, learning the history of vinegar, or have a loved one who is, look no further. Get this book and you will never have to do a "quick google" search again.
March 18, 2021
Very informative book! Loved all the history details, tools needed, how to make vinegar, recipes (really need to try Switchel), medicinal vinegar tips, tips, and beautiful photography.
Now I just need to gather my courage and make some home brewed vinegar.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for a early read of this great book
Now I just need to gather my courage and make some home brewed vinegar.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for a early read of this great book
May 27, 2021
Like everything written by Kirsten Shockey, this book is chock-full of rigorously tested, easy-to-follow recipes, highly detailed methods, anecdotes, discussions with other experts in this field and pure inspiration. I'm sure that it was no accident that this book came out right before the food season begins. I absolutely cannot wait to get started.
January 23, 2022
This book is a tasty treat and a must have for anyone who likes to create in the kitchen whether a cook, baker, homebrewer, canner, whatever. I adore Shockey's sense of humor added here and there and grinned so much while reading this book. The recipes are fantastic but only a small part of what this book is - a science and art lesson of homebrewing. I can't rave about it enough!
March 30, 2025
A solid and detailed reference. Two things I would wish for: a longer troubleshooting section, and a way to communicate recipes without such repetition. So many of the steps are the same; unnecessary unless you’re trying to lengthen the book.
July 2, 2022
very thorough and great recipes.
December 23, 2025
A fabulous book if you are thinking of making your own vinegars. Lots of information on how and then a good lot of recipes for you to use to make your own variations of vinegar for all kinds of uses.
June 11, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and Storey publishing for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful book.
HOMEBREWING VINEGAR is a comprehensive guide to making homemade vinegars full of vibrant photos and helpful tips that anyone interested in making their own vinegars can follow.
In this book the author takes us step by step through various techniques and recipes ranging from wine and beer vinegars to vinegars made with fruit.
A true treasure trove of knowledge worth putting into practice.
HOMEBREWING VINEGAR is a comprehensive guide to making homemade vinegars full of vibrant photos and helpful tips that anyone interested in making their own vinegars can follow.
In this book the author takes us step by step through various techniques and recipes ranging from wine and beer vinegars to vinegars made with fruit.
A true treasure trove of knowledge worth putting into practice.
September 10, 2021
Homebrewed Vinegar is a book that takes someone to a whole new level of homesteading and preserving. I am amazed at what Kristen Shockey turned into vinegar. I would love to be able to make a lot of the vinegars if I had the room in my house to make them. It is an excellent reference book to have on hand
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews