About Santa Cruz Balsamics
Our flavored balsamic vinegars are a unique taste sensation! We start by infusing velvety smooth Italian balsamic using a proprietary process. Every bottle becomes a labor of love because we hand-blend, hand-pour, and hand-label our products.
Our flavored balsamic vinegars are what Balsamic Gastronomy is all about. They impart a depth of flavor to salads, cheeses, poultry, beef, pork, wild game, seafood, and even tofu! They’re also absolutely fabulous for bread dipping and drizzling over roasted vegetables, fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, and cheesecake. You can even add our balsamic vinegars to sparkling water for a refreshing splash of flavor or simply sip them like a fine port.
Our Balsamic Vinegar Flavors
POMEGRANATE
Experience our top-selling flavor, adored by food enthusiasts for enhancing salads and roasted vegetables – even turn haters into lovers of Brussels sprouts! Not limited to greens, it beautifully complements lamb and beef. For a refreshing twist on watermelon salad, add cucumber, feta, fresh mint, tomato, purple onion, and avocado. Our pomegranate balsamic offers a unique and creative substitute for traditional pomegranate molasses found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. This exquisite flavor also infuses raisins beautifully, resulting in crave-worthy oatmeal raisin cookies!
BLACK CHERRY
Unleash countless culinary possibilities with our black cherry balsamic whose versatility knows no bounds – from enhancing the flavors of beef, duck, lamb, pork and wild game, to elevating sauces and marinades to gourmet heights. It forms a delectable union with mushrooms, creating a match made in culinary heaven. Roasted fennel, sweet peaches, ripe bananas and zesty citrus dance harmoniously with its rich notes. This balsamic gem also excels when paired with creamy Brie, aromatic cinnamon and luxurious chocolate. For a quick and delightful salad drizzle over dark leafy greens, fresh berries, goat cheese, and toasted pecans transforming an everyday dish into a symphony of flavor. A must-have for every foodie’s pantry!
BLUEBERRY
Pairings for our blueberry balsamic vinegar include chicken, Greek yogurt, oatmeal, feta, Brie, citrus, and especially pancakes! This bright berry flavor is also surprisingly good when used with spicy and savory dishes!
For a quick appetizer, drizzle blueberry balsamic on crostini with fresh goat cheese, fresh blueberries, fresh basil, honey, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
PEAR
Our Cadillac of flavors, pear balsamic is a connoisseur’s delight! Excellent for salads, it also effortlessly enhances the exquisite notes of grilled peaches, scallops, pork, and tender candied bacon creating a medley of savory and sweet sensations. Pair with an array of fine cheeses such as goat, Brie, Camembert, and Gorgonzola to elevate your cheese platters to new heights of sophistication. Our balsamic harmonizes beautifully with an array of dessert flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, lemon, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. For a quick and delightful appetizer, start with toasted baguette, top with creamy goat cheese, drizzle with our pear balsamic and crown with a sprig of fresh thyme. Embrace the extraordinary with pear balsamic – a culinary essential for all epicurious aficionados.
CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY
Prepare yourself for a culinary revelation! Personally crafted by our owner, this flavor offers a multitude of culinary possibilities. Delicately drizzle over an assortment of fruits, such as strawberries, watermelon, bananas, and grilled pineapple. Elevate a bed of bitter greens (arugula, spinach or kale) by drizzling and crowning with creamy Goat cheese, roasted macadamia nuts, and mandarin oranges or sliced strawberries. For an unforgettable twist, savor with Texas-style French toast stuffed with strawberries and bacon – simply yum! Indulge your senses by drizzling on ice cream, fluffy pancakes, or cheesecake. When the holidays come around amaze your guests by adding a splash on classic favorites such as pumpkin, pecan and berry pies. Take your taste buds on an extraordinary journey!
MANGO
This exotic essence of the tropics compliments a range of culinary delights including chicken, shrimp, salmon, plus an array of white fish. Elevate your appetizer game by generously drizzling over luscious mango chunks and cubed Havarti cheese, creating a delectable starter that’s nothing short of spectacular. Craft a gourmet salad by pairing grilled shrimp with a vibrant mix of greens, featuring baby spinach, arugula, and romaine, along with the sweetness of mango chunks, thinly sliced red onion, plump cherry tomatoes, plus creamy avocado. As for the final touches: sprinkle Feta, drizzle EVOO, and of course our exquisite mango balsamic
KEY LIME
Take Mexican street corn (grilled corn niblets, chopped cilantro, mayo, chili and cayenne powder) to the next level using this semi-tart flavor already known for its famous pie. Great on grilled seafood, roasted veggies, avocado, mango, pineapple, and even jicama! Plus it’s a knockout in sparkling water. Add one teaspoon to your Gin & Tonic for a new twist on an old classic. For a refreshing salad, toss mixed greens, diced mango, kiwi or nectarine, red onion, and avocado with key lime balsamic, then top with toasted almonds for an added crunch.
BLOOD ORANGE
Elevate your culinary prowess with the vibrant and bold essence of our blood-orange balsamic. This exceptional dish enhancer will effortlessly transform any home cook into a culinary virtuoso. An ideal companion for a variety of dishes including chicken, duck, salmon, and delicate white fish. The versatile flavor profile pairs seamlessly with a cornucopia of fresh ingredients such as apricots, figs, strawberries, tart lemon, tropical mango, crisp apples, luscious melon, juicy peaches, and sweet pineapple, all harmonizing beautifully with its distinctive tang. For a memorable culinary experience, indulge in our enhanced mocktail: a blend of blood orange balsamic, sparkling water, and Torani vanilla syrup – guaranteed to be an unforgettable party delight.
PINEAPPLE
Elevate your culinary experience with our exquisite pineapple balsamic. This delightful creation pairs harmoniously with a wide array of dishes, making it a must-have for food enthusiasts. Explore the perfect combinations, from classic ham, chicken, or rich duck to the delicate flavors of shrimp, crab, and tofu. It also complements side dishes like rice and coleslaw, adding a burst of tropical goodness to every bite. For a truly tantalizing experience, drizzle on fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, cherries, oranges, and zesty limes. You can even indulge in the sweet decadence of chocolate, caramel, and coconut, or enhance the creaminess of dairy products. Craving that Hawaiian pizza with that big pineapple flavor? Look no further; this balsamic is your perfect match. For a tropical escape, try it with cottage or cream cheeses and yogurt. It’ll transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t forget to experiment with rum and brandy, as this pineapple balsamic is the ultimate companion for your mixology adventures. Enjoy the taste of the tropics in every drop.
CRANBERRY
Our cranberry balsamic transcends the confines of Thanksgiving and turkey. It’s a versatile delight that elevates salads and complements a range of dishes. It marries beautifully with chicken, citrus, pear, apple, cranberries, walnuts, chocolate, cinnamon, clove, and even mint! For a swift satisfying salad, toss mixed greens, Feta cheese, candied pecans, and dried cranberries, lightly dressed with cranberry balsamic, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and tang in every bite. During the holidays, we also like to drizzle on leftover turkey and stuffing sandwiches.
SIMPLY BALSAMIC
(Imported from Italy)
The cornerstone of our artisanal balsamic collection, this exquisite classic offers unparalleled versatility. Excelling as a dip for freshly baked bread, it adds depth to roasted artichokes, and elevates your Caprese salad. Its transformative powers can make any culinary creation a memorable masterpiece. With a rich tapestry of flavors, this classic balsamic boasts a harmonious blend of acidity, fruity undertones, with a subtle hint of smokiness. But that’s just the beginning – whether drizzled over succulent chicken, delicate fish, crisp salads, al dente pasta, or grilled bruschetta, it’s equally at home enhancing the finest cuts of steak, a medley of vibrant vegetables, or a platter of fresh ripe fruits. The possibilities are balsamically boundless.
WHITE (aka GOLDEN) BALSAMIC
(Imported from Italy)
Discover the elegance of white balsamic vinegar, a glistening treasure designed for the discerning palate. This versatile elixir elevates your culinary creations, perfect for crafting vinaigrettes, deglazing pans, enhancing sauces and marinades. Elevate your dishes by drizzling it over al dente asparagus with delicate Parmesan petals, or awaken cucumbers with a touch of ground pepper.
For a culinary twist, add a splash to your favorite “shrub” drink for an exciting new dimension of flavor. Our owner swears by drizzling it into tuna packs, transforming them into on-the-go delights.
For the ultimate gourmet experience, create a tantalizing glaze for a Brussels sprout salad by blending white balsamic vinegar with rich butter, then top it with toasted pecans or walnuts. White balsamic vinegar isn’t just an ingredient; it’s the key to elevating your culinary endeavors.
For additional pairings and recipes, follow us on Instagram @Santa.Cruz.Balsamics
Bon Appétit and Happy Drizzling!