As most of my friends and family members would tell you, I’m not a big drinker. My mom has always said that she’d rather have cake than a drink, and I’ve taken her lead – I prefer to eat my calories rather than to drink them. That said, when it comes to cocktails made with rhubarb syrup, I can’t resist. I mean, really…who could?! Look at the color of that syrup! I still can’t believe that gorgeous hue is 100% natural.
Rhubarb has more to offer, however, than just its vibrant natural coloring. Cooked into a simple syrup, rhubarb lends a tart, earthy freshness to cocktails, rendering them more distinctly seasonal than a plain vodka and soda or glass of brandy.
These rhubarb cocktails make a great addition to any late spring or early summertime gathering, but act quickly – rhubarb season is notoriously short, and this pink beauty won’t be around for long! What are your favorite spring or summertime cocktails? I’d love to hear!
- 1/2 pound rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 1/2 cups total)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 ounces brandy or vodka
- 3 ounces club soda
- 2-3 strawberries, sliced
- crushed ice
- Place the rhubarb pieces, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil. Once the mixture boils, reduce to a simmer and let cook for 20 minutes, stirring periodically.
- Remove the saucepan from the stove and let cool for a few minutes. Strain the syrup, reserving the liquid. Discard the pulp. Refrigerate in a sealed container until ready to use.
- For each drink, build the following ingredients in a glass with crushed ice: 2 ounces brandy/vodka, 1 ounce syrup, 3 ounces club soda, and sliced strawberries. Serve with a straw.
- Makes 1 1/2 cups syrup, enough for about 12 cocktails.
That is a whole lot of colorful yumminess!
Most definitely – I’m in love with that color! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
i am getting rhubarb right now …
Excellent! I hope you enjoy the drinks!
I love rhubarb simple syrup and this drink looks delicious and so refreshing.
Thanks! It certainly is (and I’m wishing I had one now…)!
I’m seeing rhubarb everywhere at the moment. Have you ever made a rhubarb shrub?
Yup, rhubarb season is in full swing! I have not tried making a rhubarb shrub, but thanks for the idea!
I haven’t tried cocktails made with rhubarb syrup. Such a great idea! Rhubarb is everywhere these days so I have to grab some. Thank you for sharing!
This was the first time I’d tried rhubarb syrup, too, but it certainly won’t be the last! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
I never thought of making a simple syrup from rhubarb ~ what a delicious sweet and tart idea! Such a beautiful color, and your photos are stunning!
Thanks so much!
This looks really good. I love using natural colors in my cooking and I’ve never thought about using rhubarb.
Thanks! I’m all about natural coloring, too 🙂
What a great recipe! I have a bunch of rhubarb in the fridge and this could be the answer 🙂
Definitely! It’s SO easy to make, too!
I’ve been trying to come up with new, non-pie ways to use rhubarb. Can’t go wrong with cocktails!
Indeed, can’t go wrong with cocktails 🙂 My mom also asked me if I thought the rhubarb syrup would go well with lemonade – I haven’t tried it, but I bet it’d be awesome!
Love this! My rhubarb is just starting to ripen; I might have to snag some and try this out. I bet it would be good with ginger ale, too….
That’s so cool that you’re growing your own rhubarb! Let me know if you try it out with ginger ale – that does sound tasty!
I’ve never thought to mix a drink with rhubarb. This is so cool!
Thanks! It’s a little unconventional, but it totally works!
Stunning idea – the juices from rhubarb are so plentiful, beautiful and tasty – I’ll be trying this one!
You are right – my rhubarb season is already drawing to a close… Have to start thinking about gooseberry recipes now, as they’re looking pretty plump!
Emma 🙂
Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the drinks! Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever had gooseberries…have fun cooking/baking with them!
If you like rhubarb, I’m sure you’d like gooseberries – give them a go this coming season!
ex.
Yum!! I’ve been checking my market almost daily for rhubarb and Rainier cherries. No luck yet but this is one of the first things I’ll make when the rhubarb shows up!
Ooh yeah, rhubarb can be rather elusive. I hope you find some (and the Rainier cherries) soon!
Yum… rhubarb simple syrup = NECESSARY.
Haha yes, I’m glad you agree!