Refreshing Rhubarb Drinks: Lemonade, Cocktails, and More
Rhubarb isn’t just for crumbles or pie—it’s a star in the glass as well! With its zesty tang and rosy color, rhubarb shines in homemade lemonade, cocktails, cordials, and smoothies. Whether you want a thirst-quencher for a sunny day or a fresh twist on your favorite tipple, here’s how to transform your crop into the most refreshing drinks of the season.
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1. Rhubarb Lemonade
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) rhubarb, chopped
- 150g (¾ cup) sugar (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 cups (500ml) water
- Still or sparkling water to dilute
- Ice, mint, and lemon slices to serve
Method
- Combine rhubarb, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes until rhubarb is soft and falling apart.
- Strain through a sieve—pressing well—into a pitcher.
- Stir in lemon juice and chill.
- Serve over ice, topped up with extra water to taste. Garnish with mint and lemon.
2. Rhubarb Syrup (for Cocktails & Sodas)
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) rhubarb, chopped
- 250g (1 cup) sugar
- 1 cup (250ml) water
Method
- Simmer all ingredients for 15 minutes.
- Strain and cool. Store in the fridge up to 1 month.
How to use:
- Add a shot to gin, vodka, prosecco, or tonic for a pink “rhubarb fizz.”
- Splash into sparkling water for instant, homemade soda.
3. Rhubarb Gin Fizz
- 50ml gin
- 25ml rhubarb syrup
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Sparkling water, lots of ice
Shake gin, syrup, and lemon with ice. Strain into a tall glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with lemon peel or fresh rosemary.
4. Rhubarb Mojito (or Non-Alcoholic Spritz)
- Muddle a handful of mint with juice of ½ lime in a glass.
- Add ice, 50ml rhubarb syrup, optional 35ml white rum (skip for mocktail).
- Top with soda water and garnish with more mint and a rhubarb stick.
5. Rhubarb Smoothies and Non-Alcoholic Sips
- Blend stewed rhubarb or syrup with orange juice, frozen strawberries, yogurt, and a drizzle of honey for a tart, vitamin-packed smoothie.
- Combine rhubarb compote with lemon and apple juice for a cooling, kid-friendly refresher.
Pro Tips & Flavor Twists
- Add ginger, vanilla, or orange zest to syrups for grown-up complexity.
- Mix rhubarb syrup with frozen berries, lime, and soda for a summer cooler.
- Rim cocktail glasses with sugar and grated lemon for a brunch party showstopper.
Wrapping Up
Rhubarb drinks are as pretty as they are delicious—perfect for parties, picnics, or garden work breaks. With just a handful of stalks, you’ll have homemade refreshments no store-bought bottle can rival. Pink, tangy, and absolutely refreshing—cheers!