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.

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

1. Combine rhubarb, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
2. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until rhubarb is soft and falling apart.
3. Strain through a sieve—pressing well—into a pitcher.
4. Stir in lemon juice and chill.
5. 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

1. Simmer all ingredients for 15 minutes.
2. 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!

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