Rhubarb is one of the first things to show signs of life in our backyard, like a ray of sunshine after a long, cold, dark winter. It grows every spring, begging to be made into delicious recipes. One of my favorites is the Rhubarb Cocktail with Vodka. It is a unique cocktail with flavors from fresh rhubarb, with that tangy sour flavor, sweetened with a touch of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice.
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The idea to create a rhubarb cocktail recipe came from a vintage cookbook. The recipe was labeled Rhubarb Ice. However, the original recipe did not call for vodka. So I thought adding vodka would be the perfect slushy summer cocktail to sip on during the hot summer nights.
All About Rhubarb
Rhubarb is grown in cold climates like Minnesota. Back in the day, every backyard had a rhubarb plant. Now they are not as common, but if you look closely, you can see their telltale leaves poking up in an almost shrub-like appearance. Lucky for everyone who doesn't have a rhubarb shrub growing in their backyard, you can pick up some at a farmer's market or grocery store.
I looked at a pile of bright red rhubarb stalks and thought, why yes, we should make a cocktail out of these bright red celery-looking vegetables pretending to be fruit. Rhubarb has this unique tart flavor. When paired with sugar and cooked down to release its beautiful red color, it creates the most beautiful, slushy cocktail.
Featured Ingredients
- Rhubarb - The star of the cocktail!
- Water - Good ‘ole H20.
- Sugar - Simple white granulated sugar.
- Lemon Zest - Zest the lemon before you cut it open for the juice.
- Lemon Juice - Fresh lemon juice is the best option.
- Vodka - Use your favorite vodka.
See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions. Selected ingredients are based on current serving sizes measured by the Monash University Food App at the time of publishing. As always, follow your gut and modify as needed.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Wash rhubarb and dice it into small pieces.
In a medium saucepan, add the diced rhubarb, sugar, and water to make homemade rhubarb syrup.
Add the lemon zest. This is an easy task with a microplane.
Cook on low-medium heat until the rhubarb is tender and loses its color.
Use a fine-mesh strainer with a small bowl underneath to catch the strained liquid. Press the stewed rhubarb until all the liquid is gone. Don’t forget that bowl or all your hard work will go down the drain.
Add the lemon juice. Place the small bowl in the refrigerator to chill.
Once chilled, add the vodka and place it in a freezer-friendly container, and freeze. The drink mixture will not freeze completely due to the alcohol. Instead, it will create the perfect slushy drink.
Ingredient Swaps
- Lime Juice - Instead of lemon juice, use lime juice for a different flavor.
- Alcohol Options - Use your favorite type of alcohol if vodka is not your favorite.
- Club Soda - Top off your slushy drink with club soda or lemon-lime soda.
Serving and Storing
I love to serve this rhubarb cocktail in a pretty cocktail glass with a lemon wheel or lemon peel. If you want to get even fancier, add a sugar rim to the drink.
Store this drink in the freezer until ready to serve. There is no reason to bring this to room temperature.
What else can I make with Rhubarb?
Recipe
Risky Rhubarb Cocktail with Vodka
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups Diced Rhubarb
- 1 ½ cups White Granulated Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Water
- Zest of Lemon Rind
- 4 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 ounce Vodka
Instructions
- Wash rhubarb and dice into small pieces. In a medium saucepan, add the rhubarb, sugar, water, and lemon zest. Cook on medium to low heat until rhubarb is tender.
- With a fine mesh strainer and a bowl underneath to catch the rhubarb simple syrup, strain the cooked rhubarb. Once all the liquid is pressed out add the fresh lemon juice.
- Allow the rhubarb simple syrup to cool in the refrigerator. Once chilled, add the vodka and place the drink in the freezer. Once the liquid is semi-frozen, your drink is ready to be served.
- Pour club soda or a lemon-lime soda over it to add some fizzy bubbles to the cocktail. Also, if you would like to create a stronger drink, feel free to add more vodka to your individual serving.
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