Say hello to my new favorite cocktail. This rhubarb elderflower refresher cocktail is like pink lemonade for grown-ups and I plan to sip on it all spring and summer long. A double dose of tartness from lemon and rhubarb, a hint of floral sweetness from Elderflower liqueur (my latest obsession), and that unbelievable, all-natural pink color from my beloved rhubarb. Oh, and some really good vodka - but feel free to use your favorite clear liquor. I imagine gin would be very good.
I have been wanting to create a rhubarb cocktail for sometime, and somehow rhubarb season always zips by and I never get around to it. Well, I finally did it! I am so pleased with this cocktail. You know I'm a wine lover, but a seasonal cocktail is so fun and hard to resist. For me, a cocktail is all about balance. I crave tartness over sweetness and I want to taste the alcohol, not be punched in the face with it.
This Rhubarb Cocktail consists of just 4 ingredients:
- Rhubarb syrup
- fresh lemon juice
- Elderflower Liqueur
- Vodka
The rhubarb simple syrup is loads less sweet than most simple syrups. Like I wrote above, I do not love a sweet cocktail. And I want to taste the rhubarb, not just use it for its gorgeous color. Plus, we'll get a touch of sweetness from the elderflower liqueur.
Use the good booze in this rhubarb + elderflower refresher
(and in all your other cocktails too!) I know it seems obvious, but you'd be amazed at the difference in flavor between the bargain booze and the good stuff. I'm telling you, it's worth the investment if you want a smooth cocktail experience. For vodka, I recommend Grey Goose and for the elderflower liqueur I recommend St. Germain (I'm not even sure if there is another option). But by all means, use your favorites.
And along those same lines: Use freshly squeezed citrus juice always for cocktails. The rhubarb syrup can be made with frozen rhubarb, however.
For the rhubarb simple syrup
Like I wrote above, I make mine wayyyyy less sweet than most simple syrup recipes. And I add lemon for even more tartness. The syrup is so simple to make and will last in your fridge for ages. Meaning you can make this refreshing rhubarb cocktail whenever the craving strikes. Or you can use it to make pink lemonade/limeade or a fun homemade soda. Lots of possibilities!
I like to add the sugar, rhubarb, water, and lemon juice as well as the juiced lemon halves straight to the pot. It will all get strained later and I like the flavor the lemon rind adds.
That's it! I hope you'll give these a try and let me know what you think. Cheers! xo - Anita
You might also like these Mother's Day approved recipes:
Grapefruit Basil Gin and Tonic
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Rhubarb + Elderflower Refresher
Say hello to my new signature cocktail. This naturally pink drink is tart, just-sweet-enough, and so refreshing. Make a big batch of the rhubarb syrup so you can sip on this all spring and summer long!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail (and about 1 quart of syrup)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 2 ounces rhubarb simple syrup
For the rhubarb simple syrup:
- 2 lbs rhubarb, chopped
- 3 cups water
- juice of 2 fresh lemons
- ½ cup sugar
Instructions
First, make the syrup:
Combine all syrup ingredients in a large saucepan. I toss the juice and the lemon halves right in. The rind adds a nice flavor and you'll be straining it all at the end anyway. Bring to boil and reduce to low simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature before straining. Discard all solids and pour syrup into a jar. Place in refrigerator and allow to cool completely before proceeding with cocktail.
To make the cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker or large mason jar combine all cocktail ingredients. Give it a good stir, swirl, or shake and pour into a glass or small jar with lots of ice. Garnish with rhubarb ribbon or spear and fresh lemon wedge if desired. Serve with a straw to really drive home those pink lemonade, summertime vibes.
Notes
This syrup would be good for any number of cocktails as well as for an actual pink lemonade or limeade! No booze needed.
Feel free to top these with some club soda or sparkling wine for a fizzy version.
If you can't find fresh rhubarb feel free to use frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: cocktails, beverages
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