Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup [for drinks!]

This refined sugar free recipe uses simple ingredients like fresh strawberry, rhubarb, vanilla, honey and lemon to create drinks with tons of flavor!

Summertime is for front or back porch sitting, watching your kiddos play in the yard as the sun sets and sipping on a fresh cocktail. Jared and I love mixing up a fun drink and playing around with flavors. We recently came up with this Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup and I cannot get enough of it. There is always room for a Spicy Margarita, an Old Fashioned, or a classic Orange Crush but mixing up the flavors with seasonal produce is totally the way to go!

Bursting with the tangy goodness of fresh rhubarb and the sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries, this syrup offers the perfect blend of seasonal flavors in every sip. It’s great addition if you’re looking to add a dash of excitement to your beverages or for the adventurous spirits seeking a refreshing twist during their outdoor escapades.

Whether you’re concocting mocktails for the little ones or shaking up cocktails for a summer soirée, this syrup is your secret weapon, infusing every sip with the essence of a joyous, bustling summer day.

WHAT IS RHUBARB AND HOW IS IT USED?

Rhubarb is a type of plant with large, leafy greens and edible stalks. These stalks are typically red or green, depending on the variety, and they have a tart flavor. People often use rhubarb in cooking and baking, especially in desserts like pies, crisps, and jams. It’s important to note that while the stalks are edible, the leaves contain oxalic acid and are toxic if ingested in large quantities. So, when using rhubarb, it’s best to stick to the stalks!

Rhubarb is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various ways in cooking and baking. Here are some common ways to use rhubarb:

1. Rhubarb Pie: Perhaps the most classic use of rhubarb is in a rhubarb pie. Combine chopped rhubarb with sugar and other fruits like strawberries or apples, add some spices if desired, and bake it in a pie crust for a delicious dessert.
2. Rhubarb Crisp or Crumble: Another popular dessert is rhubarb crisp or crumble. Mix chopped rhubarb with sugar and a little bit of flour, then top it with a crumbly mixture made of oats, flour, sugar, and butter. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the rhubarb is tender.
3. Rhubarb Jam or Compote: Rhubarb makes a tasty jam or compote. Cook chopped rhubarb with sugar and a bit of water or fruit juice until it breaks down and thickens into a jam-like consistency. Use it as a spread on toast, pancakes, or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
4. Rhubarb Sauce: Similar to a jam but with a looser consistency, rhubarb sauce is great for drizzling over desserts or using as a topping for breakfast dishes like oatmeal or waffles.
5. Rhubarb in Savory Dishes: Rhubarb can also be used in savory dishes, particularly as a sauce or glaze for meats like pork or chicken. Its tartness pairs well with rich or fatty meats.
6. Rhubarb Beverages: You can make refreshing beverages with rhubarb, such as rhubarb lemonade or rhubarb-infused cocktails. Simply cook rhubarb with sugar and water to make a syrup, then mix it with lemon juice or alcohol as desired.
7. Rhubarb in Baked Goods: Aside from pies and crisps, you can incorporate rhubarb into cakes, muffins, scones, and other baked goods for a tangy twist.
8. Rhubarb syrup – just like the recipe in this post!

When using rhubarb, remember that its tartness pairs well with sweeteners like sugar or honey. It’s also a good idea to balance its flavor with other fruits (such as strawberries) to create delicious dishes and drinks.

INGREDIENTS AND KITCHEN TOOLS FOR STRAWBERRY RHUBARB SYRUP

Strawberries

Rhubarb

Water

Honey or agave 

Lemon 

Vanilla extract

Kitchen Tools:

This is a super simple recipe that comes together with just a few ingredients and you don’t need many kitchen tools to whip it up. As always I recommend a quality cutting board and knife, along with a good pan for cooking and a strainer for straining all of your ingredients. For storing, want a mason jar with a lid or these cute storage containers.

STEP BY STEP

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and set on the stove over medium-low heat. 

Step 2: Let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes, or the strawberries and rhubarb break down. 

Step 3: Remove from the heat, cool in the pot for 10-15 minutes before straining out the solids. 

Step 4: Store in a glass jar or bottle and use in whatever you like – margaritas, in a French75, with vodka and club or just mixed with some sparkling water! The options are endless!

HOW TO SERVE – STRAWBERRY RHUBARB SYRUP

Strawberry rhubarb syrup can add a delightful tartness and sweetness to a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. There are so many different options how how to use this syrup in your favorite drinks.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks:

Starting off you can mix the syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and water to make a refreshing Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint for an extra touch. For a simple drink to sip on in the evenings, ombine the syrup with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy and flavorful spritzer. Add a squeeze of lime juice and ice cubes for a cooling summer Rhubarb Spritzer.

You can also stir the syrup into freshly brewed iced tea for a sweet and tangy flavor. Add lemon slices or mint leaves for extra freshness. Mix the syrup with coconut water or soda water for a non-alcoholic mocktail. Add a splash of pineapple juice or ginger ale for extra flavor.

Lastly, mix the syrup with yogurt, fresh strawberries, and a banana for a creamy and fruity smoothie. Add a handful of spinach for extra nutrients.

Alcoholic Drinks:

Use the syrup as a substitute for simple syrup in a classic mojito recipe. Muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice, add the syrup, rum, and club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of lime the a refreshing rhubarb mojito. If you’re a tequila lover, mix the syrup with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice for a fruity twist on a margarita. Rim the glass with salt or sugar, and garnish with a strawberry slice or rhubarb twist for a tasty margarita. Combine the syrup with chilled prosecco or sparkling wine for a delightful Bellini. Serve in champagne flutes and garnish with a strawberry slice or a rhubarb ribbon.

Blend the syrup with white rum, lime juice, and ice for a frozen rhubarb daiquiri. Serve in a chilled glass with a lime wedge. Finally, combine the syrup with hot water, whiskey or bourbon, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a comforting hot toddy. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tartness of the drinks by adding more or less syrup according to your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and creating refreshing beverages with your homemade strawberry rhubarb syrup! The options are seriously endless!

STORING YOUR STRAWBERRY RHUBARB SYRUP

This syrup will stay fresh in your fridge for 2 weeks.

OTHER DRINK RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

I don’t know about you, but we love a good Spicy Margarita around here. You can never go wrong with a fresh Orange Crush. A classic Old Fashioned is also on the menu when we are hosting guests. If you are looking for a refreshing mocktail, try my Healthy Frozen Mango Margarita Mocktail or Blackberry Mockarita | Virgin Blackberry Margarita Mocktail.

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