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Home » cocktails » Fundamental Recipes

Rhubarb Syrup for Cocktails

Published: Apr 7, 2023 by Ben · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

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Cocktail Favorites - Rhubarb Syrup in a container with flowers in the background.

This Rhubarb Syrup is Springtime in a bottle! It brings a bit of Spring flavor to any cocktail or recipe. Easy, delicious, and a great way to use up some of that Rhubarb.

When rhubarb comes in, it comes in groves. This syrup is a great way to make use of your rhubarb bounty and level up your cocktail game!

Rhubarb Syrup in a bottle on a picnic table with flowers laying around.
Give this rhubarb syrup a try!

🌺 What makes this recipe special?

Spring is upon us, and that means it is Rhubarb season is here! And when it rains, it pours in the world of Rhubarb. 

If you have plants in your garden or just love some rhubarb, this Rhubarb Syrup might be just what the doctor ordered! This simple syrup recipe is for cocktails, but can be used for other things. Perfect as a sweetener for tea or oatmeal. 

Inspired by our Limoncello and Rhubarb Cocktail, but would be a great addition to a classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Or if dessert is your thing, check out this Rhubarb Pie or this Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler recipe. No matter what you make, make sure to treat yourself.

Jump to:
  • 🌺 What makes this recipe special?
  • 🍹 Ingredients
  • 🍲 Instructions
  • 🤷 Substitutions and variations
  • 📦 Storage
  • 🎓 Rhubarb history tidbit
  • ❓ FAQ
  • 📝 Tips and tricks
  • 🛠 Products used in this recipe
  • 😋 Did you make this recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🍹 Ingredients

Not much to this recipe at all. Here is what you will need:

  • Chopped rhubarb
  • Sugar
  • Water

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍲 Instructions

Take this vegetable (because rhubarb is a vegetable) and infuse it into sugar water. It is as simple as that. 

A few things to consider when making this simple syrup are how thick you want the syrup and how much of a rhubarb flavor you want. Simmering this longer than the recipe recommends will give you a thicker syrup. 

The syrup might not show its full thickness until it has cooled down. Right off of the stovetop, the liquid will be a bit more fluid and as it cools down, the true viscosity will be known. 

Of course, you can simmer it a second time to make it thicker AND give it a more concentrated rhubarb flavor. You could add more rhubarb to the mix, but our recipe provides an outstanding balance of flavor, sweetness, and viscosity for a great cocktail mixer.

Chopped raw rhubarb on a white plate.
Chop up the raw rhubarb.
Straining cooked rhubarb.
Use a fine mesh strainer to get the juice out of the rhubarb.

🤷 Substitutions and variations

You can change this recipe up in a few ways:

  • Herbs - Consider adding some herbs to the boil. A pinch of rosemary or thyme would be great
  • Strawberry - Strawberry is a natural companion to rhubarb, and adding some strawberry rhubarb syrup is very tasty! 
  • Sweetener - Try honey or maple syrup to make this an even more interesting syrup.

📦 Storage

After straining the rhubarb syrup, it should be put into a sealed container, stored in the fridge, and used within a month. It's important to cool the syrup before sealing the container and storing it. 

🎓 Rhubarb history tidbit

Rhubarb has a long and fascinating history. It is believed to have originated in China thousands of years ago and was highly valued for its medicinal properties. Rhubarb made its way to Europe in the 14th century and became a popular ingredient in desserts and jams.

Rhubarb became a major export crop for Britain, and rhubarb cultivation became an important industry in the West Yorkshire region. Today, rhubarb is enjoyed worldwide, and its tart, tangy flavor is a favorite in pies, sauces, and cocktails.

❓ FAQ

What does rhubarb syrup taste like?

Rhubarb syrup has a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of sourness. It's often used in cocktails to add a unique twist to classic recipes.

Can I use frozen rhubarb to make syrup?

Yes, frozen rhubarb can be used to make syrup. It may take longer to simmer down to the desired thickness.

Can I substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar in the recipe. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor and sweetness of the syrup.

Can I use rhubarb syrup in non-alcoholic drinks?

Yes, rhubarb syrup can be used in non-alcoholic drinks such as lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements these beverages well.

How long does rhubarb syrup last in the fridge?

Rhubarb syrup can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a month. However, if you notice any signs of spoilage such as mold, off flavors, or odors, it's best to discard the syrup.

📝 Tips and tricks

  • Fresh rhubarb works great, but frozen rhubarb would also work for this.
  • Rinse off your fresh rhubarb to remove any dirt or critters from the rhubarb stalks.
Rhubarb Syrup on a Picnic table with pink flours and an empty coupe glass.
This Rhubarb Syrup is great for cocktails.

🛠 Products used in this recipe

  • Fine Strainer

😋 Did you make this recipe?

That is awesome, and thank you so much for giving this Rhubarb Syrup recipe a try. If you could leave a rating in the comment area below, it would be greatly appreciated. This lets me know how I am doing and also helps others decide if they want to make this recipe. Most of all, thanks for visiting Ramshackle Pantry.

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📖 Recipe

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Rhubarb Syrup in a bottle on a picnic table with flowers laying around.

Rhubarb Syrup for Cocktails

★★★★★ 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Ben Myhre
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 32 Ounces 1x
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Simmer
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Rhubarb Syrup is a great sweetener for drinks, cocktails, or really anything that needs a bit of Springtime flavor!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
  • 2 ¼ cups sugar
  • 2 ¼ cups water

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to pot and bring to a boil
  2. Reduce to simmer for 50 minutes
  3. Remove from heat and allow to cool
  4. Strain and allow to cool to room temperature
  5. Put into sealed container, store in fridge, and use within a month.

Notes

  • Fresh rhubarb works great, but frozen rhubarb would also work for this.
  • Rinse off your fresh rhubarb to remove any dirt or critters from the rhubarb stalks.

Keywords: Rhubarb Syrup

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  1. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer

    June 08, 2019 at 11:15 pm

    I’ve never had rhubarb but that may change! I’m loving the vibrancy of the syrup! Plus the recipe is so easy too!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Ben

      June 10, 2019 at 5:54 am

      Thanks so much Lori. Give it a try... it is a great recipe.

  2. Jason

    May 20, 2023 at 8:42 pm

    Made this with my first batch of rhubarb this afternoon, and enjoyed it in an old fashioned this evening. It was delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Ben

      May 21, 2023 at 10:46 am

      Thanks for giving it a try, Jason! Always good to see you here. 🙂

  3. Joanne

    September 03, 2023 at 5:30 am

    It’s just as my mom used to make when I was young. It can be mixed with soft drinks like Sprite or Casera, or added to cocktails. Most of the time we just dilute it in some plain water and enjoy. I also freeze it with success.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Ben

      September 03, 2023 at 11:17 am

      ooo... just with some sprite. I like it.

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Hi, I am Ben Myhre! Ramshackle Pantry is about the most decadent classics and the history behind them! We explore delicious recipes, the history behind them, and find ways to make the recipes our own! Then, I share my recipes with you. Find out more about me and Ramshackle Pantry in the About page.

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