Easy Rhubarb Simple Syrup Recipe For Cocktails (& mocktails)

This vibrant and tangy rhubarb simple syrup is easy to make and elevates your cocktails and mocktails!

Rhubarb Simple Syrup

When it’s rhubarb season, I like to make rhubarb recipes like these Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins with Streusel Topping on repeat! I love to make a batch of this syrup which is packed with rhubarb flavor to add to cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. The tangy-sweet taste of rhubarb is wonderful for Spring and Summer drinks.

Why you’ll love this homemade rhubarb syrup

• Easy to make: Simply simmer the rhubarb, water and sugar together, then strain, that’s it!
• Flavorful: Rhubarb has a lovely tangy flavor, when simmered with sugar it becomes sweet and tangy, a perfect mix for a cocktail or mocktail.
• Versatile: You can use this syrup for cocktails AND mocktails! You could even drizzle some of the syrup on pancakes.

Ingredients needed for rhubarb simple syrup

• 2 cups fresh chopped rhubarb (about 3-4 stalks of rhubarb)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar

The preparation process and equipment you’ll need

• Preparing the rhubarb: Wash the rhubarb stalks of any dirt and then pat dry. Cut off about 1/2 inch from each end of the rhubarb stalks before chopping into pieces for use in this recipe.
• Equipment needed:
  • You will need a medium-sized pot to cook the simple syrup in.
  • A fine-mesh strainer is required to strain syrup mixture from the cooked rhubarb pieces into a bowl after done simmering.
  • A glass jar, glass container or bottle is best for storing the rhubarb simple syrup in the refrigerator once cooled.

Tips and tricks

• Save the rhubarb! Keep the rhubarb solids that are strained out of the simple syrup. It tastes just like a jam and is delicious on yogurt, oats or toast.
• Don’t press down on the rhubarb when straining the syrup, this will make the syrup cloudy.
• Boost the flavor with our suggestions below to elevate this rhubarb syrup further.

Cocktail & non-alcoholic ideas using rhubarb simple syrup

• Rhubarb French 75: Use my recipe to make a rhubarb french 75 with prosecco, rhubarb simple syrup, gin and lemon juice.
• Rhubarb Sour: 1 oz rhubarb simple syrup, 1 1/2 oz gin or whiskey, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz egg white and dry shake in a cocktail shaker. Then, add ice to the shaker and shake again. Strain into a coupe glass.
• Rhubarb Soda: Add 1 part of the rhubarb simple syrup to a glass and then top with 3-4 parts sparkling water, tonic, seltzer or soda water.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: Add 1 ounce of syrup to your glass of iced tea or lemonade for a fun twist on a classic drink.

Variations and creative twists on the basic syrup recipe

• Add strawberries: replace half of the chopped rhubarb with chopped fresh strawberries to make a strawberry-rhubarb flavor.
• Add lemon or orange peel: add a 2 inch piece of lemon or orange peel to the pot when making the simple syrup for a more tangy flavor.
• Add vanilla: for a little more sweetness in the flavor, add a sliced vanilla bean to the pot when simmering.
• Add ginger: for a spicier flavor, add 1 tbsp chopped ginger to the pot.

How to store the cooled simple syrup

Make sure to let the simple syrup fully cool before storing. Store the finished syrup in a glass jar, container or bottle in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. 

Since the syrup is made from fresh fruit, it’s important to note that if the syrup appears cloudy or develops a moldy smell, discard it.

FAQs

More rhubarb recipes to try from the blog

• Easy & Delicious Gluten Free Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
• Summer Berry Rhubarb Kombucha Sangria (with rosé)
• Quick and Easy Puff Pastry Rhubarb Tart Recipe