Rhubarb Gin & Tonic is a refreshing way to toast spring's arrival. Since rhubarb is one of the first edibles to show up in the garden every spring, it's fun to come up with new ways to use it, and the start of patio season means cocktails.
Last month I made a bubbly and delicious Prosecco Margarita Cocktail for Cinco de Mayo. But this month it's all about the rhubarb.
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Inspiration for a Rhubarb Gin & Tonic Cocktail
A classic Gin & Tonic, or G&T, is just Gin, Tonic, and Lime. The Gin, with its sweet floral notes, is a perfect partner with lots of tart lime.
Because rhubarb has it's own unique tartness and taste, I couldn't help but come to the conclusion, that a Rhubarb Gin & Tonic would be perfect.
Facts About Gin
England likes to claim Gin as it's national spirit, but it actually originated with the Dutch. And, the biggest drinkers of gin in the world are in the Philippines.
Distilling gin is always based on juniper, but many other botanicals can be added, which makes gin tasting a bit of a fun adventure.
Gin Botanicals
There is an amazing variety of different botanicals that may be included in gin. And every one of them gives you a very different gin experience.
Some of the botanicals that you might encounter in your gin are coriander, citrus peel, cinnamon, almond or licorice.
Gin is for Mixing
Although gin is a versatile ingredient, it's one spirit that you would not want to drink on its own. It is, however, perfect for mixing.
So it's always great to have a bottle of gin in your home bar, just in case you want to make a Singapore Sling, White Lady, or so many other signature cocktails. Check out this amazing article by Food Republic for more info.
About Rhubarb
Rhubarb, although it's treated as a fruit, is actually a vegetable. It's incredibly astringent, so it usually needs a lot of sugar, as in Rhubarb Jam, or is often paired with sweeter fruit, like these Rhubarb Blueberry Oatmeal Bars, or Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins.
Rhubarb is a perennial plant that first appears in the Northern Hemisphere in early spring. When harvesting rhubarb, or making this Rhubarb G&T, be sure to cut the leaves from the stalks and discard them, as they are poisonous!
Recipe
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Rhubarb Gin & Tonic
Ingredients
Rhubarb Simple Syrup
- 2 cups rhubarb chopped (about 4 stalks)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1.5 cups water
Rhubarb Gin & Tonic
- 4 oz Gin
- 1 lime juice of
- 6 oz rhubarb simple syrup
- 10 oz tonic water
- lime sliced, for garnish
Instructions
Rhubarb Simple Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, and water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely
- Strain syrup through a sieve, discarding fruit solids, or saving for another use
Rhubarb Gin & Tonic
- Fill two chilled highball glasses half full with ice.
- Add 2 oz gin to each glassAdd ½ lime juice to each glass
- Add 2 tablespoon rhubarb syrup to each glass, or to taste
- Top up each glass with chilled tonic water
- Garnish with lime wedges and or slices
- Cheers!
Notes
Nutrition
Jacqueline
Tasty and very refreshing! I love the balanced flavor of the rhubarb sugar syrup
Colleen
So glad you loved this rhubarb cocktail, Jacqueline! Thanks for commenting!
Miki
Thank you for the great rhubarb recipe, just what I was looking for!
Colleen
You're very welcome, Miki! I'm so happy to hear that you loved this drink. Cheers!
Valerie
Have you tried freezing the syrup, for a winter pick me up😊
Colleen
Hi Valerie! Yes, you can freeze the simple syrup! And what a great idea for a winter pick me up! The easiest way is to freeze the syrup in an ice cube tray first, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag or container. Then you can just use what you need. Thanks for this great question! Enjoy the rhubarb G&T (now and in the winter).
Brenna D
I made this with a rhubarb gin and and a strawberry simple syrup. It is delicious! Thank you for this wonderful recipe!
Colleen
Hi Brenna! This is wonderful to hear. So happy that you loved this delightful cocktail. Thanks so much for sharing!
Doreen Wendlandt
Has anyone tried to make this in a big batch? Just curious the measurements? Thanks!
Moira
Drink is delicious but I really need to know where you got those glasses ! I have been looking for them for ages ! Thanks , cheers
Colleen
Hi Moira. I know, aren't those glasses pretty? I got them at a HomeSense store here in Canada years ago. Their merchandise is always changing, but if there is a store in your area, maybe you can show them a picture and ask them to order some. Good luck! (And I'm happy that the Rhubarb G&T was delicious for you) Cheers!
Maggie D. Vennarucci
Beautiful! Where are the glasses from?
Colleen
Hi Maggie! Aren't they pretty glasses? I've had them for years, but I believe I bought them at Homesense.
Rachel
How much of the simple syrup do you put in each cocktail? Thanks!
Colleen
Hi Rachel, try 2 tbsp of simple syrup to each drink. So sorry this was left out, and thanks for letting me know!
Judy Johnson
I almost passed this one by because I thought that it would need a juicer
But I am going to keep the recipe
Colleen
It's definitely a keeper, Judy. Enjoy!
Dina
Great idea as always Colleen. I have a bunch of rhubarb now so I can try this.
Colleen
Hi Dina, rhubarb is such a great ingredient, isn't it? I always try to do something different with it at this time of year. I hope you enjoy. Cheers!
Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life
This sounds like such a refreshing summer drink! I always see the most gorgeous rhubarb at our local farmer's market but never know what to make with it. I'll definitely have to pick some up next time we're there and give this a try!
Colleen
Hi Claire. Definitely grab some of that lovely rhubarb and give this cocktail a try. It's perfect for summer.
Analida Braeger
This is a very unique cocktail!! rhubarb is underused, I have always been a fan of it
Colleen
Hi Analida. I agree that rhubarb is underused. Which is surprising, because it's so easy to grow and so prolific. Cheers!
Heather
What a gorgeous cocktail! I love the idea of using seasonal rhubarb in my drink 🙂
Colleen
It's an awesome drink for the season, Heather! Enjoy!
Eva
What a fantastic idea! We have so much rhubarb here at the moment I'm really tempted to try this.
Colleen
Hi Eva, heed your temptations and try it, you'll be glad you did!
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen
I love the flavor of rhubarb but never through of putting it in a cocktail! This looks so refreshing - the perfect summer drink!
Colleen
I do think it's the perfect summer drink, Carrie!