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    Home » Recipe » Drinks » Rhubarb Lemonade

    Rhubarb Lemonade

    Published Jun 28, 2023 · Updated May 1, 2025 by Ginnie · Leave a Comment

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    Learn how to make the BEST Rhubarb Lemonade at home! This refreshing rhubarb drink is easy to make and oh so delicious ... you'll want to treat yourself to it all spring and summer long!

    Two glasses and a pitcher of Rhubarb Lemonade on a marble counter.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    I grew up in Wisconsin, where almost every house seems to have a rhubarb bush in its backyard. These days, I'm definitely jealous that I can't find it quite that easily anymore!

    Thankfully, I managed to snag some earlier this summer, and I made the most delicious Rhubarb Syrup with it. I've had fun finding creative ways to use this wonderful syrup, and this homemade Rhubarb Lemonade is definitely a favorite!

    You are going to LOVE this tasty tart-sweet rhubarb drink! It's super easy to make, and you only need three ingredients. Plus, the vibrant pink color is just so lovely (making it perfect for special occasions and treat yourself moments), and it tastes even better than it looks!

    Ready to try this refreshing summer drink? Then keep reading for all the details!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Rhubarb Lemonade
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • Related Recipes
    • Rhubarb Lemonade
    A closeup of a glass of the finished drink served on a yellow napkin.

    Ingredients

    You only need three easy to find ingredients for this recipe:

    • Rhubarb - For starters, you'll need fresh rhubarb to make the homemade Rhubarb Syrup. Choose stalks that are firm and fresh, and for the brightest color, select stalks that are bright red. If you don't have fresh rhubarb, frozen may also be used.
    • Sugar - You'll also need granulated sugar to make the syrup. Raw rhubarb is extremely tart, and the sugar is necessary to balance its astringency.
    • Lemons - And of course, you'll need fresh lemons. When selecting them, look large lemons that have some give when you squeeze them. Tip: I always buy extra lemons, because you never know how much juice you'll get!

    This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and dairy free, which means all your friends and family can enjoy it!

    You'll Also Need

    To make the syrup, you'll need a sharp knife and cutting board, as well as a medium pot (preferably one with a heavy bottom) and a fine mesh strainer. If you have a food scale, you can use that to weigh the chopped rhubarb, otherwise you can use a large measuring cup. You'll also need a juicer for the lemons (I used my handy glass juicer, but a handheld juicer is another option) and a small pitcher to mix everything together.

    Tip: Rhubarb can stain clothing if you're not careful! I'd recommend wearing a black shirt while chopping it, and you may also want to use a plastic cutting board.

    Rhubarb lemonade ingredients and a glass pitcher on a marble counter.

    How to Make Rhubarb Lemonade

    This summery rhubarb drink is super easy to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:

    1. Make rhubarb syrup. Start by combining the rhubarb, sugar, and water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar, then reduce the heat and simmer until the rhubarb is soft. Let cool, then run the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp. Tip: Don't throw out the pulp! It makes a delish jam for bread, bagels, and more.
    2. Juice lemons. Once the syrup has cooled completely, you can juice the lemons. You'll need one cup total, which is about four to five large, juicy lemons. Reserve the peel from one lemon, then thinly slice it.
    3. Mix everything together. Combine the lemon juice and syrup, plus some cold water in a small pitcher. Mix well. You can adjust sweetness of the lemonade by adding more (or less) syrup, lemon juice, and / or water. Once it tastes good to you, stir in the sliced lemon peel and serve over ice.

    Pretty simple, right? And just one sip, and you are going to fall in love with this Rhubarb Lemonade ... it's the perfect spring + summer treat!

    A photo collage showing how to make rhubarb lemonade step-by-step.

    Variations

    This tasty pink lemonade is delicious as-is, but also fun to customize! Try one of these easy ideas:

    • Frozen Rhubarb - I used fresh rhubarb for this recipe, but you can make the syrup with frozen rhubarb, too.
    • Sweeter / Less Sweet - To adjust the sweetness level, you can add more (or less) syrup, lemon juice, and / or water to taste.
    • Strawberry Rhubarb - To make Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade, prepare the syrup as directed, except use half strawberries and half rhubarb.
    • Ginger - Spicy ginger pairs so well with this spring fruit! To use it, add a few slices of fresh ginger along with the other syrup ingredients, then prepare as directed.
    • Sparkling / Fizzy - Why not make a fizzy version of this drink? So fun! When mixing the syrup, juice, and water together, replace the tap water with sparkling water. I like Topo Chico!
    • Cocktail - Turn this lemonade into a refreshing mixed drink by adding a shot of vodka or gin.
    A overhead image of two glasses of the finished drink.

    Storage

    Store any leftover lemonade in your refrigerator. It should stay fresh for two to three days. Do make sure to stir well before serving, as the rhubarb has a tendency to settle.

    Related Recipes

    Searching for more rhubarb drinks? Try this refreshing Rhubarb Soda next! If it's lemonade you're craving, don't miss these delicious recipes:

    • Homemade Lemonade from Scratch - My fave basic recipe!
    • Single Serving Lemonade
    • Watermelon Lemonade
    • Strawberry Lemonade
    • Orangeade Juice
    • Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail
    • Shandy Recipe

    Looking for more rhubarb recipes? Try my scrumptious Rhubarb Buttermilk Cake (one of my family's favorite recipes!), this tasty Rhubarb Bread (so easy), yummy Strawberry and Rhubarb Crisp or simple (but amazing) Rhubarb Crumble, or this delicious Rhubarb Upside Down Cake!

    Two glasses and a pitcher of the finished rhubarb drink on a marble counter.
    Glasses and a pitcher of Rhubarb Lemonade on a marble counter.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 1 vote

    Rhubarb Lemonade

    This tart-sweet rhubarb drink is the perfect spring / summer treat, and it's so easy to make!
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 145kcal
    Author: Ginnie

    Ingredients

    For Syrup:

    • 4 cups chopped rhubarb  (17.5 ounces / 496 grams)
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup water

    For Lemonade:

    • 1 cup lemon juice, about 4 to 5 large, juicy lemons (reserve peel from one lemon)
    • 2 cups cold water

    Equipment

    • Medium Pot (one with a heavy bottom works best)
    • Fine Mesh Strainer
    • Small Pitcher

    Instructions

    Prepare Syrup:

    • Combine rhubarb, sugar, and water in a medium pot over high heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves.
    • Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until rhubarb is soft and starting to fall apart, stirring frequently (about 5 to 7 minutes).
    • Remove from heat, then let cool for about 10 minutes.
    • Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl, then transfer rhubarb mixture to strainer.
    • Stir rhubarb mixture until most liquid has drained into bowl, then firmly press the pulp with the back of a spoon to extract the remaining liquid.
    • Let syrup cool completely before making lemonade.

    Prepare Lemonade:

    • Combine 1 to 1 ¼ cups syrup (to taste), lemon juice, and 2 cups cold water in a pitcher. Mix well.
    • Thinly slice reserved peel, then stir into lemonade.
    • Serve over ice. Enjoy!

    Notes

    You will have leftover syrup. Use it to make other drinks (like this tasty Rhubarb Soda), or make more lemonade!
    Customize the sweetness by adding more (or less) syrup, lemon juice, and / or water.
    Use a food scale to weigh the rhubarb, if you have one. You'll get a more accurate measure of the amount than you would with cups. This is the scale that I use (and highly recommend).
    Don't throw out the rhubarb pulp when making the syrup. It makes a delicious "jam" that's wonderful on toast, bagels, and more!
    Check out the info before this recipe card for more tips, variations, and related recipes!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 145kcal
    Did you make this recipe?I love seeing what you're cooking! Leave a comment below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!
    A glass of Rhubarb Lemonade on a yellow napkin.
    Rhubarb LemonadeRhubarb Lemonade
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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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