Looking for unique rhubarb recipes? You'll love this refreshing Rhubarb Shrub Cocktail! This pretty pink drink is easy to make and so delicious, the perfect spring + summer treat!
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Ginnie's Take
I've fallen in love with shrubs recently. These vinegar-based fruit syrups are easy to make and a great way to preserve fresh fruit. They're also an simple way to add complexity to mixed drinks, like this colorful Rhubarb Shrub Cocktail. This delightful drink pairs gin and rhubarb, two ingredients that were made for each other. You won't be able to resist this cocktail's bright, tangy flavor!
Why You'll Love This Drink
- Easy to Make - You need just a few ingredients to prepare this simple drink, and the homemade syrup couldn't be easier to make.
- Super Delicious - The sweet, tangy shrub syrup pairs perfectly with gin. You'll love this colorful cocktail's unique rhubarb flavor!
- Perfect Spring + Summer Drink - This lovely Rhubarb Cocktail is a fun way to highlight seasonal produce, and the shrub helps preserve the rhubarb so it lasts a little longer.
Jump to:
Ingredients
This pretty pink cocktail uses simple, easy to find ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Shrub - The recipe starts with a homemade Rhubarb Shrub, which is very simple to prepare. You just need some fresh rhubarb stalks, sugar, and vinegar.
- Gin - The distinctive botanical flavor of gin pairs perfectly with rhubarb. I used Beefeater, a classic London Dry Gin, and it works wonderfully here. Have fun experimenting with other gins though, depending on what's in your liquor cabinet.
- Sparkling Water - A little sparkling water turns the finished drink into a fizzy pink cocktail (so pretty). I used Topo Chico, but other sparkling or mineral waters can be used.
You'll Also Need
You'll need a sharp knife, a medium pot, and a fine mesh strainer to make the shrub. To prepare the cocktail, you'll need a jigger, a bar spoon (or other spoon), and a rocks glass (or a similar-sized glass, such as a stemless wineglass).
How to Make a Rhubarb Shrub Cocktail
This refreshing rhubarb and gin cocktail is very easy to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below with proportions, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Make shrub. To prepare the shrub, you'll combine chopped rhubarb with sugar and vinegar in a medium pot. As the mixture heats, the sugar will dissolve and the rhubarb will start to breakdown. Once that happens, use a fine mesh strainer to separate the rhubarb from the liquid, then chill the syrup. Tip: The shrub syrup can be prepared in advance to save time.
- Mix shrub with gin. In a rocks glass, stir together the gin and the shrub.
- Add ice. Fill the glass with ice.
- Top with sparkling water. Finish the mixed drink by adding the sparkling water.
- Serve. Stir everything together, then serve.
Time to enjoy your gorgeous Rhubarb Shrub Cocktail. You are going to love every delicious and refreshing sip!
Variations
You can easily change up with recipe by making a few minor adjustments:
- Shrub - The shrub is easy to customize with different sugars and vinegars. You can even add other fruits. Check out my Rhubarb Shrub recipe for lots of ideas and tips.
- Sparkling Water - Swap out the sparkling water for other fizzy liquids, such as tonic water or club soda, for a slightly different taste. You can also play around with flavored sparkling waters, or even add a splash of ginger beer, for a different flavor.
- Spirits - Try using other liquors. Vodka would work great, but you can experiment with darker spirits, too.
- Mocktail - To make an alcohol free version, just skip the gin.
Storage
This shrub drink tastes best when freshly mixed, however you can prepare the shrub syrup in advance. Stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator, the shrub will last for up to a month, although it will taste best if used within two to three weeks. If you notice it starting to bubble or mold, throw it out.
Related Recipes
Looking for more rhubarb drink ideas? Try my Rhubarb Soda, Rhubarb Lemonade, and versatile Rhubarb Simple Syrup next! You'll love these refreshing drinks, too:
- This fresh Watermelon Margarita couldn't be more delicious!
- If you're a fan of fruity cocktails, you're sure to love this tasty Blueberry Mojito!
- These Spicy Palomas are a wonderful twist on the traditional recipe.
- If you're searching for gin drinks, make sure to try this Strawberry Gin and Tonic!
- This flavorful Cherry Smash Cocktail is the perfect summer treat.
P.S. Check out all of my rhubarb recipe ideas for more inspiration, like this yummy Rhubarb Quick Bread and this irresistible Strawberry Rhubarb Galette!
Rhubarb Shrub Cocktail
Ingredients
For Shrub:
- 4 cups chopped rhubarb
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
For Cocktail:
- 1 to 1 ½ ounces shrub
- 1 ½ ounces gin
- sparkling water
Equipment
- Medium Pot
- Rocks Glass
Instructions
Prepare Shrub:
- Combine rhubarb, sugar, and vinegar in a medium pot. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved.
- Continue cooking until rhubarb starts to breakdown and fall apart, stirring frequently.
- Remove mixture from heat. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Place fine mesh strainer over a medium bowl, then add rhubarb mixture. Stir the mixture as it drains and press gently on the pulp, to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Transfer shrub to a mason jar (or other airtight container), then refrigerate until cold.
Make cocktail:
- Mix together 1 to 1 ½ ounces of the shrub (to taste) and 1 ½ ounces gin in a rocks glass.
- Fill glass with ice, then top off with sparkling water.
- Stir drink, then serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
