A beautiful Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail that brings the taste of summer in a glass. A refreshing and delicious cocktail made with strawberry and rhubarb syrup, gin, and fresh lemon juice.
Jump to:
- Why I Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients For This Cocktail
- What Gin to Use for a Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make this Strawberry Gin Cocktail
- Expert Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- How to Make Strawberry Syrup
- How to Make Rhubarb Syrup
- How to Make A Rhubarb Ribbon Garnish
- Other Cocktail Recipes to Check Out
- Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail
Why I Love This Recipe
Strawberries and rhubarb are often paired together for a good reason. Strawberries are sweet and juicy and rhubarb is tart, just like in my Rhubarb Gin Sour Cocktail, and a little sour so the two balance each other nicely. This perfect pairing comes to life in the Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail recipe.
Although this cocktail is perfect in the summer when strawberries and rhubarb are in high supply, similar to my Blueberry Gin and Tonic, you can also make this cocktail using frozen fruit. This bright and vibrant cocktail would make the perfect addition to a summer BBQ, cocktail party, or a Valentine's celebration.
Key Ingredients For This Cocktail
- Gin- I recommend a botanical gin that will compliment the flavors of the strawberries and the rhubarb.
- Fresh strawberry syrup- This cocktail contains two homemade syrups that make this drink exceptional. You can also use these syrups for other things than just cocktails!
- Rhubarb syrup- Rhubarb is a tricky food because of its shape and texture. One of the best ways to capture its flavor for drinks is to make a quick homemade syrup.
*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
What Gin to Use for a Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail
Since this gin cocktail has flavors from the garden, I would suggest using a floral and botanical gin like Aviation or Aria (originally from Portland OR). There are so many different kinds of gin out there and you can certainly use whatever gin you prefer.
Of course, the type of gin you use will change the flavor profile of this drink slightly, but the strawberry and rhubarb flavors will still be the star and the lemon helps balance the sweetness of the syrups.
Substitutions and Variations
- This cocktail is also delicious with vodka or bourbon for a change in flavor.
- If you don't want to make two homemade syrups, use a tablespoon of strawberry jam instead of the strawberry syrup when shaking the cocktail. Ensure you strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh sieve to catch any seeds.
- You can also use store-bought syrups. I found this strawberry syrup and this rhubarb syrup online.
- An optional garnish to the rhubarb peel is a twist of lemon, a lemon slice, or a strawberry.
- Try this cocktail on the rocks with a splash of soda or tonic for a refreshing version perfect for a hot summer day.
How to Make this Strawberry Gin Cocktail
Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds. Strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh sieve into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a rhubarb ribbon or strawberry.
Expert Tips
- Always use freshly squeezed fruit juice in your cocktails for the best flavor. The bottled stuff has extra additives that will change the flavor of the drink.
- Using a chilled glass for a cocktail served straight up (no ice) will enhance the drinking experience and keep the cocktail colder longer.
- Strain the cocktail after shaking to get any ice or solids for a beautifully crafted cocktail.
Recipe FAQs
Store any leftover strawberry or rhubarb syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for a few weeks if sealed correctly and kept cold.
You can make a non-alcoholic version of this strawberry rhubarb cocktail by omitting the gin. Replace it with a non-alcoholic spirit or increase the amount of strawberry rhubarb syrup and citrus juices to maintain the flavor balance. Adding a splash of tonic or soda water will also make it more cocktail-like.
To adjust the sweetness, you can add more strawberry or rhubarb syrup. To make it more tart, increase the amount of lemon juice to taste.
Use a coupe or martini glass to showcase the vibrant color and enhance the drinking experience.
How to Make Strawberry Syrup
To make the strawberry syrup you will need 16 oz. of strawberries (fresh or frozen), 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water. Wash and destem the strawberries then place all of the ingredients into a medium saucepan and place it on the stove over medium-high heat.
Stir the mixture as it heats up. Use a masher or the back of a spoon to break up the berries. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve and discard or save the solids for another treat. Store the syrup in a sealable container in the fridge until ready to use.
How to Make Rhubarb Syrup
Rhubarb syrup is just a simple syrup with chopped rhubarb that steeps in it. Check out my Rhubarb Simple Syrup recipe for all of the steps. All you need is water, sugar, and rhubarb! You can also add red food coloring if you would like.
If you are only using the syrup for this cocktail, the strawberry syrup will give you enough red color and you will not need any additional color.
How to Make A Rhubarb Ribbon Garnish
This rhubarb ribbon is easy to make and the perfect garnish for this cocktail. All you need is a vegetable peeler and a fresh stalk of rhubarb.
Gently run the peeler down the stalk creating a curly ribbon. You can make a tighter roll by carefully twisting the ribbon around a straw or thin round gadget.
Other Cocktail Recipes to Check Out
If you get a chance to make this Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- ½ ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounces strawberry syrup (see notes)
- ½ ounces rhubarb syrup
- rhubarb ribbon or small strawberry for garnish
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for about 8-10 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh sieve into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a rhubarb ribbon or strawberry. Cheers!
Notes
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Ayesha Ayub says
This cocktail seems so refreshing and its a perfect drink for summers.