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
Denise
What a refreshing cocktail! I love that you used rhubarb, a nice twist to a traditional drink. Love it!
Colleen
Hi Denise, rhubarb really gives this drink a hit of seasonal deliciousness! 🙂
Dana
I absolutely love this amped up G&T! It just adds a little something extra. It's colorful, seasonal, and so so refreshing!
Colleen
Hey Dana, thanks so much! I know that you'll love it as much as we did!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
Such a pretty colour and definitely a fun summer sipper! I'm new to rhubarb, but have enjoyed baking with it. Looking forward to trying it in cocktails!
Colleen
Hi Leanne, Rhubarb is such a fun ingredient for baking! We just have so much in our garden that we keep looking for creative ways to use it, and this cocktail is amazing!
Jessica
Some of my favourite flavours of the season! A lovely summer sip I'll be sure to try!
Colleen
Thanks Jessica, I know you'll love this drink!
Joss
Holy moly, great idea! This is going to be served at my next bbq.
Colleen
Hey, Joss, I think your next BBQ will be a hit if you serve these.
Elaine
Saving this one for my next summer party! Perfection. Pinned.
Colleen
Elaine, these are the perfect summer party cocktails. Enjoy!
Kylie | Midwest Foodie
What a perfect way to use up all that summer rhubarb!! And my husband LOVES gin and tonics. Can't wait to make a batch of these and enjoy them on the deck this weekend!
Colleen
I think you will love these, Kylie! Cheers 🙂
Elaine Benoit
I love when rhubarb season rolls around. I've made vodka recipes with rhubarb but never gin. What have I been thinking? This rhubarb gin and tonic looks not only delicious but I bet it's very refreshing!!
Colleen
It's SO refreshing, Elaine!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This is an interesting way to use rhubarb. I think this would make a great drink at a BBQ party. It certainly would be a conversation piece.
Colleen
Hi Gloria, This cocktail is perfect for a BBQ party!
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli
A refreshing, delicious, seasonal cocktail, this is! We get excited when we first see rhubarb coming up from the Winter, and this is a great way to use it!
Colleen
Hi Loreto & Nicoletta! I hope you give it a try, it really is refreshing & delicious.
Liz Shaw
Looks very refreshing! Great way to use a vegetable. Will be a hit at the 4th of July barbecue. Pinned
Colleen
Hi Liz, I guarantee it will be a hit at the barbecue! Enjoy!
Jessica Formicola
I adore rhubarb! This looks like such a refreshing cocktail and I can't wait to try it out this weekend!
Colleen
You'll love them, Jessica! Enjoy!
Kate
These look so pretty and delicious! I need to make these ASAP!
Colleen
Definitely you should make these, Katie!
Sophie
Such a stunning recipe, love it! And beautiful shots!
Colleen
Thank you so much, Sophie!
Sues
What a great idea! I made rhubarb simple syrup last year for rhubarb ice cream floats, but I don't know why I never thought to use it in gin and tonics, too. My husband will love these!
Colleen
Hi Sues, the rhubarb simple syrup can be used for so many things. Ice cream floats sound wonderful, too. Enjoy!