Wow. Can you imagine a Ginger Rhubarb Gin Cocktail ? Yeah me too. So lets get started. While rhubarb might remind you of grandma’s garden, there’s nothing old-fashioned about this modern gin cocktail! You’ll find the tart-sweet symphony of rhubarb syrup dancing with spicy ginger beer creates an unexpectedly sophisticated sipper. The secret lies in balancing these bold flavors with the botanical notes of your favorite gin. Before you start mixing, let’s explore why this drink has become a springtime sensation among both casual sippers and cocktail connoisseurs.
History of the Ginger Rhubarb Gin Cocktail
While the exact origins of rhubarb cocktails aren’t well documented, the combination of rhubarb and gin gained popularity in Britain during the 1800s when both ingredients were readily available.
You’ll find that rhubarb was initially used primarily in medicinal tonics before creative bartenders began incorporating it into their cocktail recipes.
The addition of ginger beer to this classic pairing emerged during the craft cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s.
You might be surprised to learn that before then, most rhubarb cocktails were simply mixed with soda water or tonic.
Today’s version, with its perfect balance of spicy ginger and tart rhubarb, has become a staple in craft cocktail bars worldwide, and you’ll often see it featured in spring and summer cocktail menus.
Recipe
The Ginger Rhubarb Gin Cocktail combines the bright, tart flavors of fresh rhubarb with the spicy warmth of ginger beer and the botanical complexity of gin. This sophisticated cocktail starts with a homemade rhubarb syrup that captures the essence of this spring vegetable, creating a beautiful pink-hued base for the drink.
The key to achieving the perfect balance in this cocktail lies in the careful preparation of the rhubarb syrup and the proper proportioning of ingredients. The natural tartness of rhubarb is tempered by simple syrup, while fresh lime juice adds brightness and ginger beer provides an effervescent kick that elevates the entire drinking experience.
- 4 cups chopped rhubarb stalks
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 2 oz gin or go wild with 4.
- 1 oz rhubarb syrup
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 3-4 oz ginger beer
- Ice cubes
- Rhubarb stalks or lime wheels for garnish
- And a pinch of salt
Begin by preparing the rhubarb syrup: combine chopped rhubarb and simple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rhubarb breaks down completely. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and let cool to room temperature.
For the cocktail, fill a shaker with ice and add gin, rhubarb syrup, and fresh lime juice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled collins glass and top with ginger beer. Stir gently to combine and garnish as desired.
Store leftover rhubarb syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For the best flavor, use premium gin and fresh lime juice rather than bottled. The amount of ginger beer can be adjusted to taste, and the cocktail can be made less sweet by reducing the amount of rhubarb syrup.
Always verify your rhubarb stalks are fresh and bright pink for peak color and flavor in the final drink.
Mixing Steps
You’ll start by thoroughly washing and chopping fresh rhubarb stalks into 1-inch pieces before combining them with simple syrup in a medium saucepan.
Next, let your rhubarb mixture simmer for 10 minutes until it’s soft and breaks down, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve and let it cool completely.
Once you’re ready to make your cocktail, you’ll combine your strained rhubarb syrup with gin and other ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, then finish with a thin slice of crystallized ginger as garnish!
step 1. Wash and Chop Rhubarb
Fresh rhubarb requires thorough preparation before it can transform into a stunning cocktail ingredient.
Start by inspecting your rhubarb stalks, removing any leaves (they’re toxic – so no sneaking those into your drink!), and discarding any bruised sections.
Under cool running water, thoroughly wash each stalk to remove dirt and debris. Pat the stalks dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Using a sharp knife, trim off the tough ends and any remaining leaf portions. Now, chop the stalks into 1/2-inch pieces – you’ll need about 2 cups for the syrup recipe.
Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly uniform; they’ll break down during cooking anyway. The vibrant pink color of your chopped rhubarb means you’re on track for a beautifully hued cocktail!
step 2. Combine With Simple Syrup
Once your rhubarb is chopped and ready, it’s time to create the vibrant syrup that’ll give your cocktail its signature flavor.
Add your chopped rhubarb and 1 cup of simple syrup to a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer – you’ll notice the rhubarb starting to break down and release its gorgeous pink color.
Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and maintain this simmer for exactly 10 minutes. You’re looking for the rhubarb to become soft and almost mushy (think of it as coaxing out all that tart goodness!).
Once your timer dings, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes.
Then strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing gently to extract all that flavorful syrup.
step 3. Strain Rhubarb Mixture
After the rhubarb has softened completely, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve positioned over a medium bowl.
Press gently on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract all that beautiful pink syrup – you’ll want every last drop!
You should end up with approximately 1½ cups of vibrant rhubarb syrup.
Let the strained syrup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Don’t rush this step – nobody wants a warm cocktail! While you’re waiting, you can clean your sieve (and maybe sneak a taste of that lovely syrup).
Once it’s completely cool, your rhubarb syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ready whenever the cocktail craving strikes.
step 4. Combine Ingredients With Ice
The real magic of this cocktail happens in the shaker, where you’ll combine your carefully crafted ingredients with plenty of ice.
Start by filling your cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with fresh, clean ice cubes – those cloudy ones from the back of your freezer won’t do your fancy drink any favors!
Add 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of your cooled rhubarb syrup, and 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice to the shaker.
You’ll want to measure precisely here – eyeballing it might leave you with a drink that’s too sweet or too tart.
Now, seal your shaker tightly (nobody wants an impromptu cocktail shower!) and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
The mixture should feel ice-cold in your hands, and you’ll hear the ice dancing around inside.
step 5. Garnish With Ginger Slice
Finishing your Ginger Rhubarb Gin Cocktail with a fresh ginger slice adds both visual appeal and an aromatic punch to your creation.
Cut a thin, quarter-sized slice of fresh ginger root at a slight diagonal angle to create an elegant oval shape.
Position the ginger slice gently on the rim of your glass, or let it float atop the cocktail. For an extra decorative touch, you can make a small notch in the ginger slice to help it grip the glass’s edge.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – that’s part of the handcrafted charm! The ginger’s spicy aroma will complement the cocktail’s flavors while giving your guests a hint of what’s to come.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can also add a thin strip of rhubarb as a stirrer.
Final Thoughts 0n the Ginger Rhubarb Gin Cocktail
Making this elegant gin cocktail brings together vibrant spring flavors that’ll impress both casual sippers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
You’ll find the perfect balance between the tartness of rhubarb, the warmth of ginger, and the botanical notes of gin.
Don’t be intimidated by the homemade rhubarb syrup – it’s worth the extra effort! You can make a batch ahead of time and experiment with the sweetness levels to suit your taste.
Remember to store your syrup properly, and you’ll have delicious cocktails ready whenever the mood strikes.
For the best results, always use fresh ingredients and high-quality gin.
You’ll be surprised at how quickly this cocktail becomes your go-to spring beverage, especially when entertaining guests who appreciate a thoughtfully crafted drink.
Please always remember that if you find a better way to make this drink. To make any portion of the Ginger Rhubarb Gin Cocktail stand out. Feel free to share this with us. We want to know!
