Adding fresh rhubarb to a classic lemonade recipe makes the perfect summer drink. This Rhubarb Lemonade Recipe is slightly tart, sweet, and so hydrating!
If you are looking for other summer drinks, let me suggest a few I love! First, let's not forget the classic lemonade. Or how about a virgin pina colada? Mint grapefruit mocktails have quickly become a favorite flavor combo of mine.
What Makes This Recipe Work?
The flavors are my favorite part of this recipe. There is something so good about the rhubarb lemon combo. If you have not tried it yet, you need to! They are both tart, but add in the simple syrup and they are absolutely perfect.
This is a really simple recipe to make. There is cooking time, but the actual hands-on time is very short. You can easily throw this together in about 20-25 minutes.
Rhubarb lemonade will hold well in the fridge for at least 3-4 days. Make this ahead of time, then serve when you are ready.
Ingredients
- Rhubarb- Fresh rhubarb. Make sure the rhubarb is firm and not moldy. You can also use frozen rhubarb if you want. We used to chop and freeze a lot of rhubarb growing up in Alaska. If you have done this, it will work as well.
- Granulated sugar- You can also use honey if you prefer. I like the granulated sugar in this drink as it is a more neutral flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice- this is NOT lemon concentrate.
- Sparkling water- this is only if you want a little bubbly in the drink.
How To Make
- Make your rhubarb simple syrup. To do this, cook the rhubarb, water, and sugar together.
- Strain the rhubarb.
- Add the rhubarb simple syrup and lemon juice together.
- Now it is time to mix it all together.
- Add the simple syrup to your glass with the ice. Next pour in the water to your taste. You can also use sparkling water if you prefer.
- That is it! The drink is done.
Notes
- If you aren't sure how to choose rhubarb at the grocery store, let me share a few tips. You want to look for firm rhubarb. If it is soft and soggy, it is no good. Also, check for mold. Firm and good color are what you are looking for.
- Make sure you use fresh lemon juice. The lemon concentrate is not the same thing. I promise the flavor will not be as good.
- The parts of this drink can be made well ahead of time. I like to make the rhubarb syrup and juice the lemons. Store them in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. When you are ready to serve, combine and serve.
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For more inspiration
Other mocktail ideas
If you are still looking for more drink ideas, what about mojito mocktails? I have a raspberry mojito, blueberry mojito, and even blackberry mojito. They are all such a fun variation of the classic!
Perfect rhubarb lemonade
Ingredients
- 4 cups rhubarb washed and rough chop
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4-6 cups Ice
- water or sparkling water
Instructions
- Add rhubarb, water, and sugar to a pan. Boil over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. The rhubarb will soften.
- Strain out the rhubarb, reserving the rhubarb simple syrup.
- Once it is strained out, it is ready.
- Combine the rhubarb syrup and lemon juice.
- Add ice to it. Now, for the next part, add in as much water or sparkling water as you like. This will depend on how you like to take your drink. Maybe you like it a little stronger, or a little more watered down.
Notes
- If you aren't sure how to choose rhubarb at the grocery store, let me share a few tips. You want to look for firm rhubarb. If it is soft and soggy, it is no good. Also, check for mold. Firm and good color are what you are looking for.
- Make sure you use fresh lemon juice. The lemon concentrate is not the same thing. I promise the flavor will not be as good.
- The parts of this drink can be made well ahead of time. I like to make the rhubarb syrup and juice the lemons. Store them in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. When you are ready to serve, combine and serve.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!