Get ready to quench your thirst with a refreshing twist! Rhubarb, often thought of as a savory ingredient, adds a sweet and tangy flavor to drinks that will make your taste buds do the happy dance. In this article, we’ll dive into 20 deliciously sweet rhubarb drink recipes that are perfect for hot summer days or cozying up with a glass in the evening.
From classic lemonade flavors to fruity smoothies and teas, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a light and crisp refresher or a bold and flavorful treat, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your favorite ingredients, get creative, and let’s raise a glass (or two, or three…) to the sweet and tangy world of rhubarb drinks!
Classic Rhubarb Lemonade
This sweet and tangy drink combines the natural tartness of rhubarb with the brightness of lemon, perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a unique twist on traditional lemonade.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
– 3 cups sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the rhubarb until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and sugar. Stir until dissolved.
3. Add the rhubarb puree to the pitcher and stir well.
4. Add the water and stir to combine.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve over ice cubes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required – simply prepare and chill!
Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie
A refreshing blend of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, perfect for a springtime pick-me-up. This smoothie is a delicious way to get your daily dose of fiber and vitamins.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen strawberries
– 1/2 cup fresh rhubarb, chopped
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine strawberries, rhubarb, banana, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add Greek yogurt and almond milk. Blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as desired.
5. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (blend and serve)
Rhubarb Mint Iced Tea
Cool down with a refreshing twist on traditional iced tea! This Rhubarb Mint Iced Tea combines the sweet and tart flavors of rhubarb with the calming essence of mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 1/2 cup fresh rhubarb stalks, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the chopped rhubarb and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the rhubarb is tender.
3. Remove the pot from heat and let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the tea into a large pitcher, discarding the solids.
5. Add the fresh mint leaves to the tea and stir gently.
6. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
7. Just before serving, add honey to taste (if desired).
8. Serve the Rhubarb Mint Iced Tea over ice cubes and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Rhubarb Ginger Sparkler
This sweet and tangy cocktail combines the tartness of rhubarb with the warmth of ginger, perfect for sipping on a warm spring day.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz rhubarb syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz ginger liqueur
– 3 oz sparkling water
– Slice of lime and sprig of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, rhubarb syrup, and ginger liqueur.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Rhubarb Berry Spritzer
A refreshing twist on the classic spritzer, this Rhubarb Berry Spritzer combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of mixed berries and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, diced
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Juice of 1 orange
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine diced rhubarb and mixed berries. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld together (about 10-12 minutes).
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids.
3. In a large pitcher, combine the cooked berry-rhubarb mixture, Prosecco, simple syrup, and orange juice. Stir to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve over ice in tall glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Rhubarb Cucumber Cooler
Beat the heat with this unique and revitalizing drink, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb chunks
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine rhubarb and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the rhubarb is tender.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Discard solids.
3. Add cucumber slices and honey to the pitcher. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (rhubarb cooking time)
Yield: 4 cups
Enjoy your refreshing Rhubarb Cucumber Cooler!
Rhubarb Basil Mocktail
A refreshing twist on traditional mocktails, this Rhubarb Basil Mocktail combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of basil for a unique and delicious drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb stalks
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 cup ginger ale
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the rhubarb stalks until smooth.
2. Add the fresh basil leaves and blend until well combined.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
4. In a large pitcher, combine the strained rhubarb-basil mixture with ginger ale and honey. Stir until dissolved.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Rhubarb Pineapple Punch
This sweet and tangy punch is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a unique addition to your next brunch. The combination of rhubarb, pineapple, and citrus creates a refreshing flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rhubarb juice
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– Slices of orange, lemon, lime, and pineapple for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine rhubarb juice, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda.
2. Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice and simple syrup until well combined.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve the punch over ice in glasses or cups. Garnish with slices of citrus fruits and pineapple.
Cooking Time: None
Rhubarb Limeade
Sweeten up your summer with this refreshing twist on traditional limeade. This recipe combines the tartness of rhubarb with the brightness of lime, perfect for hot days and outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the rhubarb and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the rhubarb is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the solids.
3. Add the lime juice and water to the pitcher. Stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the Rhubarb Limeade over ice, garnished with a lime wedge if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rhubarb Apple Cider
This sweet and tangy cider is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy winter nights. The addition of rhubarb adds a unique flavor dimension that complements the apples beautifully.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs apples, chopped
– 1 lb rhubarb, chopped
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apples and rhubarb.
2. Add apple cider, brown sugar, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Strain the cider through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug. Discard solids.
5. Serve warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rhubarb Hibiscus Tea
Experience the unique flavor combination of tart rhubarb and floral hibiscus in this soothing tea recipe. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon or as a pick-me-up any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried rhubarb
– 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers
– 4 cups water
– Honey or lemon to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine rhubarb and hibiscus in a large pot.
2. Pour in the water, making sure that all the ingredients are fully submerged.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together.
4. Strain the tea into a separate container using a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve.
5. Let the tea cool to room temperature before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rhubarb Orange Fizz
A refreshing and fruity twist on a classic fizz, this Rhubarb Orange Fizz is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup sugar
– Slices of orange and lemon for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine rhubarb and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb is tender (about 10-12 minutes).
2. Strain the cooked rhubarb mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract juice.
3. Stir in orange juice and let cool to room temperature.
4. To serve, pour 1/2 cup of the rhubarb-orange mixture into glasses filled with ice. Top each glass off with sparkling water.
5. Garnish with slices of orange and lemon.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Rhubarb Coconut Water Refresher
Escape the ordinary with this unique and revitalizing drink that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the refreshing properties of coconut water. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
– 1 cup coconut water
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 lime, juiced
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the chopped rhubarb until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the rhubarb puree, coconut water, and honey. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice cubes, if desired, and garnish with a sprig of fresh rhubarb or a lime slice.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Rhubarb Rosemary Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer drink! This Rhubarb Rosemary Cooler combines sweet and tangy rhubarb with herbaceous rosemary, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb stalks
– 1 cup fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 lemons, juiced
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Combine rhubarb and rosemary in a large pot.
2. Add water and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the mixture is syrupy.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing on solids to extract juices.
4. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
5. Stir in lemon juice.
6. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Serve over ice cubes and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Rhubarb Mango Slushie
This refreshing summer drink combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of mango, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile. Perfect for hot days or as a sweet treat anytime!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine rhubarb and mango. Blend until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, mix together sugar and water until dissolved.
3. Add the sugar mixture to the blended rhubarb-mango mixture and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
5. Pour into glasses filled with ice (if desired). Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (blending only)
Rhubarb Vanilla Milkshake
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic milkshake, this Rhubarb Vanilla Milkshake is a refreshing treat for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup vanilla ice cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine rhubarb, sugar, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the vanilla ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend until creamy and well combined.
3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Rhubarb Pomegranate Spritz
This revitalizing spritz combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of pomegranate, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups sparkling water
– 1 cup rhubarb syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/4 cup triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
– Slice of fresh lime, for garnish
– Sprigs of fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pitcher with ice.
2. Add the rhubarb syrup and pomegranate juice.
3. Pour in the sparkling water and triple sec.
4. Stir well to combine.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with a slice of lime and sprigs of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None!
Rhubarb Green Tea Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on traditional tea coolers. This sweet and tangy drink combines the natural sweetness of rhubarb with the subtle flavor of green tea.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, chopped
– 1 quart brewed green tea (cooled)
– 1/2 cup honey or sugar substitute
– 3 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the chopped rhubarb and honey until smooth.
2. Add the cooled green tea and blend until well combined.
3. Add the water and blend until fully incorporated.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick and easy drink that’s ready to serve in under an hour.
Rhubarb Grapefruit Splash
Brighten up your day with this refreshing springtime cocktail! This Rhubarb Grapefruit Splash combines the tartness of grapefruit with the sweetness of rhubarb, perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup grapefruit juice
– 1/2 cup vodka
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of grapefruit for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine rhubarb and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rhubarb is tender.
2. Strain the rhubarb mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine grapefruit juice, vodka, and simple syrup. Add the strained rhubarb juice and fill with ice.
4. Shake well for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into glasses filled with ice and garnish with slices of grapefruit.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Rhubarb Blueberry Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a refreshing twist on the classic smoothie bowl, featuring tart rhubarb and sweet blueberries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen rhubarb
– 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Pinch of salt
– Toppings: granola, sliced almonds, shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine rhubarb, blueberries, banana, almond milk, chia seeds, and honey.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Pour the mixture into a bowl.
4. Sprinkle with salt and your desired toppings (if using).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Summary
Get ready to quench your thirst with these 20 refreshing rhubarb drink recipes! From classic combinations like Rhubarb Lemonade and Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie, to unique twists like Rhubarb Ginger Sparkler and Rhubarb Coconut Water Refresher, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a revitalizing pick-me-up, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. With a range of flavors and ingredients, you’ll never get bored with the same old drinks again. So go ahead, get creative, and start sipping on some deliciously sweet rhubarb goodness!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
