My Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Cooler

By • June 1, 2011 • 20 Comments


Edit Recipe Add Photos
+ Save 30
+ Add New Collection
⎙

Author Notes: Since I have given my juicer to my son, I muddle along now without one. And I have stumbled upon the art of muddling in the process. Beginning with my primitive wooden honey scoop, I have been muddling away. But investing in a real muddler is a better idea. While I was in Brooklyn this weekend enjoying the Smorgasbord (getting to meet Bevi's daughter of Maiden Preserves) I also had a great soda that was very pure and simple, no simple syrup,no cooking, but with real fruit, at Brooklyn Soda Works. Their flavors included strawberry, balsamic and pepper, as well as rhubarb and ginger. Without their cool carbonation method, my recipe is a very simple, humble home version. I am also taking inspiration from the recent shaved asparagus recipe for technique. This is what I came up with as a result. - Sagegreen - Sagegreen

Food52 Review: Bold ginger, spicy black pepper and sweet agave combine with subtle rhubarb and tangy strawberries in this super easy cooler. No need to use the stove to make a simple syrup, either, this drink gets all its flavor from muddling fresh ingredients together. Try straining the mixture over a pitcher or bowl and then pouring into glasses to avoid drips. - broccolirose - broccolirose

Serves 3

  • 1 stalk of rhubarb (about 10 inches long, one inch thick)
  • 2 inch nub of fresh ginger, peeled
  • 1 packed cup of fresh, flavorful small strawberries, sliced
  • tiny pinch of sea salt
  • 1 turn of peppermill-black pepper corns
  • 2 tablespoons agave nectar, to taste
  • 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1 liter cold seltzer
  • ice cubes, optional
  1. Chill 3 twelve oz glasses well.
  2. Using a carrot peeler, shave the rhubarb in a large glass measuring cup (4 cup size). Be sure to let any juice fall into the cup. Thinly shave the ginger into slices and add to the cup. Next add the strawberries. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Muddle and smoosh really well, creating as much juice as you can squeeze out. Add the nectar, as little as possible, and the lemon juice. Taste and adjust for balance: Squeeze in more fruit flavor, salt, acidity, or sweetness as needed. Let this mix sit for at least 10 minutes to mingle further.
  3. Press a third of the mix into a nonreactive fine mesh sieve and hold over one chilled glass. Squish the fruit mix down firmly. Pour one third of a liter of ice cold seltzer through the sieve into the glass. Leave room for ice cubes if desired. Repeat this process for the other two servings.

More Great Recipes

Share a Recipe

Enter one of our contests, or share that great thing you made for dinner last night.
Add a Recipe

Related Article

Comments (20) Questions (0)

Default-small
Default-small
Add Comment
Showing out of comments
Dscn2828

almost 2 years ago JoanG

THis sounds so refreshing and delicious!

Chocolate_peppermint_truffle_cookies_032

almost 2 years ago TheWimpyVegetarian

This sounds just perfect for a refreshing drink on a hot summer day!! I love the flavor combinations and the addition of the peppercorns. Now all I need is some hot weather. Or even warm weather would be nice....

Dsc_0675-x2a

almost 2 years ago Sagegreen

Thanks, Suzanne.

Img_7818

almost 2 years ago EmilyC

This sounds wonderful and features two of my favorite ingredients!

Dsc_0675-x2a

almost 2 years ago Sagegreen

Thanks, Emily.

Linda_cooking

almost 2 years ago Beautiful, Memorable Food

This sounds so refreshing and sophisticated! I agree with the muddling. I used a muddler for making caipirinhas, and since then have muddled Meyer lemons for making lemonade for my kids (instead of just squeezing).

Dsc_0675-x2a

almost 2 years ago Sagegreen

Thanks. I bet your caipirinhas are wonderful!

Img_1958

almost 2 years ago gingerroot

I love everything about this. Especially the addition of black pepper. After lamenting a dearth of rhubarb in HI, I found some decent looking stalks at WF yesterday. I can't wait to try this. Thanks, Sagegreen!

Dsc_0675-x2a

almost 2 years ago Sagegreen

Thanks, gingerroot. , Please let me know how you like this and if you have any suggestions. My goal is to keep this simple and pure.

Gator_cake

almost 2 years ago hardlikearmour

hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.

♥ ♥ ♥

Dsc_0675-x2a

almost 2 years ago Sagegreen

Thanks, hla!

Img_0001

almost 2 years ago Kukla

Looks beautiful!
Sounds very easy to make.

Dsc_0675-x2a

almost 2 years ago Sagegreen

Thanks, Kukla. That is what I was going for, too!

Oldies_joemare_bd

almost 2 years ago sdebrango

Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.

sounds great, you were at smorgasburg? I have heard so many great things about it and plan on going this weekend. I'm at the Flea just about every weekend also. Love the simplicity of your drink!

Dsc_0675-x2a

almost 2 years ago Sagegreen

Thanks, sdebrango. Yes, I found my way to Brooklyn Flea this past weekend, since I was in NY for the closing of a group show. We have small farmer's markets out here in the country. Smorgasbord was very inspiring and really huge!

Oldies_joemare_bd

almost 2 years ago sdebrango

Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.

I know I am amazed at how the brownstoner guys have taken off with these fantastic idea's its truly inspired. I would love to have met you.

Dscn3274

almost 2 years ago inpatskitchen

This looks and sounds amazing!

Dsc_0675-x2a

almost 2 years ago Sagegreen

Thanks, inpatskitchen!

Wedding_pictures_162

almost 2 years ago drbabs

Barbara is a trusted source on General Cooking.

nice! love the ginger!

Dsc_0675-x2a

almost 2 years ago Sagegreen

Thanks so much, drbabs! Hope you are having good luck finding a great new place. Had great time in NY!

Add Comment