Make Ahead

Sparkling Rhubarb Lemonade

by:
April 19, 2010
3.8
4 Ratings
Sparkling Rhubarb Lemonade
Photo by James Ransom
  • Prep time 20 minutes
  • Cook time 30 minutes
  • Serves 6
Author Notes

Homemade lemonade is always a treat, and this lovely pink version with the surprising flavor of rhubarb and brightness of fresh mint is sure to impress. A shot of rum or gin couldn't hurt! - TheRunawaySpoon —TheRunawaySpoon

Test Kitchen Notes

WHO: TheRunawaySpoon is a food writer who is somewhere in between a food snob and a food schlub.
WHAT: The drink you should sip all of spring.
HOW: Make a rhubarb-lemon simple syrup, and then add lemon juice and sparkling water.
WHY WE LOVE IT: This lemonade has just enough bubbles and brightness to make it truly refreshing. The flavor actually deepens after a day or two—so add sparkling water when you're ready to drink. As TheRunawaySpoon says, a shot of rum or gin would make this the perfect spring cocktail. —Food52

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 3 1/2 cups water
  • 5 cups chopped rhubarb, fresh or frozen (20 ounces)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 3-inch strips lemon zest
  • 3 sprigs fresh mint
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cups lemon-lime soda or sparkling water
Directions
  1. In a saucepan, stir together the water, the rhubarb pieces, the sugar, the lemon zest and the mint. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
  2. Let the rhubarb mixture cool, the strain it through a wire-mesh strainer set over a large pitcher. Press on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
  3. Stir in the lemon juice and soda. Serve over ice, garnished with a sprig of mint.
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TheRunawaySpoon
I think I am like most people. Somewhere in the middle between food snob and food schlub. Just being in the kitchen makes me happy.

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15 Reviews

Stephanie
Stephanie September 7, 2024
This is THE most refreshing drink imaginable ... we mix it with various Bubly flavours ... and occasionally gin or vodka as well. Summer in a glass!
 
ghainskom
ghainskom May 28, 2019
Made this as is and loved it. It's not too sweet, just right.
 
zarakat
zarakat July 9, 2017
I made the syrup and kept it in my fridge so I can make one drink at a time. I used 4 oz of syrup, 4 oz of soda, the juice of half a lemon over lots of ice for one drink. I also tried it with a shot of gin or a good splash of white wine, both are great.
 
lgoldenhar
lgoldenhar June 10, 2017
Super refreshing and the sparkling water is a nice touch. I found this pretty sweet, but I also used way less rhubarb than what the recipe called for. I only had 4.7 ounces, but I decide to try anyway. It still worked, but I might add more sparkling water to cut down on the sweetness.
 
Gina E.
Gina E. July 5, 2015
This was delicious! Though I used 4 cups rhubarb and 1 cup strawberries. Was good with or without sparkling beverage. Tried both ways. Added one small can lemon Perrigrino. Just a small fizz, but lighter. It was a hit on the 4th of July. Just the perfect thirst quencer.
 
Jean D.
Jean D. September 13, 2014
Was introduced to this by a friend in Minnesota - she used about a short of each: vodka, 7 up and the lemonade - just a great drink; perfect for a summer day!!!
 
Debbie
Debbie May 21, 2014
Soooo this was okay. I love rhubarb- and lemonade....but it needs waaaay more sugar, and lemon juice to balance out the flavor. Next time I will do half rhubard, half strawberry. I wont be making this particular recipe again, but using it as a guideline to try something new :)
 
AngelaM-E
AngelaM-E May 23, 2013
I made this last week for a party. It was tart and delicious mixed with booze or even straight. It was gone quickly, next time, I'll make double :) thanks!
 
cook4fun
cook4fun May 22, 2013
I've just been asked to "please pick the rhubarb" by a friend who doesn't want her rhubarb to go to waste. I now know what will be the first recipe I prepare with it: Sparkling or even still Rhubarb Lemonade. Thank you, it sounds so refreshing and looks so beautiful.
 
nutritioulicious
nutritioulicious May 22, 2013
This looks great! I just made a Strawberry-Rhubarb Mimosa and am excited to make more drinks w rhubarb!
 
jenniebgood
jenniebgood May 22, 2013
yummy yummy yummy!
 
QueenSashy
QueenSashy May 15, 2013
Yay, what a delight, congrats!
 
hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour May 15, 2013
Congratulations! This sounds refreshing and delicious, plus I love it's delicate pink color.
 
cheese1227
cheese1227 April 21, 2010
I do a similiar recipe with strawberries, but I can do this one now before the strawberries even arrive. Thanks!
 
theicp
theicp April 21, 2010
This sounds so delish!