Father's Day

My Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Cooler

by:
June  1, 2011
4
2 Ratings
  • Serves 3
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

Test Kitchen Notes

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

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 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
Directions
  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.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • JoanG
    JoanG
  • TheWimpyVegetarian
    TheWimpyVegetarian
  • EmilyC
    EmilyC
  • Beautiful, Memorable Food
    Beautiful, Memorable Food
  • gingerroot
    gingerroot

17 Reviews

JoanG June 9, 2011
THis sounds so refreshing and delicious!
 
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....
 
Sagegreen June 6, 2011
Thanks, Suzanne.
 
EmilyC June 2, 2011
This sounds wonderful and features two of my favorite ingredients!
 
Sagegreen June 6, 2011
Thanks, Emily.
 
Beautiful, M. June 1, 2011
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).
 
Sagegreen June 1, 2011
Thanks. I bet your caipirinhas are wonderful!
 
gingerroot June 1, 2011
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!
 
Sagegreen June 1, 2011
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.
 
hardlikearmour June 1, 2011
? ? ?
 
Sagegreen June 1, 2011
Thanks, hla!
 
Kukla June 1, 2011
Looks beautiful!
Sounds very easy to make.
 
Sagegreen June 1, 2011
Thanks, Kukla. That is what I was going for, too!
 
inpatskitchen June 1, 2011
This looks and sounds amazing!
 
Sagegreen June 1, 2011
Thanks, inpatskitchen!
 
drbabs June 1, 2011
nice! love the ginger!
 
Sagegreen June 1, 2011
Thanks so much, drbabs! Hope you are having good luck finding a great new place. Had great time in NY!