Rhubarb Lemonade & Syrup Recipe

When the temperature climbs and rhubarb is in season, it’s time to ditch the store-bought drinks and whip up something bright, homemade, and totally refreshing—like this Rhubarb Lemonade or Rhubarb Syrup. Whether you serve it as a stunning pink lemonade, stir it into sparkling water, or use it to elevate cocktails, this tangy-sweet syrup is pure summer in a glass.

It’s quick to make, naturally vibrant, and endlessly customizable. Use it for mocktails, cocktails, iced teas, or drizzle it over desserts for a creative flavor boost. This recipe gives you two-for-one magic: a versatile rhubarb syrup and the most beautiful lemonade you’ve ever poured.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Lemonade (or Syrup)

• ✅ Gorgeous pink color made naturally with rhubarb

• ✅ Two uses in one — a simple syrup + homemade lemonade

• ✅ Perfect balance of tart, sweet, and citrusy

• ✅ Customizable — add herbs, berries, or spices

• ✅ Great for cocktails, mocktails, sodas, and desserts

This is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a mixologist and a gardener—no artificial colors or preservatives, just pure seasonal flavor.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Rhubarb Syrup:

• 3 cups chopped fresh rhubarb (about 4–5 stalks)

• 1 cup water

• ¾ cup granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup)

• Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest or a slice of fresh ginger

For the Lemonade:

• ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)

• 2–2½ cups cold water or sparkling water (to taste)

• Ice, lemon slices, fresh mint or basil for serving

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Rhubarb Syrup & Lemonade

🍲 Step 1: Make the Rhubarb Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, water, sugar, and any optional flavor additions.

2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the rhubarb is soft and broken down.

3. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl or jar. Press gently to extract as much syrup as possible.

4. Discard solids or save for oatmeal or yogurt.

💡 Tip: Let the syrup cool before using. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

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🍹 Step 2: Make Rhubarb Lemonade

1. In a pitcher, combine cooled rhubarb syrup and lemon juice.

2. Add cold water (still or sparkling) to taste—start with 2 cups and adjust for strength.

3. Stir well and taste. Add more syrup or water as needed.

4. Add ice, lemon slices, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve cold.

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🌿 Flavor Variations to Try

🍓 Rhubarb-Strawberry Lemonade

Add 1 cup of strawberries (chopped or halved) to the saucepan with the rhubarb for a berry twist and slightly sweeter flavor.

🪻 Rhubarb Herb Infusion

Steep fresh basil, mint, or even rosemary in the syrup while it cools for an herbal note.

🌶 Spicy Rhubarb Syrup

Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a few crushed peppercorns to the simmering syrup for a bold kick—great in cocktails!

🧉 Rhubarb Iced Tea

Mix the syrup with chilled brewed black or green tea instead of water for a flavorful summer sipper.

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🍸 How to Use Rhubarb Syrup (Beyond Lemonade)

🍹 Cocktails

• Mix with gin, vodka, or rum for easy seasonal drinks

• Add to a Tom Collins or mojito for a rhubarb twist

• Create a rhubarb margarita with lime juice and tequila

🥤 Mocktails & Sodas

• Stir into club soda or ginger beer

• Add to kombucha or sparkling cider

• Mix with coconut water and lime for a tropical refresher

🍰 Desserts

• Drizzle over vanilla ice cream or pound cake

• Swirl into yogurt or cheesecake

• Use as a base for homemade popsicles

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🧊 Storage Tips

• Rhubarb Syrup: Store in a clean jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

• Freezing Option: Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Use cubes in cocktails or lemonade on demand

• Lemonade: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days

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💬 Rhubarb Lemonade / Syrup FAQs

❓ Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Yes! Just use it straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. You may need to simmer slightly longer to reduce extra water.

🍯 Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar?

Absolutely. Substitute ¾ cup honey or maple syrup for sugar in the syrup step. Add after cooking and cooling for best flavor.

🍋 Do I have to strain the syrup?

Straining gives you a smooth, clear syrup. However, you can skip it for a more rustic, pulpy version—great in smoothies or spooned over oatmeal.

🧊 Can I carbonate the lemonade?

Yes! Use sparkling water or soda water instead of still. Serve immediately after adding bubbles.

🌈 Why is my lemonade not pink?

Color may vary depending on the rhubarb variety. Redder stalks yield a richer pink color. Add a few strawberries or raspberries for enhanced hue if desired.

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🧡 Final Sip: A Tart, Refreshing Ode to Summer

With just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes, you’ll have a gorgeous rhubarb syrup and zesty homemade lemonade that puts anything store-bought to shame. Bright, tart, naturally pink, and totally customizable—this Rhubarb Lemonade is a celebration of summer in every sip.

Make a big pitcher for a cookout, pour it into popsicle molds, or shake up happy hour with a rhubarb twist. However you use it, this is one drink you’ll come back to all season long.