✔ Updated · homemade rhubarb syrup, step photos and a mocktail version
A rhubarb gin and tonic is my favorite way to welcome rhubarb season: pink, tart, a little sweet and fizzy. It contains gin, so it's for adults of legal drinking age, and the syrup makes a lovely mocktail too.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Make the rhubarb syrup a day ahead and chill everything: cold gin, cold tonic and plenty of ice keep the drink fizzy for longer.
Why You'll Love This Rhubarb G&T
- Pretty in pink, with no food coloring, just rhubarb.
- Tart and refreshing, not syrupy sweet.
- One syrup, two drinks, since the same syrup makes a great no-alcohol spritz.
What Is a Rhubarb Gin and Tonic?
It's a classic gin and tonic with a tart-sweet rhubarb twist. You can use a ready-made rhubarb gin, or make any gin taste of rhubarb with a quick homemade rhubarb syrup. The result is pale pink, crisp and less bitter than a plain G&T.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Don't press the rhubarb. Let the syrup drip through on its own. Pressing makes it cloudy, and I like seeing that clear pink color in the glass.
- Pink stalks, pinker syrup. Red forced or field rhubarb gives the brightest color. Green stalks taste just as good but make a peachy syrup.
- Plain gin works too. No rhubarb gin? Use a London dry gin and bump the syrup up to 1 ounce, so the rhubarb still comes through.
- Pour tonic gently. Pour it down a bar spoon or the side of the glass and stir once. Stirring hard knocks out the bubbles.
- Mocktail version. Skip the gin. Pour 1 to 2 ounces of rhubarb syrup over ice with a squeeze of lime and top with tonic or soda water. It's the one I make for anyone who isn't drinking, and nobody feels left out.
- Enjoy responsibly. This drink contains about 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of gin. Serve it only to adults of legal drinking age (21+ in the US), and never drink and drive.
Rhubarb Gin and Tonic
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drink5
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kcal55
minutesA rhubarb gin and tonic: rhubarb gin (or London dry gin with extra syrup) over ice with homemade rhubarb syrup and fresh lime, topped with chilled tonic. Contains alcohol, for adults of legal drinking age. The syrup recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups.
Ingredients
- For the rhubarb syrup (about 1 1/2 cups)
4 cups (about 1 lb) fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
- For one drink
1 1/2 to 2 ounces (45 to 50 ml) rhubarb gin (or London dry gin)
1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) rhubarb syrup (use 1 ounce with plain gin)
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
4 to 5 ounces chilled tonic water
ice cubes
rhubarb ribbon or lime wheel, to garnish
Directions
- Make the rhubarb syrup
- Put the chopped rhubarb, sugar and water in a saucepan and stir.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the rhubarb has completely broken down.
- Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and let it drain for up to 30 minutes without pressing the solids, so the syrup stays clear and pink.
- Cool, then pour into a clean jar. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Build the drink
- Fill a highball or large balloon glass with ice. Pour in the gin, rhubarb syrup and lime juice.
- Top with chilled tonic, pouring it down a bar spoon or the side of the glass to keep the bubbles. Stir once, gently.
- Garnish with a rhubarb ribbon or a lime wheel and serve right away.
Notes
- One important tip: try to chill your glass before preparing the cocktail. This will keep your drink cool for longer and enhance its refreshing taste.
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Best Mixers for Rhubarb Gin
- Light or plain tonic: the classic, and the best way to taste the rhubarb.
- Elderflower tonic: floral and soft, lovely in spring.
- Ginger ale or ginger beer: a warm, spicy contrast to the tart fruit.
- Soda water and lemon: lighter and less sweet, for a rhubarb gin fizz.
- Pink grapefruit soda: bittersweet and very refreshing.
Rhubarb Mocktail (No Alcohol)
Pour 1 to 2 ounces of rhubarb syrup over ice, add a good squeeze of lime and top with tonic or soda water. Garnish it exactly like the cocktail, so it feels just as special.
More Drinks to Try
For more gin ideas, see my easy gin cocktails. In summer I also love a watermelon margarita, and for an alcohol-free pitcher my virgin sangria mocktail is always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular gin instead of rhubarb gin?
Yes, and I often do. A London dry gin works fine. Just use 1 ounce of rhubarb syrup instead of 1/2 ounce, so the drink keeps its tangy pink rhubarb flavor.
What tonic goes with rhubarb gin?
A good plain or light Indian tonic lets the rhubarb shine. Elderflower tonic adds a soft floral sweetness, and ginger ale gives a gentle spice. Avoid very bitter or strongly flavored tonics, which hide the fruit.
How long does rhubarb syrup last?
Homemade rhubarb syrup keeps for up to 2 weeks in a clean, sealed jar in the fridge. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for up to 3 months and drop a cube straight into a drink.
Can I make a rhubarb gin and tonic ahead of time?
Mix the drink just before serving so the tonic stays fizzy. You can make the syrup days ahead and chill the gin and tonic, so each drink takes under a minute to build.
How do I make it without alcohol?
Leave out the gin and use 1 to 2 ounces of rhubarb syrup with fresh lime over ice, topped with tonic or soda water. A non-alcoholic gin alternative also works if you want the botanical taste.
