Drinks

Rhubarb Ginger Gin and Tonic

Spring is just around the corner and with it rhubarb season. Say cheers to warmer days, blossoming flowers, and a bounty of produce with this colorful and festive Rhubarb Ginger Gin and Tonic.

There’s something about the herbaceous pop of gin that just feels like springtime and sunshine. Whether it’s in a Strawberry Black Pepper Gin and Tonic or this pretty in pink and purple creation, it’s perfect for a happy hour at home.

Ingredients

You know you’re in for a true experience when the bottle of Empress1908 Gin comes out, magic is about to happen, including with this Rhubarb Ginger Gin and Tonic. Combining this indigo hued gin with just a few simple ingredients, this tarte, refreshing, and colorful cocktail comes together in just a few easy steps.

Rhubarb – This symbol of spring is tart and bright in flavor. Often paired with sweet ingredients such as strawberries, it pairs well with both the sugar in the simple syrup, but also sunny, acidic citrus like the lemon in the gin and tonic.
Sugar – Balances the tartness of the rhubarb while creating the simple syrup.
Water – Helps break down the rhubarb and ginger while being the base for the simple syrup.
Ginger – Gives a spicy note to the simple syrup which adding depth to the botanical flavors of the gin.
Empress1908 Gin – This vibrant colored gin gets its hue from pea blossoms. It contains eight different botanicals including Fairmont empress tea, juniper, grapefruit peels, cinnamon, coriander, rose petals, and ginger root.
Lemon Juice – Echoes the tartness of the rhubarb while bringing a brightness to this cocktail. The acid also helps transform the color of the gin.
Tonic Water – Gives this cocktail its effervescence and keeps it light and refreshing.

How to a Make Rhubarb Ginger Gin and Tonic

There’s something relaxing about the art of crafting the perfect cocktail. There are a couple of easy steps that go into creating this colorful drink, but they are all easy.

Time needed: 20 minutes

Make the rhubarb ginger simple syrup ahead of time and this light, colorful, and bright cocktail comes together in no time.

Simple Syrup
Add your rhubarb, ginger, water, and sugar to a small saucepan and allow it to come to a simmer. Let it cook until the sugar has completely dissolved and the rhubarb has started to break down.
Blend
Add the rhubarb mixture to food processor and blend until it is smooth.
Strain
Run the rhubarb mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any larger or fibrous pieces. Store until ready to use.
Happy Hour
Add the rhubarb puree to the bottom of your cocktail glass. Top with lemon juice followed by ice and the tonic water. Finish with the gin. Cheers!

Variations

Is there anything more classic than the combination of strawberries and rhubarb? You can turn this into a strawberry-rhubarb gin and tonic by adding a strawberry or two to the food processor when you are blending your rhubarb simple syrup. The seeds will be strained out in the mesh strainer.

Tools

Using a food processor allows you to easily break down the rhubarb, giving the simple syrup a thick and luscious puree like texture. Using a fine mesh strainer removes any of the large, fibrous pieces making this drink smooth in every way.

Storage

The rhubarb-ginger simple syrup can be made ahead of time. Keep it chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use and it will keep for up to a week…if it lasts that long!

Top Tips for Rhubarb Ginger Gin and Tonics

There is nothing like a chilled cocktail to toast the weekend with. Give your gin and tonics an extra boost of the chill factor by placing your cocktail glasses in the freezer for an hour before crafting your drinks.

In addition, don’t limit your simple syrups to just this recipe. Using a one-to-one ratio of water to sugar, you can add any of your favorite fruits or spices to the simmering liquid to infuse flavor. Have fun creating your own combinations of simple syrups.

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