If you've never tried rhubarb gin, you're in for a treat! I've pushed the envelope a little further by introducing strawberries into the mix. After all, rhubarb and strawberries are a winning combination that is frequently paired together in recipes like rhubarb strawberry jam and rhubarb strawberry pie.
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This Rhubarb Gin recipe is very easy to follow and way more delicious than you might expect. I know it totally took me by surprise the first time I tried it.
The strawberries really take it over the top. One friend who recently tried it said that it tasted like it was infused with watermelon. Her husband, on the other hand, didn't want to share the bottle with anyone else. He shall remain nameless... 😂
A delicious, smooth drink that can be sipped or used to make various rhubarb cocktails. Make sure you try my rhubarb sauce and infused gin recipes too!
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🔖 Ingredient & Substitutions
- Rhubarb: Rhubarb is the main ingredient in this recipe, so make sure you choose rhubarb stalks that are fresh, firm, and without blemish. Fresh or frozen rhubarb can be used. The redder the rhubarb, the better, because we want all that beautiful color to seep into the alcohol.
- Strawberries: The strawberries lend an additional depth of flavor that's very complementary to the rhubarb.
- Gin: Although the recipe calls for gin, other non-flavored alcohol works as well, especially vodka and Everclear.
- Syrup: I've snuck a little extra burst of flavor into the syrup by adding cardamom pods and a few orange slices. You may skip one or both if you wish.
🥃 How to Make Rhubarb Gin
Wash rhubarb and chop into ½" sections. Add to a large sterilized jar. Chop strawberries in half and add to the jar.
Cover the fruit with gin, then seal the jar. Place in the pantry for two weeks. Shake the jar every few days.
After two weeks, use a large soup bag to strain the fruit out of the alcohol.
Squeeze the bag to extract all of the alcohol from the fruit.
Pro Tip: Save the strained fruit for blending into mixed drinks.
Funnel the strained alcohol into another jar or bottle.
Prepare Syrup
Add sugar, water, cardamom, and orange slices to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then continue to boil for two additional minutes.
Allow the syrup to cool off, then use a funnel to transfer the syrup into the rhubarb-infused gin.
Seal and shake the bottle, then store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy this Rhubarb Gin Recipe chilled or over ice.
🤷🏻♀️ Recipe FAQs
One way to make Rhubarb Gin is by steeping rhubarb in gin for a few weeks and then straining the fruit and mixing it with simple syrup.
Another option is to add sugar to the chopped rhubarb and allow the sugar to draw out the liquid from the rhubarb. This process is usually done overnight.
Next, add the gin to the mixture and steep for a few weeks or up to a month. Finally, strain the rhubarb liquor into a bottle.
Of the two methods, I prefer the first one. This is because the syrup mixes in much better than the sugar, which tends to settle to the bottom of the bottle. Give both a try and see which you prefer.
Although you can enjoy a shot of Rhubarb Gin on its own (similar to Italian Limoncello) it is also excellent when mixed with other sparkling beverages.
One such beverage is Soleil Sparkling Water. It comes in many flavors, but my favorite flavor is cucumber melon.
Mix in one or two shots of Rhubarb Gin over ice for a refreshing drink!
One of the reasons Rhubarb Gin might not be as pink as you'd like is due to the color of the rhubarb you use.
I recently received two batches of rhubarb from two of my friends in Montana. The first batch I received was not very red and did not change the color of the alcohol.
For this reason, I decided to add strawberries, which ended up being an excellent idea. Not only because it intensified the color, but because the flavor combination was absolutely delicious!
The second batch I received was a lot more intense in color (pictured above). So, when making this recipe, I recommend choosing darker rhubarb or adding strawberries. Or heck, why not do both?
👩🏼🍳 Pro Tips
- If you don't like gin or don't have any at home, you can substitute vodka instead.
- Feel free to leave out the cardamom and orange slices. Although they are used to enhance the flavor, they are not essential to the recipe.
- Frozen strawberries work great in this recipe and save on prep time.
- Some recipes suggest steeping the rhubarb for up to a month. I've had excellent results with just ten days, but prefer steeping it for two weeks, if possible.
- Rhubarb Gin is gorgeous when bottled and makes an excellent gift for the holidays or any time of year. I recommend these bottles.
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📖 Recipe
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Ingredients
Method
- Wash rhubarb and chop into ½" sections. Add to a large sterilized jar.
- Chop strawberries in half and add to the jar.
- Cover the fruit with gin then seal the jar. Place in a dark location for two weeks. Shake the jar every few days.
- After two weeks, use a large soup bag to strain the fruit out of the alcohol.
- Squeeze the bag to extract all of the alcohol from the fruit.
- Save the strained fruit for blending into mixed drinks.
- Funnel the strained alcohol into another jar or bottle.
- Add sugar, water, cardamom, and orange slices to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then continue to boil for two additional minutes.
- Allow the syrup to cool off. Use a funnel to transfer the syrup into the rhubarb-infused gin.
- Seal and shake the bottle then store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy chilled or over ice.
Nutrition
Notes
- If you don't like gin or don't have any at home, you can substitute vodka instead.
- Feel free to leave out the cardamom and orange slices. Although they are used to enhance the flavor, they are not essential to the recipe.
- Frozen strawberries work great in this recipe and save on prep time.
- Some recipes suggest steeping the rhubarb up to a month. I've had excellent results with just ten days, but prefer steeping it for two weeks, if possible.
- Rhubarb Gin is gorgeous when bottled and makes an excellent gift for the holidays or any time of year. I recommend these bottles.
Sally Brauss says
I can't wait to try this infusion this summer as I LOVE anything strawberry rhubarb and will definitely add the cardamom! I'm particularly excited to see that you use Ruby River Gin from Bozeman Spirits, as Bozeman has been my home for 41 years and their gin is truly my favorite!!
Hilda Sterner says
Hi neighbor, I live in Lincoln county, an hour from Kalispell. I hope you enjoy the strawberry gin!
Claire Simpson says
Excellent! I have made this twice. I probably added a few more strawberries than the recipe suggested. I did use cardamom but our cardamom is fairly old and didn't impart much flavour to the finished product.
All my friends love it!
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Claire, thank you so much for your comment, glad it was enjoyed!