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 are frequently paired together in recipes like Rhubarb Strawberry Jam, and Rhubarb Strawberry pie.
Why This Recipe Works
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.
What Goes Into This Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- Rhubarb — Rhubarb is the main ingredient in this recipe so make sure you choose rhubarb stalks that are fresh, firm, and without blemish. The redder the rhubarb, the better because we want all that beautiful color to seep into the alcohol.
- Strawberries — The strawberries lend ann 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 This Recipe
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.
Save the strained fruit for blending into mixed drinks.
Funnel the strained alcohol into another jar or bottle.
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 chilled or over ice.
Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips
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 was not changing 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?
- 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.
Related Recipes
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Easy Rhubarb Gin
Ingredients
- 3 cups gin
- 2½ cups rhubarb
- ½ cup strawberries
Syrup
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 2 orange slices
- 5 cardamom pods (optional)
Instructions
- 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.
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. 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.
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.
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