Celebrating Summer with Rhubarb Cocktails

There's something utterly magical about rhubarb season. Those vibrant pink stalks, with their perfect balance of tart and sweet, are the first reminder that warmer days are coming. When autumn’s harvest nears its ends and winter’s offerings have lost their appeal, the first sighting of rhubarb is a welcome tonic to tired eyes. While most of us grew up knowing rhubarb as the star of crumbles, it’s currently enjoying its renaissance and can be found pickled, poached and paired with almost anything - sweet or savoury.

Rhubarb's natural acidity makes it a bartender's dream. It's sharp enough to cut through rich spirits, sweet enough to balance bitter, and that gorgeous natural pink hue makes every drink Instagram-worthy before you've even taken your first sip. Whether you're hosting a garden party, enjoying a quiet evening on the terrace, or looking for something special to serve at your next dinner party, rhubarb cocktails bring that perfect touch of British sophistication to any gathering.

Three Ways to Fall in Love with Rhubarb

The Rhubarb Lagerita: A British Twist on a Mexican Classic

Who says margaritas have to be all lime and salt? Our rhubarb lagerita takes the beloved tequila cocktail and gives it a distinctly British makeover. The rhubarb's tartness plays beautifully with quality tequila, while a lager top keeps it perfectly sippable. 

You'll need:

• 50ml good quality tequila 

• 50ml rhubarb syrup

• 25ml triple sec or Cointreau

• 15ml fresh lemon juice

• Lager to top up

Shake all ingredients except the lager with ice and strain into a tall glass with ice, and top with lager as desired. The result is playful, refreshing, and utterly addictive.

The Rhubarb Sour: Classic Meets Contemporary

The whiskey sour is a classic for a reason – it's perfectly balanced, endlessly satisfying, and surprisingly elegant. Our rhubarb version elevates this timeless cocktail with seasonal British produce, creating something that feels both familiar and completely fresh.

You'll need:

• 50ml good bourbon or rye whiskey

• 50ml rhubarb syrup

• 25ml fresh lemon juice

• 15ml egg white (optional, for texture - about ½ an egg white)

• Lemon twist, to garnish

Add ice and all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously, before straining into a chilled coupe.

The rhubarb's tartness complements the whiskey's warmth beautifully, while the optional egg white adds a silky texture that makes each sip feel like a small luxury. It's the kind of drink that works equally well as a pre-dinner aperitif or a thoughtful nightcap.

The Rhubarb Refresher: Alcohol-Free but Never Boring

Not every special drink needs alcohol to be memorable. Our rhubarb soft drink is proof that non-alcoholic options can be just as sophisticated and satisfying as their boozy counterparts. 

You'll need:

• 30ml rhubarb syrup

• 20ml fresh lime juice

• 200ml ginger beer

• Fresh mint sprig

Pour ginger beer and lime over ice into a tumbler and top with rhubarb syrup to create a beautiful sunset of a drink. Garnish with fresh mint.

Simple, refreshing, and with that beautiful pink hue that makes every glass feel like a celebration. The ginger beer adds warmth and effervescence while the mint brings a fresh, aromatic finish.

Making Your Own Rhubarb Syrup

The secret to all these cocktails is good rhubarb syrup, and fortunately, it's surprisingly easy to make at home. Simply combine 750g chopped rhubarb with 500g sugar and 500ml water in a saucepan (adjust as necessary, but this will make a good amount). Bring to the boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rhubarb has completely broken down. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the pulp to extract every drop of that gorgeous pink liquid. The syrup will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks – though we doubt it will last that long.

The Perfect Occasion

These cocktails are made for sharing. Picture a lazy Sunday afternoon in the garden, friends gathered around a table laden with seasonal treats, the sound of laughter mixing with the clink of glasses. Or perhaps a more intimate setting – a dinner party where these drinks serve as the perfect conversation starter, their unusual flavour profile sparking discussions about seasonal cooking and British produce.

So this summer, when you spot those beautiful pink stalks at your local farmers' market or notice the rhubarb in your garden reaching peak perfection, don't just think crumble. Think cocktails. Think celebration. Think pink perfection in a glass.