Get ready to brighten your day with a pitcher of Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade! This zesty, rosy-hued drink is summer in a glass, bursting with tangy rhubarb, sunny lemon, and a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re craving a backyard sipper, a festive centerpiece for your barbecue, or a non-alcoholic treat to impress your friends, this recipe delivers a vibrant twist on classic lemonade. It’s equally perfect for family picnics and elegant brunches—guaranteed to make every sip unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Rhubarb Syrup:
- 4 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Lemonade:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4 to 6 lemons)
- 3 cups cold water
- Ice cubes for serving
- Lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish
How to Make Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade
Step 1: Simmer the Rhubarb
Combine your chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, and 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it boils, lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. The rhubarb should soften completely and start to break apart, releasing vibrant color and tangy goodness into the liquid.
Step 2: Strain the Syrup
Remove the pot from the heat. Set a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl or heatproof measuring cup, and carefully pour in the hot mixture. Use the back of a spoon to gently press on the solids—this step extracts every last drop of that sweet-tart rhubarb syrup, and you’ll see the prettiest blush-pink liquid emerge! Discard the leftover solids, and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Mix with Lemon and Water
Grab a large pitcher and pour in your cooled rhubarb syrup. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir everything together until completely combined. Go ahead and taste it: if you prefer your lemonade a little sweeter, now’s your chance to mix in a bit more sugar or even honey. Everyone’s rhubarb and lemons are a bit different, so make it your own!
Step 4: Chill and Serve Over Ice
Pop the pitcher into the fridge and chill until you’re ready to serve—half an hour usually does the trick to make it ice-cold and perfectly refreshing. When it’s time to pour, fill glasses with ice, then add your beautiful Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint for that ultimate finishing touch. Cheers!
How to Serve Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade
Garnishes
No glass of Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade is complete without a flourish! Classic lemon wheels add vibrant color, while fresh mint brings an herbal lift and a hint of fragrance with every sip. For extra glam, try adding a few thin slices of rhubarb, edible flowers, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra sparkle.
Side Dishes
This tangy lemonade pairs beautifully with light summer fare. Bring it to picnics with cucumber tea sandwiches, grilled chicken skewers, or a vibrant berry salad. At brunch, serve alongside scones or fruit tarts. It’s especially delicious with anything that can soak up a bit of its sweet-tart flavor!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider serving Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade in a large glass beverage dispenser with a spout, so guests can help themselves all afternoon. Or make fun lemonade popsicles by pouring the mixture into molds and freezing. Hosting adults? Top with club soda or sparkling wine for a bubbly twist, or use the syrup as a mixer in creative cocktails.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade holds up beautifully in the fridge for two to three days. Store it in a tightly sealed pitcher or jar—you’ll notice the flavors mellow and meld together, making each pour even tastier. Just give it a good stir before serving, as natural settling may occur.
Freezing
If you want to keep that springtime flavor going all year, freeze the rhubarb syrup (without the lemon or water) in ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready for a cool-down, pop a few rhubarb cubes into a glass, add lemon juice and water, and you’ve got a speedy, icy version of Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade on demand.
Reheating
While you won’t need to reheat the finished lemonade, if your rhubarb syrup thickens or chills too much in the fridge, you can gently bring it to room temperature by setting the container on the counter for a bit, or whisking in a little warm water. Once fluid, finish with lemon juice and cold water as usual.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen rhubarb works beautifully—just toss it straight into the saucepan without thawing. It will break down quickly and yield plenty of tart flavor and color, almost identical to fresh rhubarb.
What can I substitute for sugar?
If you prefer a different sweetener, try honey, agave syrup, or even maple syrup for a unique twist. Just keep in mind these will adjust the overall flavor profile. Taste as you go, and add little by little until the right balance is struck.
How do I make this lemonade sparkling?
For a fizzy version of Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade, simply replace some or all of the final 3 cups of water with chilled club soda or sparkling water after mixing the syrup and lemon juice. Serve immediately to preserve those lively bubbles!
Is this recipe suitable for kids and special diets?
Yes! This is a vegan and gluten-free drink, and since you control the sweetness, it’s easy to adapt for the whole family. You can even reduce the sugar for little ones or use a sugar alternative for fewer calories.
How do I adjust the taste if it’s too tart or too sweet?
If your lemonade is too tart, just stir in a bit more sugar (or your preferred sweetener) until you love it. If it turns out too sweet, add extra lemon juice or a splash of water for brightness and balance. The best part of homemade is making it just right for you!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new twist on classic lemonade, Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade will quickly become your favorite go-to. Bursting with bold flavors and beautiful color, this drink is both a treat and a conversation starter. Next time the sun’s out and you need something special, give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever did summer without it!
Print
Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the tangy and refreshing taste of homemade Rhubarb Lemonade with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a hot summer day or any time you need a cool, thirst-quenching beverage.
Ingredients
ScaleRhubarb Syrup:
- 4 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Lemonade:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4 to 6 lemons)
- 3 cups cold water
- Ice cubes for serving
- Lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Rhubarb Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, and 2 cups of water. Boil, then simmer for 15 minutes until rhubarb is soft. Strain through a sieve, press to extract liquid, and cool.
- Make Lemonade: In a pitcher, mix rhubarb syrup, lemon juice, and 3 cups water. Adjust sweetness, chill, and serve over ice with garnish.
Notes
- For a sparkling version, replace water with club soda.
- Freeze rhubarb syrup in ice cube trays for quick lemonade.
- Adjust sugar based on tartness of rhubarb and lemons.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
