This Homemade Rhubarb Syrup (or cordial) is tangy, sweet and the perfect addition to refreshing drinks, cocktails, mocktails and desserts that capture the essence of summer. Made from the stalks of the rhubarb plant and just a few additional ingredients, it is also incredibly easy to make at home!
This rhubarb syrup is known as rabarbersaft in Swedish (rhubarb saft). "Saft" is a term used in Scandinavian countries to describe a fruit concentrate that is typically mixed with sparkling or still water (or something stronger!) to create a refreshing drink. It's the perfect way to use up a bumper crop of rhubarb from the garden.
Keep reading for step-by-step instructions for making your own homemade rhubarb syrup and some delicious ideas for putting it to use!
Why This Recipe Works
- This recipe has only 4 ingredients and quickly and easily cooks down into a delicious rhubarb syrup you'll want to add to ALL the beverages during the summer.
- This syrup is non-alcoholic so which makes it incredibly versatile. You can add it to still or sparkling water for a simple refreshing beverage or add it to your favorite summer cocktail for a tangy, sweet treat.
- It freezes really well so you can stock up and enjoy a refreshing rhubarb drink anytime the mood strikes!
Ingredients
Just 4 simple ingredients here! Fresh or frozen rhubarb stalks, fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar and water.
Special Equipment Needed
How to Make This Recipe
- Begin by chopping your rhubarb into pieces that are no larger than an inch in length. Zest and juice the lemon.
- Add the chopped rhubarb to a large saucepan along with the sugar, water, lemon zest and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce to a simmer. Continue to cook until the rhubarb has completely broken down, about 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the rhubarb mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Be sure to press on the solids in the strainer to extract as much of the liquid as possible. A rubber spatula works great for this.
- Cover and chill the rhubarb syrup until you are ready to serve!
Expert Tips
- Remember that only the stalks of the rhubarb plant are edible. The leaves are not and should be discarded.
- Thoroughly press on the solids left in the strainer to extract as much liquid (and flavor) as possible.
FAQs
The term cordial can refer to a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage. The non-alcoholic variety (like this one) is simply a concentrated sweet syrup that is meant to be mixed with water, sparkling water to create a refreshing drink or used as a cocktail/mocktail ingredient or as a dessert syrup.
Alcoholic cordials contain anywhere from 15% to 30% ABV (alcohol by volume). They are made by infusing spirits such as vodka or brandy with fruits, herbs, spices, and sugars. Alcoholic cordials are used as a cocktail ingredient or simply enjoyed on their own. They can also be used in cooking and baking to add flavor.
Feel free to add some chopped fresh strawberries to the mixture to create a a strawberry-rhubarb cordial or some chopped fresh ginger to turn this into a rhubarb ginger cordial. You can also use orange juice in place of the lemon!
If refrigerated promptly, this syrup will keep tightly covered in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. For longer storage, I recommend freezing. See the FAQ below for information about freezing rhubarb syrup.
Absolutely! The best way to freeze rhubarb syrup is to transfer it to ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag or other tightly sealed freezer safe container. They will keep for several months!
How to Use Rhubarb Syrup (or Cordial)
The easiest way to enjoy this delicious syrup is by simply mixing it with cold sparkling or still water and serving it over ice. So refreshing! Start with a small amount of the syrup (a couple of tablespoons) and add more to taste. If you are ready to branch out from there, give these ideas a try:
- Add a little syrup to a glass of lemonade.
- Mix a little rhubarb syrup with sparkling wine, prosecco or champagne for an elegant pre-dinner cocktail.
- Try this Elegant and Easy Rhubarb Cocktail for a deliciously stylish drink that packs a punch!
- Drizzle the syrup over vanilla, strawberry or cardamom ice cream for an easy, no-fuss dessert.
Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious rhubarb recipes? Give these blog favorites a try:
Recipe
Homemade Rhubarb Syrup (Rhubarb Cordial)
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or frozen rhubarb stalks cut into chunks
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 ½ cups water
Instructions
- Combine the rhubarb, lemon juice and zest, sugar and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook until the rhubarb is extremely tender and the sugar dissolves (about 15 minutes).
- Remove from the heat and pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on the solids to make sure that you extract as much rhubarb flavor as possible.
- Chill and serve.
Notes
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- Add a little syrup to a glass of lemonade.
-
- Mix a little rhubarb syrup with sparkling wine, prosecco or champagne for an elegant pre-dinner cocktail.
-
- Try this Elegant and Easy Rhubarb Cocktail for a deliciously stylish drink that packs a punch!
-
- Drizzle the syrup over vanilla, strawberry or cardamom ice cream for an easy, no-fuss dessert.
Nutrition
If you loved this recipe, give it a star review! Also, snap a picture of your rhubarb syrup (cordial) and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #truenorthkitchen and tagging me @true_north_kitchen.
Kristi says
So refreshing and delicious!