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    Home » Recipes » Drink Recipes

    Homemade Rhubarb Syrup (Rhubarb Cordial)

    Published: Jun 7, 2024 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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!

    sparkling water with rhubarb syrup in a glass next to cut up rhubarb.

    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

    Labeled ingredients for rhubarb syrup (cordial).

    Just 4 simple ingredients here! Fresh or frozen rhubarb stalks, fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar and water.

    Special Equipment Needed

    • Fine mesh strainer

    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.
    Close up of cut up rhubarb.
    • 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.
    Cut up rhubarb in a saucepan with a wooden spoon.
    Cooked rhubarb in a saucepan with a wooden spoon.
    • 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.
    Rhubarb syrup in a glass bowl.
    • 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

    What is a "Cordial"?

    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.

    How can I vary this recipe?

    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!

    What is the best way to store rhubarb syrup?

    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.

    Can I freeze this recipe?

    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!

    Rhubarb cocktail in a martini glass next to a lime and bottle of rhubarb syrup (cordial).

    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:

    • Close up of Strawberry Rhubarb Compote on ice cream.
      Strawberry Rhubarb Compote (Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce)
    • Old-Fashioned Norwegian Rhubarb Crumb Cake on a plate next to a glass of milk.
      Old-Fashioned Norwegian Rhubarb Crumb Cake
    • A slice of strawberry rhubarb galette with a scoop of ice cream and a fork and a cup of coffee
      Rustic Strawberry Rhubarb Rye Galette
    • Two strawberry rhubarb scones stacked on a plate
      Strawberry Rhubarb Barley Scones

    Recipe

    close up of glass of rhubarb syrup (cordial) and sparkling water.

    Homemade Rhubarb Syrup (Rhubarb Cordial)

    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. With only a handful of ingredients, it is also incredibly easy to make at home!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian, Swedish
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 23 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 72kcal
    Author: Kristi

    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

    Storage and Freezing Instructions:  If refrigerated promptly, this syrup will keep tightly covered in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. For longer storage, I recommend freezing.  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!
    Variations:  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!
    Ways to Use Rhubarb Syrup:
    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.  Other ideas:
      • 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

    Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @TrueNorthKitchen or tag #truenorthkitchen!

    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.

    More Nordic/Scandinavian Drink Recipes

    • Cardamom Hot Chocolate in a glass mug with whipped cream.
      Cardamom Hot Chocolate
    • Close up of rhubarb cocktail.
      Elegant and Easy Rhubarb Cocktail
    • Cup of white mulled wine with cinnamon sticks and spices.
      White Swedish Glögg with Elderflower Liqueur (Mulled White Wine)
    • Close up of a glass of beet juice.
      Homemade Beet Juice (in the blender)

    Comments

    1. Kristi says

      June 07, 2024 at 12:41 pm

      5 stars
      So refreshing and delicious!

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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