This easy rhubarb liqueur is endlessly adaptable – customize the sweetness, add warming spices, or try it with different fruits to create a variety of refreshing summer drinks.
Split vanilla pods, sliced ginger, bruised green cardamom pods, citrus peel or fennel seeds can all be added at the start, and the rhubarb can be supplemented or replaced with any summer berry, melon, or stone fruit to make a summer cocktail that's unique to you.
Just be aware that while it only takes 10 minutes to prep, you'll need to leave it for 7 - 30 days to fully infuse, so this one does take a little planning ahead.
If you prefer it sweeter to drink neat, simply add more sugar and leave to macerate a little longer before straining. Or add it to lemonade or sparkling water and elderflower cordial for a refreshing soft drink. Add a shot of vodka, gin or another liquor of your choice to give it a boozy twist.
Ingredients
- 34 fl oz vodka
- 3 cups rhubarb, rinsed, dried and sliced
- ¼ cup sugar, or to taste
- Crushed ice
- Sliced lemon
- Thyme or rosemary sprigs
- Chilled sparkling water or lemonade, to serve
The Homes & Gardens method
- Put the vodka, rhubarb and sugar in a large, lidded vessel of some sort and place in a cool day place for anything from 7 days to 30 days, turning every couple of days to gently muddle the ingredients together.
- Strain through a muslin-lined sieve to remove the spent fruit and transfer to sterilized bottles or jar (either run them through the hot wash of a dishwasher to sterilize, or wash heatproof jars/bottles in hot soapy water and dry out in a low oven).
- Again, store the liqueur in a cool, dark place or the fridge.
- To make up as a long drink, pour 1-1.5 fl oz liqueur over crushed ice in tall glasses with sliced lemon and herb sprigs, such as thyme or rosemary.
- Top up with sparkling water or lemonade, according to taste.
The KFFKFF sieve with 10 mesh screen from Walmart is an excellent tool for straining your homemade liqueurs and syrups. Its fine 10 mesh screen effectively filters out pulp, seeds, and spices, leaving you with a smooth, clear liquid every time.
