Rhuby Rose Refresher
The summer heat and vodka seltzers are a perfect pair. This light, refreshing cocktail provides a fruity and floral experience—with notes of lemon, rhubarb, and rose—that pairs well with grilled vegetables, herby summer salads, and great friends. Remember, vodka is not required. It would make a great spirit-free cocktail as well.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons rhubarb rose simple syrup
- 2 ounces lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 ounces vodka
- Seltzer water
- Damask rose petals and sprig of mint, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- To make the rhubarb rose simple syrup: Combine 4 parts chopped fresh rhubarb with 1 part sugar and 1 part water in large saucepan. Bring ingredients to a boil, then simmer until thickened slightly (20 minutes or so). Remove from heat and add a splash of rosewater. Stir to combine. Allow mixture to cool before straining out solids and bottling. Cool syrup completely in refrigerator prior to use. (Adapted from recipe on page 6.)
- To make the cocktail: Prepare wine glasses (or glass of choice) by filling them with ice.
- Combine simple syrup, lemon juice, vodka, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well. Pour strained liquid into the prepared glasses. Top off with seltzer. Garnish with a sprinkle of rose petals and sprig of mint.
Notes
This recipe was written using plain seltzer. Feel free to play with flavor by using your favorite seltzer. Strawberry and/or hibiscus flavors would be a delightful addition.
Rhubarb can be difficult to find past June. Grab what you can from your local farmers’ market, chop it up, and freeze it. The simple syrup can be made using frozen as well as fresh rhubarb.
