Easy Rhubarb Cordial: A Bright, Refreshing Homemade Drink for Any Occasion
An approachable, beginner‑friendly recipe that turns humble rhubarb into a sparkling, lightly sweetened cordial perfect for cocktails, mocktails, and everyday sipping.
Introduction
If you’ve ever walked past a farmer’s market in early spring and been greeted by the vivid pink stalks of rhubarb, you know the plant’s reputation for being both strikingly beautiful and a little intimidating. Its tart, vegetal flavor can feel too sharp for the uninitiated, and the traditional “rhubarb pie” approach often masks the fruit’s natural brightness with copious sugar and pastry.
Enter the Easy Rhubarb Cordial – a simple, hands‑on recipe that celebrates rhubarb’s natural zing while delivering a balanced, lightly sweet drink that’s ready to serve in seconds. This recipe is deliberately crafted for beginner‑to‑intermediate cooking enthusiasts: the technique is straightforward, the ingredient list is short, and the only real “wait time” is a patient 2‑3‑day infusion that rewards you with a vibrant ruby‑red syrup.
In this post we’ll explore the full meal profile of the cordial, break down each ingredient and why it matters, walk you through the step‑by‑step instructions (presented as a clear numbered list), and share creative serving suggestions & variations to keep your rhubarb cocktail game fresh. By the end, you’ll have a versatile pantry staple that can be mixed with non‑alcoholic spirit, gin, soda water, or even used as a glaze for desserts.
Meal Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Easy Rhubarb Cordial |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Portion | Makes approx. 300 ml (enough to serve 10) |
| Time | Hands‑on: 10 min + 2‑3 days infusing; Simmering: 2 hours |
| Description | This homemade rhubarb cordial highlights both the sweet and vegetal flavours of rhubarb. It’s a light, bright, and spritzy drink that pairs well with just about everything because it’s not overly sweet. Follow our serving suggestion to make a simple rhubarb cocktail. |
The Easy Rhubarb Cordial is more than a beverage; it’s a versatile flavor concentrate that can be used as a base for drinks, a glaze for desserts, or even a bright addition to salad dressings. Its modest yield of 300 ml translates to roughly 30 ml per serving, making it perfect for a party of ten when mixed with soda water or spirit.
Because the recipe calls for a hands‑on time of only ten minutes, the bulk of the work is passive: a 2‑3‑day sugar‑infusion and a gentle 2‑hour simmer. This low‑effort approach is perfect for busy home cooks who want to prep a special ingredient ahead of a weekend gathering.
Ingredient Highlight
Below is a detailed look at each component of the Easy Rhubarb Cordial, why it’s essential, and a few tips for sourcing or substituting them.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Role in the Cordial | Tips & Variations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhubarb (cut into 1 cm slices) | 500 g total (300 g frozen, 200 g for infusion) | Provides the signature tartness, colour, and subtle vegetal notes. Freezing the first 300 g breaks down cell walls, releasing more juice during simmering. | Choose fresh, firm stalks with bright pink to deep red colour. If rhubarb is out of season, you can substitute with a mix of strawberry‑rhubarb puree for a fruitier twist, but adjust sugar accordingly. |
| Granulated sugar | 200 g | Balances the natural acidity of rhubarb, creates a syrupy base, and aids in the infusion process. | For a lower‑calorie version, replace half the sugar with stevia or erythritol; keep in mind the final sweetness may be slightly less intense. |
| Non‑alcoholic spirit (e.g., Feragaia) or gin (optional) | 300 ml | Adds depth and a botanical lift when mixed into the final drink. The non‑alcoholic option keeps the cordial family‑friendly. | If you prefer a completely alcohol‑free cocktail, simply omit this step and top the cordial with soda water. |
| Soda water | To top | Provides effervescence, turning the cordial into a spritz. | Sparkling mineral water works best for a clean finish; flavored sodas can introduce new layers (e.g., ginger ale for a spicy note). |
| Rhubarb ribbons (optional) | For garnish | Visual appeal and a fresh bite of crisp rhubarb. | Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to create thin ribbons. For extra flair, dip ribbons in a quick sugar‑water glaze before adding to the glass. |
Why the Freezing Step Matters
Freezing 300 g of rhubarb before simmering is a clever culinary hack. When rhubarb cells freeze, ice crystals rupture the walls, allowing the subsequent gentle heat to coax out more juice. This results in a richer, more concentrated flavor without needing extra fruit.
The Infusion Period
The remaining 200 g of rhubarb combined with sugar and a splash of water sits in the refrigerator for 2‑3 days. During this time, the sugar dissolves completely, and the rhubarb’s pigments and aromatics seep into the liquid, creating a deep pink‑orange syrup. Patience is key—rushing this step yields a thinner, less aromatic cordial.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Below is the full workflow for the Easy Rhubarb Cordial, presented as a numbered list for easy reference. Follow each step in order, and you’ll have a polished, shelf‑stable cordial ready to pour.
- Prepare the fruit
- Cut 500 g of rhubarb into roughly 1 cm slices.
- Separate 300 g (about 60 % of the total) and place it in a freezer‑safe container. Freeze until solid.
- Create the sugar infusion
- In a clean jar or container, combine the remaining 200 g of rhubarb slices, 200 g granulated sugar, and 100 ml water.
- Stir vigorously until the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Seal the container and refrigerate for 2‑3 days. This long, slow infusion allows the sugar to fully dissolve and the rhubarb’s colour and flavour to permeate the liquid.
- Defrost and simmer the frozen rhubarb
- After the infusion period, transfer the frozen 300 g rhubarb to a metal bowl.
- Cover the bowl tightly with foil to trap steam.
- Set the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water (a double‑boiler setup).
- Allow the rhubarb to defrost and cook for 2 hours. The slow heat draws out the juice, thanks to the cell‑wall damage caused by freezing.
- Combine the two liquids
- Once the frozen rhubarb has finished cooking, strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve into a sterilised jar or bottle.
- Separately, strain the syrupy liquid from the infused rhubarb‑sugar mixture (the 2‑3‑day jar) into the same container.
- Mix the two liquids together, giving the cordial a harmonious balance of fresh rhubarb juice and sweet syrup.
- Store and chill
- Seal the jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator. The cordial will keep up to one week.
- Serve the cocktail (optional but recommended)
- Measure 30 ml of Easy Rhubarb Cordial into a glass.
- Add 30 ml of non‑alcoholic spirit (or gin, if you prefer).
- Top with soda water to fill the glass.
- Gently stir, then garnish with a ribbon of rhubarb for visual flair.
Tip: If you’re serving a larger crowd, simply scale the mixing ratios (1:1 cordial to spirit, topped with soda) while keeping the total volume of soda water proportional.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
The beauty of the Easy Rhubarb Cordial lies in its adaptability. Below are several ideas to keep your drinks menu exciting, plus a few culinary twists that extend the cordial beyond the glass.
Classic Rhubarb Spritz
- Glass: Highball or Collins glass
- Ratio: 30 ml cordial : 30 ml non‑alcoholic spirit (or gin) : 120 ml soda water
- Garnish: Rhubarb ribbon, a sprig of fresh mint, or a thin lemon wheel
Serve over large ice cubes to keep the drink chilled without diluting it too quickly.
Summer Mocktail
- Ingredients: 45 ml cordial, 150 ml sparkling water, a splash of elderflower cordial, fresh basil leaves.
- Method: Build the drink over ice, stir gently, and finish with a basil leaf for an herbaceous aroma.
Rhubarb‑Gin Fizz (Adult Version)
- Ingredients: 45 ml cordial, 45 ml London dry gin, 15 ml fresh lemon juice, 90 ml club soda.
- Method: Shake cordial, gin, and lemon juice with ice, strain into a chilled glass, top with soda, and garnish with a lemon twist.
Culinary Uses
| Use | How to Apply | Flavor Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Dessert glaze | Brush 2 tbsp cordial over freshly baked scones or pound cake while still warm. | Adds a subtle tart‑sweet sheen that complements buttery pastries. |
| Salad dressing | Whisk 1 tbsp cordial with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and a pinch of sea salt. | Provides a bright, acidic note that lifts mixed greens or beet salads. |
| Marinade for pork | Combine ¼ cup cordial with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and a dash of chili flakes. Marinate pork tenderloin for 2 hours before grilling. | The acidity tenderises the meat while the rhubarb’s fruitiness balances the savory depth. |
Seasonal Twists
- Berry Boost: Add a handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries to the infusion jar for a pink‑red hue and a burst of berry flavour. Reduce sugar by 25 g to avoid over‑sweetening.
- Spiced Cordial: During the 2‑hour simmer, toss in a cinnamon stick and a few star anise pods. Remove before straining for a warm, festive profile perfect for autumn gatherings.
- Herbal Infusion: Add a few fresh thyme sprigs to the soda water when serving for an aromatic, garden‑fresh finish.
Conclusion
The Easy Rhubarb Cordial proves that sophisticated, restaurant‑quality drinks don’t have to be complicated. By leveraging a simple freeze‑then‑simmer technique and a brief refrigeration infusion, you can transform humble rhubarb into a bright, lightly sweet concentrate that shines in cocktails, mocktails, and even culinary applications.
Because the recipe is easy, budget‑friendly, and yields a modest 300 ml batch, it fits perfectly into the pantry of a beginner‑to‑intermediate home cook looking to experiment with seasonal produce. The only real commitment is the 2‑3‑day waiting period—an investment that pays off with a ruby‑red cordial that’s ready to pour whenever inspiration strikes.
So, gather your rhubarb, sugar, and a splash of your favourite (or non‑alcoholic) spirit, follow the step‑by‑step guide, and enjoy the satisfaction of sipping a drink you crafted from scratch. Whether you serve it at a brunch, a summer garden party, or simply enjoy a glass on a quiet evening, the Easy Rhubarb Cordial will become a cherished staple in your beverage repertoire.
Happy brewing, and may your next toast be as vibrant as a spring rhubarb field!
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