Rhubarb season is short but flavorful, and nothing captures its unique sweet-tart essence quite like a Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup. Whether you’re mixing up a refreshing cocktail, drizzling over pancakes, or creating a glaze for baked treats, this vibrant syrup adds a punch of flavor and a beautiful rosy hue. Made with just three ingredients and customizable with aromatic infusions like vanilla or citrus peel, it’s an easy way to make the most of your rhubarb harvest.
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Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Syrup Recipe
This Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup is more than just a seasonal treat — it’s a kitchen staple with a twist. It’s naturally infused with rhubarb’s distinct tang, making it an ideal match for cocktails, lemonades, cakes, and breakfast favorites. Unlike store-bought syrups, this version lets you control the sweetness, tweak the flavor, and skip the preservatives. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy the taste of spring long after the season ends.
Fresh Ingredients That Make All the Difference
• Rhubarb: Provides the syrup’s signature tartness and vibrant pink hue
• Water: Acts as the base for the infusion, extracting color and flavor from the rhubarb
• Granulated Sugar: Balances rhubarb’s sharpness with smooth sweetness
• Cinnamon Stick (optional): Adds a subtle warm spice
• Vanilla Bean (optional): Infuses the syrup with mellow, aromatic notes
• Fresh Ginger (optional): Adds a mild kick and depth
• Citrus Peel (lemon, lime, or orange, optional): Brightens the syrup with zesty flavor
• Mint Leaves (optional): Lends a fresh, herbaceous finish
Each optional flavoring complements rhubarb beautifully, making the syrup more versatile and gourmet.
Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Adjustments
If you’re short on ingredients or catering to dietary needs, consider these alternatives:
• Honey or maple syrup in place of sugar for a more natural sweetener
• Frozen rhubarb works well when fresh isn’t available — just thaw before using
• Coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor
• Citrus zest powder as a dry alternative to fresh peels
These swaps help you tailor your rhubarb syrup to taste, season, and pantry availability.
How to Make Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the Rhubarb: Wash and chop fresh rhubarb into small pieces. Discard the leaves as they are toxic. Use firm, vibrant stalks for best results.
- Simmer the Rhubarb: Combine the chopped rhubarb and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for 20–25 minutes until the rhubarb is soft and falling apart.
- Strain the Liquid: Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the mixture through. Do not press on the fruit — this ensures a clear syrup.
- Sweeten the Syrup: Return the infused liquid to the saucepan. Stir in the sugar and bring to a boil again. Let it cook for 5 minutes, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add Optional Flavorings: Once off the heat, add any desired flavorings like vanilla, mint, or citrus peel. Let them steep as the syrup cools, anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on flavor strength desired.
- Cool and Store: Remove the flavorings, and once fully cooled, transfer the Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup to a clean, airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).
Expert Tips for the Perfect Rhubarb Syrup
• Avoid pressing the rhubarb in the strainer to keep the syrup from becoming cloudy.
• Use deep red stalks for the most vibrant color.
• Balance tartness by adjusting the sugar — more for sweetness, less for tang.
• Add flavorings only after boiling to preserve delicate aromas.
• Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and spoilage.
A few mindful tweaks can elevate your rhubarb simple syrup from good to gourmet.
Serving Suggestions and Fun Variations
There are countless ways to use Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup. Here are a few creative ideas:
• Drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a fruity twist
• Stir into sparkling water for a homemade rhubarb soda
• Mix into gin or vodka cocktails like a Rhubarb Lime Rickey
• Blend with lemonade for a tart, pink refreshment
• Use as a glaze for pound cake or shortbread
• Spoon over ice cream or yogurt for a fruity topping
Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes while steeping. Going sugar-free? Use monk fruit sweetener and reduce the sugar to taste.
Seasonal Benefits of Rhubarb Syrup
Spring is the best time for making Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup, as rhubarb is at its peak — crisp, tart, and colorful. It’s also rich in vitamin K, calcium, and antioxidants, making it not only flavorful but a nutrient-boosting addition to your desserts and drinks. Plus, rhubarb’s natural acidity enhances digestion and balances out overly sweet dishes.
From its bold flavor to its rosy hue, rhubarb is a seasonal superstar worth preserving in syrup form.
Final Thoughts: Why Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup Belongs in Every Kitchen
Making Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup is an effortless way to capture the bold, tart-sweet character of rhubarb and turn it into something incredibly versatile. From brunch drinks and spring cocktails to desserts and sweet breakfasts, this syrup brings both flavor and flair to your recipes. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a seasonal treat that stores well and impresses guests — all while making the most of fresh rhubarb. Whether you’re preserving spring’s harvest or exploring new kitchen experiments, this syrup is your go-to foundation for delicious creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup
Can I use frozen rhubarb to make rhubarb simple syrup?
Yes, frozen rhubarb works just as well as fresh. Just be sure to thaw it completely before simmering. The flavor remains bright, and the color stays vibrant, though frozen rhubarb may break down faster during cooking.
How long does homemade rhubarb syrup last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup lasts up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze it in ice cube trays or jars for up to 3 months.
Can I reduce the sugar in this syrup recipe?
Absolutely. While traditional simple syrup uses a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio, you can use as little as 1 ½ cups of sugar for a more tart result. The flavor of rhubarb still shines, especially if you enjoy less sweetness.
What drinks can I make with rhubarb simple syrup?
The syrup is perfect for cocktails like a Rhubarb Lime Rickey, a rhubarb gin fizz, or simply stirred into lemonade. It also makes a fantastic Italian soda when combined with sparkling water and ice.
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Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 ounces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Rhubarb Simple Syrup is a vibrant, sweet-tart syrup made with fresh rhubarb, perfect for cocktails, pancakes, desserts, and more. Easy to make with just three ingredients and customizable with infusions like vanilla, citrus, or mint.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water: Forms the base for extracting rhubarb flavor
- 3 cups chopped rhubarb: Provides tartness and natural pink color
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances rhubarb’s tartness
- Optional flavorings (1 cinnamon stick, 1 vanilla bean, 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, 2-3 sprigs mint, 3-4 citrus peels): Infuse unique flavor variations
Instructions
- Wash and chop the rhubarb into small pieces. Discard any leaves.
- Combine the rhubarb and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until rhubarb is soft and broken down.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Do not press on the fruit.
- Return the strained liquid to the saucepan and add the sugar.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes until sugar fully dissolves.
- Remove from heat and add optional flavorings. Let steep while cooling, 10–30 minutes.
- Remove flavorings, then transfer syrup to a clean, airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Use deeper red rhubarb stalks for a more colorful syrup.
- Do not press rhubarb through the sieve to avoid cloudy syrup.
- Adjust sugar to taste — less sugar for a tarter result.
- Flavor infusions should steep off the heat to preserve delicate aromas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg