Rhubarb liqueur is a vibrant, homemade spirit that captures the tart, fruity essence of fresh rhubarb in a smooth and sippable form. With its beautiful pink hue and sweet-tart balance, this infused liqueur is perfect for cocktails, desserts, or sipping on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making your own rhubarb liqueur is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a delicious, handcrafted liqueur that tastes far better than store-bought alternatives. It’s a fantastic way to preserve rhubarb season, and it makes a thoughtful, eye-catching gift. Plus, it adds a unique twist to cocktails like spritzes, martinis, and fizzes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh rhubarb stalks, chopped
- Granulated sugar
- Vodka (or another neutral spirit like white rum or gin)
- Lemon zest (optional, for added brightness)
Directions
- Clean and chop the rhubarb into small pieces.
- In a large jar or glass container with a lid, combine the rhubarb, sugar, and lemon zest if using.
- Pour vodka over the mixture until the rhubarb is completely submerged. Stir well.
- Seal the container and store it in a cool, dark place for about 2–3 weeks, shaking it gently every few days.
- Once the infusion period is complete, strain the liqueur through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle.
- Discard the solids and let the liqueur rest for another few days to allow flavors to mellow before using.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 3–4 cups of rhubarb liqueur.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Infusion time: 2–3 weeks
Total time: approximately 2–3 weeks and 10 minutes
Variations
- Spiced Rhubarb Liqueur: Add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a piece of star anise to the infusion for a warm, spicy note.
- Strawberry Rhubarb: Add a handful of sliced strawberries to the jar for a fruitier, more complex flavor.
- Herbal Twist: Add a sprig of fresh mint, thyme, or basil during the last few days of infusion.
- Citrus-Infused: Add orange or lime zest along with the lemon for a bright citrusy boost.
- Honey Sweetened: Replace some or all of the sugar with honey for a floral, mellow sweetness.
storage/reheating
Store rhubarb liqueur in a sealed bottle or jar in a cool, dark place. It will keep for several months at room temperature or even longer in the fridge. No reheating is needed. For best flavor, give it a gentle shake before serving if it has settled.
FAQs
What does rhubarb liqueur taste like?
It has a bright, tart flavor with subtle sweetness and floral notes, depending on the add-ins. It’s fruity, refreshing, and slightly tangy.
Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess moisture before using. It infuses just as well as fresh.
Do I need to peel rhubarb first?
No, there’s no need to peel rhubarb. The skin contributes to the beautiful pink color.
How strong is rhubarb liqueur?
It depends on the vodka you use. Typically, it ends up around 20–25% ABV after infusion and dilution with sugar.
How long does it take to make?
The infusion takes 2 to 3 weeks, but prep only takes about 10 minutes.
Can I make this with other spirits?
Yes, try white rum, gin, or even tequila for different flavor profiles.
How should I use rhubarb liqueur?
Mix it into cocktails, drizzle it over desserts, stir it into lemonade or sparkling water, or sip it chilled.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
It doesn’t have to be, but refrigeration can help it last longer and keep the flavor fresh.
Can I reuse the rhubarb after straining?
The rhubarb will be boozy and somewhat spent, but you can blend it into jams or chutneys if you like.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, feel free to add more or less sugar to taste. You can even add more after infusion if needed.
Conclusion
Rhubarb liqueur is a beautiful, flavorful infusion that transforms tart rhubarb into a sweet and sophisticated spirit. Perfect for cocktails or sipping solo, it’s a simple way to enjoy rhubarb in a new and exciting way. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it all to yourself, this liqueur is a seasonal delight worth making.
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Rhubarb Liqueur
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 1/2 cups
- Category: Drink
- Method: No Bake/No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade rhubarb liqueur is a vibrant, sweet-tart infusion that captures the bright flavor and color of fresh rhubarb. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and perfect for cocktails, spritzers, or gifting. Think of it as spring in a bottle!
Ingredients
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4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb (about 1 lb)
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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2 cups vodka
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
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1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for depth)
Instructions
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In a large glass jar or container with a lid, combine chopped rhubarb, sugar, and lemon zest (if using).
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Stir well, cover, and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours to draw out the juices.
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After 24 hours, add vodka and vanilla extract (if using). Stir again.
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Seal the jar and let it infuse in a cool, dark place for 1 to 2 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or two.
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After infusing, strain the liqueur through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bottle or jar.
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Store in the fridge or a cool, dark place. Chill before serving.
Notes
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The longer it infuses, the stronger the flavor. Taste after 1 week and decide!
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Use good-quality vodka for best results.
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Delicious in spritzers, lemonade, cocktails, or simply over ice.