Rhubarb Simple Syrup

Rhubarb season is short, but if you grow it, you know how generous a single plant can be. Once it gets going, there always seems to be more rhubarb ready to harvest. Making simple rhubarb syrup is an easy way to use up fresh rhubarb, especially when you’re looking for something a little different than another dessert.

Rhubarb simple syrup is made with just rhubarb, sugar, and water. Cook it briefly for a thin syrup you can add to drinks, or simmer it longer to thicken and serve over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or desserts.

Choosing The Best Rhubarb Stalks

The first step is choosing fresh rhubarb, select firm stalks, avoiding any that are limp or have blemishes If the leaves are still attached, they should be fresh and crisp.

Purchase or pick red stalks with deeper red colors if possible. This will make for the prettiest syrup with beautiful natural color. Our rhubarb plant came with our home, the stalks are greenish on top and dark red on the bottom. I use them as they are, waste not I always say.

Preparing Rhubarb for Cooking

Always remove and discard the leaves before using rhubarb. Only the stalks are used for cooking.

Rhubarb Simple Syrup Ingredients

Rhubarb Syrup Instructions

1. Rinse the Rhubarb well

2. Remove the ends from the stalks and chop the rhubarb into pieces about 1 inch long.

Place the rhubarb in a large saucepan, add the water, and bring to a boil over high heat.

4. Reduce the heat to a slow simmer and cook the rhubarb for about 20 minutes. As it cooks, foam may rise to the surface; if this happens, skim it off using a spoon.

After about 20 minutes, the rhubarb will be very soft and pale, and the liquid will have turned a pretty pink color.

5. Remove from the heat and strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a second saucepan. Set the cooked rhubarb pulp aside and continue with the recipe.

Set the cooked rhubarb pulp aside and continue the recipe using just the juice.

Set the cooked rhubarb pulp aside and continue the recipe using just the juice.

Note: If you’d like to use the leftover rhubarb pulp, you can sweeten it and serve it over vanilla ice cream or yogurt the same day. It won’t be the pretty pink color anymore, but it still tastes good. When I have plenty of rhubarb from the garden, I usually discard the pulp.

5. Add 2 cups of sugar to the rhubarb juice. Bring back to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar into the syrup. Let the syrup simmer for 5 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved. Continue to skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

To make the rhubarb simple syrup thick enough for pancakes, French toast, and similar uses, let the syrup simmer over medium heat until it reaches your desired thickness, similar to maple syrup. Be careful not to use heat that’s too high, as the syrup can scorch.

Once thickened to your liking, remove from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Pour the finished syrup into an airtight container, such as a sealable glass bottle or mason jar. The thicker syrup should last for several weeks in the fridge.

I hope you enjoy having this rhubarb syrup recipe in your collection. It’s a simple way to add a bright color and the unique flavor of rhubarb to your meals.

Simple Drink Ideas That Use Rhubarb Syrup

You can add rhubarb syrup to many everyday drinks. The tart flavor pairs well with sweet berries and citrus. Here are a few simple ideas using rhubarb simple syrup.

Rhubarb Lemonade

2 oz rhubarb simple syrup, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 4 oz water or soda water, ice, and a lemon slice.

Rhubarb Gin Fizz

1 oz rhubarb simple syrup, 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lime juice. Add ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Rhubarb Iced Tea

1 oz rhubarb simple syrup, 6 oz iced tea, ice, and garnish with a lemon slice.

Rhubarb season is short, and this simple rhubarb syrup is an easy way to make the most of it. Save this recipe to use in drinks, pancakes, and desserts any time of year.

Other Rhubarb Recipes

Once my rhubarb plant starts to grow it gives such a bounty of rhubarb stalks. Our family loves rhubarb, rhubarb crisp being one of their very favorite desserts. I have several other rhubarb recipes you may enjoy, especially if you have to use up your rhubarb harvest.

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