Refreshing Rhubarb Syrup

This rhubarb syrup is a delightful concoction bursting with tangy and sweet flavors that's perfect for adding a twist to your beverages. Made with simple ingredients like fresh rhubarb, sugar, and water, it’s both easy to prepare and versatile in use. The syrup’s vibrant color and unique taste make it a fantastic addition to cocktails, lemonade, or even over pancakes. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, you can quickly have this flavorful syrup ready for your favorite recipes. Rhubarb, known for its tartness, pairs wonderfully with the sugar here to create a balanced syrup that can be used as a base for various drinks. It’s not only a treat for your taste buds but also a beautiful garnish when drizzled over desserts or used in a refreshing summer cooler. Store it in cool conditions to preserve its freshness and enjoy the taste of summer any time of the year. Follow the detailed instructions below to create this delicious syrup, and be sure to check out the tips for perfecting your syrup and suggestions for alternative uses. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a home cook, this rhubarb syrup is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups of chopped rhubarb
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of water

Preparation Time

• Total: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping fresh rhubarb into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place 4 cups of chopped rhubarb, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water into a large pot.
3. Start the Cooking Process: Set the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves and the rhubarb softens.
4. Reduce Heat: Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and allow the mixture to simmer. This gentle cooking helps break down the rhubarb and infuse the syrup with its flavor.
5. Simmer and Stir: Continue to simmer the mixture for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The rhubarb should become very soft, and the liquid will thicken slightly.
6. Check Consistency: After 20 minutes, check the consistency of the syrup. It should be slightly thickened but still pourable.
7. Strain the Syrup: Carefully pour the cooked mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove solids, pressing lightly to extract as much liquid as possible.
8. Bottle the Syrup: Transfer the strained syrup into sterilized bottles or jars while still warm. Leave some room at the top of the container for expansion if freezing.
9. Cool Down: Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before sealing the bottles.
10. Storage: Store the syrup in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life.
11. Serving: Use your rhubarb syrup immediately or refrigerate for up to a month. For longer storage, consider freezing in portions.
12. Cleanup: Clean any utensils and pots used during preparation to keep your kitchen tidy.
13. Enjoy: Pour over pancakes, mix into cocktails, or use as a sweetener in tea or lemonade.
14. Experiment: Feel free to experiment by adding other flavors to the syrup such as vanilla or ginger.
15. Presentation: For an artistic touch, drizzle over desserts just before serving.
16. Review Yield: Adjust recipe quantities depending on how much syrup you'd like to prepare.
17. Labeling: Label the bottles with the preparation date for reference.
18. Creative Uses: Explore adding the syrup to marinades or salad dressings.
19. Gift Idea: Consider gifting bottled rhubarb syrup to friends and family.
20. Care Instructions: Inform recipients of storage guidelines if gifting.

Tips

• Storage: Always store the syrup in a refrigerator or any cool place to retain its freshness.
• Sugar Substitutes: You can replace sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Extra Flavor: Add a dash of vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick during the cooking process for added depth of flavor.
• Consistency Control: If you prefer a thicker syrup, simmer for a few extra minutes.
• Sieve Touch: A fine mesh sieve helps achieve a clear syrup, while a coarser one will yield a slightly pulpier texture.

Nutritions

• Calories: 150 (per tablespoon)
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugars: 37g

Variations

• Vegan Option: The basic recipe is already vegan, but be mindful of the sugar source, ensuring it's free from animal processing.
• Reduced Sugar: For a less sweet version, decrease the amount of sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener.
• Flavor Infusions: Infuse with herbs like mint or rosemary for additional layers of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle over breakfast pancakes or waffles.
• Mix a tablespoon into iced tea or sparkling water for a refreshing drink.
• Combine with lemonade for a tasty twist.
• Serve as a sweetener in cocktails such as mojitos or gin fizz.

Best Places

• Ottolenghi - Known for its creatively flavored dishes, this place offers a wide array of unique syrups and desserts. Location: 287 Upper Street, London, UK.
• Bluebird Cafe - A charming spot famous for its fresh flavors and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying rhubarb treats. Location: 410 Spooner Street, Nashville, USA.
• Chez Panisse - Lauded for its seasonal and organic ingredients, rhubarb appears frequently in their menu. Location: 1517 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, USA.
• Café de Flore - A historic cafe offering a classic setting with delightful seasonal pastries and drinks. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
• The Grounds of Alexandria - Renowned for its innovative dishes and beautiful presentations, including rhubarb delicacies. Location: 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria, Australia.
• Tartine Bakery - Famous for its delightful pastries and creative use of seasonal ingredients like rhubarb. Location: 600 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, USA.
• Balthazar - Offers classic French dishes with a modern twist, including innovative uses of rhubarb. Location: 80 Spring Street, New York City, USA.
• Toko Sydney - Serves high-quality and beautifully plated dishes often featuring rhubarb in new ways. Location: 490 Crown Street, Surry Hills, Australia.
• Himali Gurkha - A fusion restaurant bringing vibrant flavors to their dishes using ingredients like rhubarb. Location: 318 Bethnal Green Road, London, UK.
• El Nacional - This culinary hotspot showcases a variety of traditional and modern Spanish dishes, with rhubarb often part of the offerings. Location: 24 Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona, Spain.