Spiced rhubarb syrup, inspired by this recipe, can create a special soda or cocktail for you and your friends this weekend.
You’ll need:
- 1 lb rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup raw sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- juice and zest of 1/2 a lemon
- 3 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 tsp celery seeds
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp pink peppercorns
- tiny pinch of salt (or celery salt would be great too)
- a bigger pinch of cracked black pepper
1. Combine all the ingredient in a medium saucepan, mix well. Bring to a boil and cook until rhubarb is softened and can be crushed easily with the back of a spoon (about 10-15 minutes).
2. Strain and push syrup through sieve . My little trick is to use a French press for this – strain the syrup and then press all the good stuff before refrigerating – nifty, right?
3. Refrigerate until cooled, and mix with soda water and vermouth or prosecco. You can also add a little bit of fresh mint or basil or a shiso leaf, if you want to get creative!
ceciliag says
WOW! What a collection of tastes and fragrances, even without the spices this would make a fantastic cocktail and your french press idea is excellent.. have a great day.. c
saffronandhoney says
Thanks, C! The French press makes for easy storing too (unless you need it for coffee immediately, of course:)).
Tandy says
Nice and spicy indeed 🙂
saffronandhoney says
It’s a wonderful treat!
chefconnie says
I am putting this recipe on file. What a treat during the spring time!
saffronandhoney says
Great! I hope you like it!
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide says
Cocktail. Oh wait that wasn’t a question. This looks wonderfully refreshing.
saffronandhoney says
haha wasn’t a question to me either :).
Choc Chip Uru says
I’ll be more than happy with soda thanks – this looks amazing and I love the flavours involved 😀
Yum!!!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
saffronandhoney says
Equally delicious! 🙂
girlinafoodfrenzy says
I can tell the weather’s warming up on your side of the world, this cocktail says it all!
saffronandhoney says
It’s been very, very warm this weekend!
yummychunklet says
Looks like that would make one fragrant drink!
saffronandhoney says
Thank you! It’s delicious.