Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas: The Ultimate Fresh Spring Cocktail
A vibrant blend of sweet berries and tart rhubarb that brightens any gathering.
Few cocktails capture the lively spirit of spring more perfectly than the strawberry rhubarb margarita. This vibrant drink fuses the sweet juiciness of strawberries and the tart, vegetal punch of fresh rhubarb, all balanced with tequila and lime. Whether you’re crafting a batch for Cinco de Mayo, a sunny brunch, or an evening patio gathering, this recipe delivers bold flavor and stunning color in every glass.
Why Strawberry and Rhubarb?
The strawberry-rhubarb duo is a classic in desserts, but its winning balance works beautifully in cocktails, too. Here’s why:
- Strawberries bring natural sweetness, intense aroma, and a lush, red hue to the drink.
- Rhubarb adds a tart, slightly earthy flavor and infuses the syrup with a bright pink tint.
- Together, they create a sophisticated flavor profile that stands up to the boldness of tequila.
The Anatomy of a Strawberry Rhubarb Margarita
This cocktail is all about infusing the fruit’s flavor into a syrup, then shaking it up with classic margarita ingredients. Here’s a high-level overview:
- Strawberry-rhubarb syrup forms the foundation, adding both color and fresh fruit essence.
- Tequila is the backbone, providing depth and a signature bite.
- Lime juice offers acidity and brightness.
- Triple sec (or other orange liqueur) adds citrus sweetness and complexity.
- Salt or sugar rim gives a finishing flavor contrast and festive look.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb (leaves discarded)
- 1 1/2 cups hulled, sliced strawberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional for added complexity)
For the Margaritas
- 3/4 cup strawberry-rhubarb syrup (see above)
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from about 4 limes)
- 3/4 cup silver tequila
- 1/4 cup triple sec or Cointreau
- Ice cubes
- Sugar or salt (for rimming the glasses)
- Extra strawberries or rhubarb spears, for garnish
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Make the Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup
- Combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, water, and optional orange juice in a saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer until the fruit has softened completely and the liquid is bright and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard solids.
- Transfer syrup to a jar. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until completely cold. Syrup keeps for up to 1 week.
2. Rim the Glasses
- Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass.
- Dip the rim in salt or sugar, depending on your taste preference. Use coarse sea salt for a traditional margarita touch, or sugar for added sweetness and sparkle.
- Fill glasses with ice and set aside.
3. Mix the Margaritas
- In a cocktail shaker, combine strawberry-rhubarb syrup, fresh lime juice, silver tequila, and triple sec.
- Add a generous scoop of ice. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds, until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses over fresh ice.
- Garnish with sliced strawberries, a spear of fresh rhubarb, or a twist of lime.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas
- Use the freshest fruit you can find. Overripe or bland fruit will yield a lackluster syrup.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste. Add extra sugar to the syrup for a sweeter margarita, or use more lime juice for tang.
- Chill everything thoroughly before serving for the most refreshing drink.
- Batch ahead: The syrup can be made a few days in advance. The mixed margarita (before adding ice) can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, then shaken with ice just before serving.
What others are reading
Variations and Substitutions
- Non-alcoholic version: Omit the tequila and triple sec, replacing with sparkling water or club soda for a bright, fruity mocktail.
- Agave nectar: For a naturally sweet, slightly floral note, replace granulated sugar in the syrup or as a sweetener in the drink.
- Other berries: Swap some strawberries for raspberries for a different twist, or use all rhubarb for an extra tart drink.
- Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeño to the syrup as it simmers, then strain out for a gentle heat.
Nutritional Considerations
This drink contains fruit-derived sugars, alcohol, and added sweeteners. While not a light cocktail, the use of fresh ingredients and control over syrup sweetness means you can adjust to your dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with: Spicy Mexican fare like tacos, nachos, or grilled chicken for a delicious contrast.
- Garnish ideas: Fresh strawberry slices, rhubarb ribbons, lime wheels, or edible flowers.
- Pitcher option: Scale up the recipe for a crowd and serve in a pitcher with lots of ice and garnishes for communal serving.
How to Store Leftover Syrup
- Transfer unused strawberry rhubarb syrup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- The syrup is also delicious over pancakes, ice cream, or stirred into sparkling water for a quick homemade soda.
Expert Techniques for the Perfect Cocktail
- Shake, don’t stir: Shaking with ice aerates and chills the margarita, creating a smoother drink with a frothy top.
- Fine straining: If you prefer zero pulp, double-strain the shaken mixture through both a cocktail strainer and a fine mesh sieve.
- Rim creativity: Mix flake salt and raw sugar or even chili-salt for different rim flavors.
Table: Margarita Ingredient Comparison
| Ingredient | Classic Margarita | Strawberry Rhubarb Margarita |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Lime juice | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Orange liqueur (Triple Sec/Cointreau) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Simple syrup | Optional | Replaced with fruit syrup |
| Fresh strawberries | ❌ | ✔️ (in syrup) |
| Fresh rhubarb | ❌ | ✔️ (in syrup) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb?
A: Yes, both fresh and frozen fruit work well. Make sure to thaw before cooking to ensure an even syrup texture and full flavor extraction.
Q: What’s the best tequila for this cocktail?
A: Use a good-quality silver (blanco) tequila for the cleanest flavor. Reposado can add earthy depth, but silver lets the fruit flavors shine.
Q: How do I make this less sweet?
A: Reduce the sugar in the syrup by half for a more tart drink, or add extra lime juice to the finished cocktail for sharper acidity.
Q: Can I make a large batch in advance?
A: Absolutely. Mix the strawberry-rhubarb syrup, tequila, lime, and triple sec in a pitcher and refrigerate. Pour over ice and shake individual servings just before serving for optimal chill and dilution.
Q: Is rhubarb safe to eat raw?
A: Only the stalks of rhubarb are edible—never use leaves, as they contain toxic compounds.
Q: Suggestions for other creative uses of the syrup?
A: Use leftover syrup as a topping for waffles, as a mixer in lemonade, or even drizzled over yogurt or angel food cake for a spring dessert.
Final Thoughts on Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas
The strawberry rhubarb margarita is a showstopper cocktail that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to sip. Its balance of fresh seasonal produce, premium tequila, and real citrus elevate it far above your standard margarita. Whether you’re gathering friends for brunch, a backyard barbecue, or simply want to celebrate spring’s bounty in a glass, this margarita is a go-to recipe you’ll return to all season long.
References
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