The Allure of Rhubarb in Your Sparkling Cocktail

Rhubarb, often mistaken for a fruit, is botanically a vegetable, beloved for its distinctive tart flavor. While it might seem like a recent culinary trend, rhubarb has a fascinating history. Did you know that rhubarb has only been cultivated in the Netherlands since around 1900? That’s a little over a century, making it a relatively new addition to Dutch cuisine compared to many other staples. Its journey to European kitchens and gardens is even longer, originating in Asia thousands of years ago before making its way west.

For those eager to enjoy this seasonal delight at its peak, the rhubarb season in many regions, including the Netherlands, typically runs from April until June 21st, which is the longest day of the year. Harvesting after this period is generally discouraged because the plant redirects its energy to developing leaves rather than edible stalks. Also, after June, the oxalic acid concentration in the stalks can increase, making them more tart and potentially less palatable. Allowing the plant its essential rest period ensures it gathers sufficient strength to produce a bountiful harvest the following year, guaranteeing fresh, flavorful rhubarb for your future culinary adventures.

In this exquisite recipe, we harness the vibrant essence of fresh rhubarb to create a delightful, homemade rhubarb syrup. This syrup isn’t just a cocktail component; it’s a versatile, storable liquid gem that extends your enjoyment of rhubarb beyond its short season. Once prepared, you can keep this beautiful syrup on hand, ready to transform any ordinary moment into a celebration. Crafting the cocktail is wonderfully simple: combine a generous splash of your homemade rhubarb syrup with chilled champagne and a touch of sparkling water for extra effervescence. The result is a sparkling champagne cocktail that’s as beautiful to behold as it is delicious to drink. It’s truly a splendid choice for festive occasions like Easter and Mother’s Day, adding a touch of elegance and seasonal charm to your celebrations.

The inspiration for this sophisticated cocktail recipe is drawn from the culinary expertise found in the book “Mix and More” by Jessica Lange.

Essential Ingredients for Your Sparkling Rhubarb Champagne Cocktail

Crafting this delightful Champagne Rhubarb Cocktail requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its unique flavor profile. You’ll find the precise measurements detailed in the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this article. For now, let’s explore the purpose and selection tips for each component:

• Rhubarb: The Star Ingredient
  When selecting rhubarb, always use the crisp, firm stems and never the leaves, as they contain high concentrations of oxalic acid, which is toxic. The prime rhubarb season, as mentioned, runs from late March to June 21st. Early-season rhubarb (often forced) tends to be less tart and has a milder flavor, while later harvests yield a more sour taste, requiring a bit more sugar to balance. Rhubarb found in supermarkets typically features beautiful red stems, which, when cooked unpeeled, impart a gorgeous natural red color to your syrup. If you prefer a milder flavor and less stringiness, you can lightly peel the tougher outer layers, but often, it’s not necessary for syrup.
• Sugar and Apple Juice: The Sweet Balance
  Sugar is essential to balance rhubarb’s inherent tartness, transforming it into a delightful syrup. In this recipe, apple juice is also incorporated. Beyond adding a natural sweetness, apple juice introduces a subtle fruity depth that complements rhubarb beautifully, creating a more complex and harmonious base for your cocktail. You can experiment with different sugars like granulated white sugar for a clean taste, or light brown sugar for a hint of caramel.
• White Wine: The Flavor Enhancer
  A dry white wine, such as Chardonnay (as suggested), or even a Sauvignon Blanc, is used to infuse the syrup with an extra layer of sophisticated flavor. The wine’s acidity and subtle notes provide a wonderful accent, elevating the overall taste of the rhubarb syrup without overpowering it. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking, as its characteristics will shine through.
• Salt: The Flavor Maximizer
  Just a tiny pinch of salt works wonders in recipes, not for making things salty, but for enhancing and rounding out the other flavors. In this syrup, it helps to brighten the fruit notes and balance the sweetness, making the rhubarb taste even more vibrant.
• Vanilla: Aromatic Depth
  Vanilla and rhubarb are a match made in culinary heaven. The warm, sweet, and slightly woody notes of vanilla beautifully complement rhubarb’s tartness. While a vanilla pod (with scraped seeds) offers the most authentic and intense flavor, you can easily substitute it with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar for a convenient alternative.
• Lemon and Raspberry Vinegar: The Zesty Tang
  Lemon juice is crucial for providing a bright, sharp acidity that cuts through the sweetness and tartness, ensuring a well-balanced syrup. The addition of raspberry vinegar is a unique touch that introduces a subtle fruity tang and a complex sweet-sour dimension, making the syrup more intriguing and adding to its beautiful pink hue.
• Champagne: The French Bubbles
  True French Champagne offers an unparalleled elegance and a fine, persistent effervescence that pairs incredibly well with the delicate flavors of rhubarb syrup. Its crispness and often yeasty notes provide a sophisticated backdrop. However, if Champagne is out of budget or preference, you can absolutely substitute it with other quality sparkling wines like Italian Prosecco (often fruitier and less yeasty) or Spanish Cava (which can be quite similar to Champagne in production method and flavor profile).
• Sparkling Water: For Extra Fizz and Balance
  Sparkling water serves two main purposes: it provides additional delightful bubbles, making the cocktail even more effervescent, and it helps to slightly dilute the intensity of the syrup and champagne, creating a lighter, more refreshing drink. If you prefer a more concentrated and potent flavor, you can certainly omit the sparkling water.

Remember that the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste of your cocktail. Opt for fresh, vibrant rhubarb and high-quality sparkling wine for the best experience.

Crafting Your Pink Fizzy Rhubarb Champagne Cocktail: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this stunning Pink Fizzy Rhubarb Champagne Cocktail is a rewarding experience. The process involves making the homemade rhubarb syrup first, which is the heart of this drink, and then assembling the cocktail. Below is a detailed guide; for exact measurements and a printable version, please refer to the recipe card at the very end of this blog post.

1. **Step 1: Infuse the Rhubarb Syrup.** Begin by thoroughly washing your fresh rhubarb stems. Trim off the leaves (which are toxic) and a small piece from the bottom of each stem. Then, with a sharp knife, chop the rhubarb into small pieces, about ¼ inch (½ cm) in length. Place the chopped rhubarb into a saucepan along with the white wine, apple juice, raspberry vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and the scraped seeds from a vanilla pod (toss in the pod itself too for extra flavor!). Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Once boiling, stir in the sugar and a pinch of salt until dissolved, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 12 minutes. This simmering process allows the rhubarb to soften and release its gorgeous color and flavor into the liquid.
2. **Step 2: Cool and Develop Flavors.** After simmering, remove the pan from the heat. Allow the rhubarb mixture to cool down to room temperature for approximately 2 hours. This gradual cooling further infuses the liquid with rhubarb goodness. Once cooled, cover the pan and transfer it to the refrigerator. It’s crucial to let the mixture chill for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This extended chilling time is vital for the flavors to fully develop and deepen, creating a more robust and delicious syrup.
3. **Step 3: Puree and Strain for Silky Syrup.** Once thoroughly chilled, remove the rhubarb mixture from the refrigerator. Using an immersion blender or a standard blender, carefully puree the entire mixture until it’s smooth. This step ensures you extract every last bit of flavor and color. Next, prepare for straining: set a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl, and line the sieve with a piece of clean cheesecloth. Carefully pour the pureed rhubarb mixture onto the cheesecloth. Allow the syrup to drain naturally through the cloth into the bowl below. For maximum yield, you can gently gather the edges of the cheesecloth and squeeze out any remaining liquid. Discard the rhubarb solids. The beautiful, vibrant rhubarb syrup collected in the bowl is now ready! Store this syrup in a clean, sterilized bottle in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze it for longer preservation (refer to the notes section in the recipe card for freezing tips).
4. **Step 4: Assemble and Serve Your Sparkling Cocktail.** To serve this elegant drink, grab your favorite champagne glasses – flutes or coupes work wonderfully. Scoop approximately 3 tablespoons of your freshly made rhubarb syrup into each glass. Add about 2 tablespoons of sparkling water for an extra fizzy kick and to slightly mellow the intensity. Finally, gently top off the glass with well-chilled Champagne. For a touch of sophistication, garnish your cocktail with a delicate sugar rim (simply dip the rim in lemon juice then sugar) and/or a thin slice of fresh rhubarb, a twist of lemon, or a few fresh mint leaves. Raise your glass and “Cheers!” to a truly delightful and festive creation.

Enjoy the process of making this homemade syrup and the absolute pleasure of sipping on your beautifully crafted cocktail!

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration for refreshing drinks or delightful recipes?

• You can find a treasure trove of video recipes on my YouTube channel, perfect for visual learners.
• And don’t forget to save your favorite recipes on Pinterest! This way, you can easily find this Sparkling Rhubarb Champagne Cocktail and many other culinary delights again for your next gathering.

Andréa

More Refreshing Spring & Summer Drinks to Try

If you’re a fan of vibrant, homemade beverages, especially during the warmer months, you’re in for a treat! Here are more delicious drink recipes to inspire your next gathering or a quiet moment of refreshment: