This sweet little number is what I call a rhubarb cocktail - basically, your favorite sparkling wine or champagne spiked with a bit of sweet-tart homemade rhubarb syrup. Special, easy, and so pretty!
This is THE spring drink, perfect for sipping on the back deck on warm afternoons, serving at a baby shower (tip: make it a mocktail, too!) or wedding, or just enjoyed to celebrate the season. A bit of my homemade rhubarb simple syrup is stirred into a tall, cold glass of bubbly to make a gorgeously hued, deliciously unique rhubarb cocktail. Try this with my strawberry simple syrup, too!
Jump to:
What You'll Love
- So pretty. This drink just embodies spring to me! Because rhubarb is only available during a short window, I love to showcase it in everything, from a rhubarb gin cocktail to a rhubarb upside-down cake. This bubbly cocktail is a perfect addition to my rhubarb roster.
- Easiest ever. Hopefully you already have a jar of rhubarb syrup in the fridge (and if you don't, get to it!). If so, you can whip up this super sippable drink in mere seconds.
- Not your ordinary champagne cocktail. I love making homemade simple syrups for cocktails because you can make so many unique concoctions you'll never find on a bar menu. This pretty drink is so delicious, and yet I think it's rare if not impossible to order it out, making it even more special.
Ingredients Needed
Make sure to scroll down to my recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full ingredient amounts and instructions!
- Rhubarb simple syrup - My homemade syrup is the best!
- Sparkling wine or champagne
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's an overview in photos of how to make this drink in less than 30 seconds!
1. Prep: Have the sparkling wine and rhubarb syrup ready.
2. Mix: Pour the wine into a glass, then stir in the rhubarb syrup.
Tips & Recipe Notes
- Make a quick syrup. Use the recipe linked in the recipe card, or: place 1 cup chopped rhubarb, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the sugar is dissolved and the rhubarb is soft, about 10 minutes. Then strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the syrup.
- Add more syrup. I have "or to taste" in the recipe notes because it really is up to you. You can start with 2 teaspoons of rhubarb syrup, then add more if you want a darker and more strongly flavored drink. Alternatively, go lighter on the syrup for more of a "hint of rhubarb" experience.
- Wine alternative. Try a non-alcoholic wine or flavored soda water (see tips below), ginger beer, or club soda.
- Add a splash of alcohol. For a French 76 vibe, add a splash of vodka to the glass.
Make a Mocktail
Easily make this cocktail into a mocktail by swapping sparkling water for the sparkling wine. You can use plain water or club soda, or try a flavored water. I'm partial to lime, strawberry, or watermelon, all of which pair beautifully with the rhubarb's unique flavor. If you have a non-alcoholic champagne you like, that would also work wonderfully in this drink.
More Rhubarb Recipes
If you make this rhubarb cocktail recipe, I'd love to know. Please leave a comment below, reach out with any questions, and tag me on Instagram @Cucina Nicolina ❤️
Recipe
Rhubarb Cocktail
Ingredients
- 5 ounces champagne or sparkling wine
- 2 teaspoons rhubarb syrup , or to taste
Instructions
- Pour 5 ounces champagne or sparkling wine into a glass, then stir in the 2 teaspoons rhubarb syrup.
Notes
- Make a quick syrup. Use the recipe linked in the recipe card, or: place 1 cup chopped rhubarb, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the sugar is dissolved and the rhubarb is soft, about 10 minutes. Then strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the syrup.
- Add more syrup. I have "or to taste" in the recipe notes because it really is up to you. You can start with 2 teaspoons of rhubarb syrup, then add more if you want a darker and more strongly flavored drink. Alternatively, go lighter on the syrup for more of a "hint of rhubarb" experience.
- Wine alternative. Try a non-alcoholic wine or flavored soda water (see tips below), ginger beer, or club soda.
- Add a splash of alcohol. For a French 76 vibe, add a splash of vodka to the glass.
- Mocktail: Easily make this cocktail into a mocktail by swapping sparkling water for the sparkling wine. You can use plain water or club soda, or try a flavored water. I'm partial to lime, strawberry, or watermelon, all of which pair beautifully with the rhubarb's unique flavor.
I'd love to hear from you! Please leave me a note.