Rhubarb lemonade is a sweet, tart, refreshing drink for a hot day! It's lovely for sipping outside on the patio on a summer day or evening or having with an outdoor meal.
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Tart rhubarb and lemons are combined with sugar and water to make this delicious drink. The rhubarb makes this lemonade a pretty light pink color and it adds a nice flavor to change-up a traditional glass of lemonade.
When
rhubarb is in season, this drink is a different way to enjoy it. Fresh
lemonade is such a special treat on a summer day. It's so refreshing and
has that sweet-tart combination that I always enjoy.
Remember when you are eating rhubarb, that you use the stalks only. Any leaves need to be removed before preparing and consuming rhubarb as they are toxic and not meant to be eaten.
So, if you have a plant at home or get some from a neighbor or friend, remember to cut off and toss the leaves.
To make this rhubarb lemonade you just need a few simple ingredients - rhubarb, sugar, water, and lemons. First you make a rhubarb syrup with chopped rhubarb, sugar, and water and then strain it. Add it to fresh squeezed lemon juice along with water and then chill it.
This lemonade is not overly sweet, so you can increase the sugar to a full cup if you want a sweeter lemonade. I use 3/4 cup of sugar to maintain a bit more of the tart flavors.
Serve this rhubarb lemonade with a meal or some summer patio snacks. Serve the lemonade in tall glasses over ice and add some extra lemon slices to garnish if you like. Grab a pitcher and some glasses and enjoy this refreshing summer drink.
If you are looking for more rhubarb recipes checkout this round-up of 25 Rhubarb Recipes that aren't Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. There are also plenty of other rhubarb recipes on this blog.
Rhubarb Lemonade
Ingredients
- 2 cups roughly chopped rhubarb
- water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1-1/4 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 5-6 lemons)
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pot combine the rhubarb, 1-1/2 cups water, and the sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb is broken down and the mixture reduces slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing to remove all of the liquid.
- Pour the syrup into a pitcher along with the lemon juice. Stir well and then stir in water (about 4-6 cups) until it reaches your desired flavor/dilution preference. Taste along the way to achieve your preferred flavor.
- Refrigerate for a few hours until it is very cold. Stir before serving. Serve over ice or with lemon slices, if desired.
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This post was originally published in 2014 and has been updated in 2022 with a recipe card, new text, and more to improve reader experience.
Check out these other rhubarb recipes:
Rhubarb Applesauce (No Sugar Added)
A little tart and little sweet, how lovely. Have a super week. BAM
ReplyDeleteI have some freshly cut rhubarb on my kitchen counter. I was going to make rhubarb butter, but I think I will give your lemonade a try instead. Might be good with a little vodka?? :)
ReplyDeleteYes, a little vodka would be a great addition!
DeleteThis is so refreshing!
ReplyDeleteLove your description of summer, it sounds similar to mine growing up. I haven't made lemonade in years and your recipe sounds terrific.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delicious lemonade Amy...I love the idea of rhubarb in it...it sure looks pretty too.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week :D
I love this! Never had rhubarb lemonade, but the idea sounds so right. Definitely something I need to try -- thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever combination Amy, this looks so refreshing. Never thought to use rhubarb this way.
ReplyDeleteIn New Hampshire, a soda company made rhubarb sodas that were so refreshing on a hot summer day. This sounds like a perfect hot weather combo.
ReplyDeleteI am so going to try and make my own lemonade!
ReplyDeleteThis is different in a good way! I never saw rhubarb in a drink before. It looks delicious and refreshing!
ReplyDeleteGreat summer lemonade!! I love the rhubarb addition!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such a refreshing drink and the color is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah....it is nearly rhubarb season and I will be looking for all kinds of ways to serve it. I never thought of drinking it before. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteI thought it didn't get better than fresh lemonade, but then you went and added rhubarb. YUM!
ReplyDeleteWell hello!!! I just happen to have lots of rhubarb...lucky me!!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so fabulous! Love a refreshing lemonade when it gets hot out (we're still freezing and snowy here so not yet haha) and love the sound of rhubarb in this. I've been patiently waiting for rhubarb for months now (can't even find it frozen here) and just came across some in my grocery store yesterday. Wooho. I need to try this!! YUM
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat way to use rhubarb!! Pinned!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip on rhubarb leaves. I had no idea!
ReplyDeletePinning, my rhubarb is looking really good so far this spring! Can't wait to give this a try!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for rhubarb season. This lemonade is going on my list!
ReplyDeleteI have just started cooking with rhubarb so I am going to have to make this drink. Lemonades are so versatile! This looks very refreshing.
ReplyDeleteLove rhubarb, and this is such a neat way to use it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy rhubarb is now ready to pick and the temps here are moving into the high 80's and 90's. What a refreshing drink. I can already see it in myself sipping it out on the patio. YUM!
ReplyDeleteRhubarb is a vegetable I haven't cooked with nearly enough! This will be a delicious new way for me to try it! We love lemonade on hot days, can't wait!
ReplyDelete