This Rhubarb Martini is made with a simple rhubarb syrup that is mixed with vodka and lime juice. Make this easy summer cocktail by shaking the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker for a refreshing pink vodka drink.
This Rhubarb Martini is a great choice of beverage for rhubarb fans. They are fun to serve for small fire pit gatherings, barbecues, or just for a relaxing evening on the deck.
In this post:
- A 5-minute rhubarb martini made with vodka, rhubarb syrup, and lime juice.
- Tips for getting the sweet-tart balance right.
- Variations and substitutions to make it your own.
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Making Martinis with Rhubarb
When it comes to martinis, my favorites are ones that have pucker, like this Dill Pickle Martini, Lemon Drop Martini, or this Rhubarb Martini. I highly recommend you try them all!
You might think at first that a rhubarb martini sounds odd, but if you love rhubarb as much as I do, you will be happy you tried this and enjoy them all summer long!
Ingredients
Vodka: Use a good high quality vodka for this beverage.
Granulated sugar, this is for rimming the martini glass (optional).
Limes
Ice
How to Make A Rhubarb Martini
Make the Rhubarb Syrup
This martini starts with rhubarb syrup - I've got a full recipe for it in my Rhubarb Simple Syrup post, so head over there for the exact method. Once your syrup is made and cooled, you're ready for the fun part.
Shake
Combine the rhubarb syrup, lime juice, and vodka in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until frosty.
Rim the Glass
Rim the martini glass by running a lime wedge around the edge, then dipping it into granulated sugar.
Pour
Pour the martini into the glass and garnish with a lime wheel.
Variations
Strawberry Rhubarb Martini: Swap 1 cup of the rhubarb for 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries when making the syrup for a fruitier, slightly sweeter take on this drink - a natural pairing since strawberry and rhubarb already go together in so many desserts.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the vodka and top the rhubarb syrup and lime juice with soda water for a rhubarb mocktail.
Substitutuions
- Use classic Monkfruit 1:1 in place of the sugar for a keto adult beverage.
- Substitute white rum for the vodka.
- Prefer gin? Substitute it 1:1 for the vodka for a more botanical version of this drink.
- use lemon juice instead of lime.
- Skip the rhubarb syrup and use 2 tablespoons of rhubarb sauce in place of the syrup. The solids will strain when pouring the drink through the cocktail shaker.
Tips
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving - it keeps the drink colder longer.
- Make sure your rhubarb syrup is fully cooled before shaking, or it'll melt the ice too fast and water down the drink.
- Fresh-squeezed lime juice makes a real difference here over bottled.
Servings & Yield
This recipe makes 1 drink. It can easily be doubled for 2 people.
Serving Suggestions
This Rhubarb Martini is right at home at a backyard barbecue, a small fire pit gathering, or a relaxed evening on the deck - pretty much anywhere you'd reach for something pink and refreshing in the summer heat.
For garnish beyond the classic lime wheel, try a sprig of fresh mint or rosemary tucked against the rim. Both play nicely against the rhubarb's tartness. It also pairs well alongside something salty, like a cheese board or a bowl of kettle chips to balance the sweet-tart flavor.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
The rhubarb syrup is the part you can prep ahead. It keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for about 1-2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months if you want to make a big batch while rhubarb is in season.
If you're serving a crowd, multiply the syrup recipe and keep the vodka and lime juice on hand so guests can shake their own drinks to order rather than batching the full cocktail (the ice will dilute it if it sits mixed for too long). Alternatively, you can mix the syrup, vodka and juice together and store in the fridge, then shake with ice to serve.
More Rhubarb Recipes To Try
If you're as rhubarb-obsessed as I am, here are a few more ways to put it to use:
📖 Recipe
Rhubarb Martini
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces rhubarb syrup
- 1½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce lime juice
- ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- lime wheels for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Combine vodka, rhubarb syrup, lime juice, and ice in a shaker. Shake until frosty.
- Rim the martini glass by running a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip the rim into the granulated sugar.
- Pour the martini into the glass and garnish with the lime wheel (if using).
Maggie Karas says
Having made pies, cobblers, sorbet etc. for years with our bountiful rhubarb, this recipe seems to be the best answer to a relaxing, not too sweet cocktail. And look at the potassium! Thanks for keeping it simple. This converts easily to a batch so mix up a pitcherful and kick back with your friends.
Nancy says
Delicious! Thank you for sharing. Note: the instructions do not mention adding the rhubarb syrup. But I did!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Thanks Nancy! I will fix that right now! Happy you enjoyed this recipe!
Aunt Bee says
You got my attention with that pretty pink color! Gorgeous cocktail!