Rhubarb Vodka
This Homemade Rhubarb Vodka is the perfect way to extend your rhubarb harvest into the colder months. Crisp and refreshing rhubarb infused vodka can be sipped straight on the rocks or enjoyed as a delicious addition to your favorite vodka cocktails.
The supply of fresh rhubarb at our local farmers market is dwindling so we made sure to grab a few final stalks during our last visit specifically for this homemade vodka infusion. The crisp flavor and beautifully bright color make any cocktail with this rhubarb infused vodka taste extra special.
Key ingredients
To make the rhubarb vodka, you’ll just need three ingredients and a bit of time — the infusion needs to steep for about two weeks (and up to a month) to get the best flavor.
- Rhubarb: I like to use red rhubarb for the beautiful color it imparts, but green rhubarb would also work well.
- Vodka: No need for something fancy! Any decent to mediocre bottle of vodka is perfect for this infusion.
- Sweetener: This recipe calls for granulated sugar, but honey can also be used.
Process
- Start by scrubbing your rhubarb clean and roughly chopping it into pieces of about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- Transfer the rhubarb to a quart jar and pour in the vodka and 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar. Shake and store in a cool, dark place for about two weeks.
- Strain, transfer to a clean jar and store in the refrigerator.
Rhubarb cocktail ideas
And now the fun part — what can you make with this rhubarb vodka? My favorite way to serve this homemade infusion is with ice, club soda and a squeeze of fresh orange juice, but really the options are limitless!
- Give your next moscow mule a summery twist by using rhubarb vodka.
- Get the delicious rhubarb and strawberry combo by adding rhubarb vodka to make a strawberry smash.
- Try adding a splash to red wine sangria with your favorite fruit.
And if you still have any fresh rhubarb on hand I definitely recommend adding a few candied rhubarb ribbons to each glass to really up your cocktail game!
FAQs
You have quite a bit of freedom as it depends heavily on preference. After two weeks, begin sampling a bit of the vodka every few days and strain the mixture when it has developed a flavor that suits your taste. When you’re satisfied with the flavor, you can strain the vodka into a clean jar and discard the rhubarb.
Nope, it’s completely optional! If you’ll be using your rhubarb vodka for cocktails that call for other sweeteners I would definitely recommend leaving it out. On the other hand, if you plan to sip on your vodka straight you may want to add a bit more. The amount I’ve included is perfect for serving the vodka with a bit of club soda!
I suggest cooking it down into a compote with any of your favorite berries. Strawberry rhubarb compote makes an excellent topping for toast, waffles and crepes!
More vodka infusions
Rhubarb Vodka Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 600 ml
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Infusion
- Cuisine: Global
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 grams) rhubarb, cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 2.5 cups (600 ml) vodka
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
Instructions
- Add the rhubarb, vodka and sugar to a 1-quart jar and shake well. Seal and store in a cool, dark place for two weeks (and up to a month).
- Strain the vodka into a clean jar and discard the rhubarb.
- Seal, refrigerate and serve cold.
Notes
Storage: Strained rhubarb vodka can be stored in the refrigerator and is best used within 4 months.
This post may contain affiliate links through which we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products that we genuinely love and would use ourselves.
How long does this recipe keep and does it have to be refrigerated? I am planning to make it without the sugar.
Hi Amy! You don’t have to refrigerate the vodka, but it should be stored in a cool, dry place. We find that it tastes best if used within six months, but it will keep for longer.