As the warm days of May unfold, we at Sapling Spirits are excited to spotlight a truly unique and versatile ingredient: rhubarb. In the UK, rhubarb has a rich history and a significant cultural presence, especially in the “Rhubarb Triangle” of West Yorkshire, famous for its forced rhubarb. This seasonal delight brings a tart and tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with Sapling Vodka and Sapling Gin, making it an ideal choice for our rhubarb cocktails this month. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of rhubarb and explore some delightful rhubarb cocktail recipes featuring our Sapling Spirits.
Fun Facts About Rhubarb in the UK
Rhubarb Triangle: The area between Wakefield, Leeds, and Morley is known as the Rhubarb Triangle, famous for producing early forced rhubarb. This method of cultivation dates back to the 19th century and involves growing rhubarb in dark sheds to produce tender, sweet stalks.
Historical Delicacy: Rhubarb was first used for its medicinal properties in China over 2000 years ago, but it became popular in the UK as a food ingredient in the late 18th century.
Versatile Ingredient: While often associated with desserts like crumbles and pies, rhubarb’s unique flavour profile makes it a fantastic addition to cocktails, offering a fresh, tangy twist. Yes you can have a healthy helping of Rhubarb Crumble on the side.
Now, let’s explore three easy and delicious rhubarb cocktail recipes that you can easily craft at home with Sapling Vodka, Sapling Raspberry and Hibiscus and Sapling Gin.
The main ingredient you will need is home made rhubarb syrup. It's really easy to make and is bound to impress when you make these drinks for friends.
How to Make Rhubarb Syrup:
Boil 1 part water to 1 part sugar until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add chopped rhubarb, cover, and infuse for a few hours. Strain and refrigerate for up to a month.
Rhubarb Gin Sour
Ingredients:
50ml Sapling Gin20ml Rhubarb Syrup*
15ml Citric Acid or Lemon Juice
2 dashes Rhubarb Bitters
¾ Pipette Foamer
Garnish: Dehydrated Rhubarb Twirl**
Method:
Shake all of the ingredients together with ice. Double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a dehydrated rhubarb twill.How to make Dehydrated Rhubarb Twirl:
Peel a section of rhubarb and wrap it around a straw. Dehydrate in the oven on low heat until it dries out.
Rhubarb Ripple
Ingredients:
50ml Sapling Vodka25ml Rhubarb Syrup*
Topped with Rhubarb & Vanilla Juice**
Garnish: White Chocolate & Raspberry button
Method:
Build all ingredients in a highball glass. Garnish with a white chocolate & raspberry button.How to Make Rhubarb & Vanilla Juice:
Heat water and 2 cups of chopped rhubarb on medium heat. Once hot, remove from the hob add in a couple of drops of vanilla extract and let it infuse in the fridge for a couple of hours. Fine strain and sweeten with sugar or honey to taste. Store in the fridge.
May’s Rhubarb Spritz
Ingredients:
40ml Raspberry & Hibiscus Vodka20ml Rhubarb Syrup*
Dash of Soda
Dash of Prosecco
Garnish: Rhubarb Ribbon**
Method:
Build all ingredients in a highball glass. Garnish with a rhubarb ribbon.How to make a Rhubarb Ribbon cocktail garnish:
Use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of rhubarb.
What about the rhubarb leftovers?
Enjoy these delightful rhubarb cocktails that celebrate the unique flavour of rhubarb with Sapling Spirits. Cheers to a refreshing and vibrant May with Sapling Gin and Vodka! For more cocktail recipes and tutorials, visit our Sapling Spirits blog.
