Rhubarb Simple Syrup and Homemade Soda

Rhubarb simple syrup is perfect for making a refreshing homemade soda! All you need is rhubarb, sugar, water and soda water. I added some fresh ginger to mine for an extra zing!

I didn’t grow up around rhubarb, it doesn’t grow well in warmer climates so it only makes a quick appearance in the grocery store during spring in Southern California. It wasn’t something we ate growing up so it was always a bit of a mystery to me. But my grandma-in-law gave me a recipe for her Rhubarb Roly Poly and now I LOVE rhubarb. Not only for it’s unique tart flavor but the color! Today’s post is all about making Rhubarb simple syrup and turning that syrup into a homemade soda. Let’s make it!

Ingredient list for rhubarb simple syrup

• Rhubarb: look for deep red stalks without too many blemishes.
• Sugar
• Water
• Seltzer/Club Soda if you plan on making homemade sodas
  

What is simple syrup?

Before we talk specifically about rhubarb simple syrup, let’s just talk about simple syrup, because really- once you understand how to make simple syrup you can flavor it a million different ways. Simple syrup is made by simply (wink wink) cooking equal parts sugar and water until it reduces down to a syrup consistency. You can use simple syrup to sweeten coffee, cocktails, homemade ice creams, popsicles and more!

How to make rhubarb simple syrup

Okay, we now understand that making simple syrup is as easy as cooking and reducing sugar and water! So how do you make it rhubarb simple syrup? First, you basically are going to make rhubarb water, then cook the rhubarb water with sugar to make the syrup.

First, add the water and rhubarb to a pot and bring to a boil. Cook until rhubarb softens and begins to fall apart. I added a couple knobs of fresh ginger to mine, but that is completely optional.

Then strain the pulp out. I strained mine through a nutmilk bag but you can also line a strainer with cheesecloth. Once you’ve strained out all the pulp, you will be left with a lovely deep pink rhubarby liquid.

Next heat the rhubarb water with sugar until sugar is full dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly. Notice the foam on top– you will want to skim that off with a spoon.

If you are going to make soda with it, it doesn’t need to be very thick, but if you want a thicker syrup, just let it continue to simmer until it reduces further.

Use it to make homemade soda

To make your very own homemade soda – add desired amount rhubarb syrup to a glass, add club soda, stir, add ice and boom! You’re ready! I garnished with mint because it looks cute but it really doesn’t need it.

Rhubarb syrup uses

Homemade sodas are quite fun but there’s more you can do! Try:

• Adding a spoonful to homemade salad dressing for a spin on a raspberry vinaigrette

• Cooking it longer so it thickens and use it like pancake or waffle syrup

• Using it sweeten popsicles or a homemade ice cream

Tried this recipe?

If you make this recipe, let me know! I’d love to hear how it turned out! You can leave a comment/rating below or find me on instagram @thefigjar.

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Rhubarb Simple Syrup/Homemade Soda

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Make rhubarb simple syrup for homemade soda and more!

• Author: Becky Schmieg
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 cups 1x
• Category: Condiment, Drinks
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh rhubarb
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 2 cups sugar (see note)
• a few knobs of fresh peeled ginger (optional)

Rhubarb Soda (per serving)

• 3/4 cup selzter or club soda
• 2 1/2 tbsp rhubarb syrup

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Instructions

Rhubarb simple syrup

1. Place chopped rhubarb, water and ginger (if using) in a medium stock pot over high heat. Cook until boiling, reduce heat and continue to cook until rhubarb softens and is basically falling apart, about 10-12 minutes.
   
2. Line a strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl or put a nut milk bag in a large bowl, then pour in the rhubarb pulp and water. Strain all the liquid into the bowl and discard the pulp.
   
3. Measure the rhubarb liquid and add it and an equal amount of sugar back to the stock pot (*see note) and cook until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken slightly, about 10 minutes. Skim the foam off the top and discard.
   
4. Pour the syrup into a glass jar or bottle, allow to cool before covering and storing in the fridge.
   

Rhubarb soda

1. Add 2 1/2 tbsp of the rhubarb syrup to a glass, 3/4 cup of club soda/selzter, stir and add ice. Enjoy!

Notes

*consider the sugar measurement an approximate. I recommend measuring the amount of rhubarb liquid you end up with after step 2, then adding an equivalent amount of sugar. For example, if you end up with 2 cups of liquid, add 2 cups of sugar, but if you end up with 2 1/3 cups, add 2 1/3 cups of sugar.