Rhubarb Gin & Tonic

Many people have preconceptions about what a lady likes to drink. Often times more than not, people associate "girly drinks" with well, girls. I guess I'm kind of an anomoly. I actually quite love beer and prefer them ten times over mixed drinks. When I do hit that "hard stuff" I prefer gin, especially in the form of gin & tonics!

There's something so refreshing about the herbal notes in gin mixed with some fizzy tonic water, and of course with a good dose of fresh lime. After perusing through the Foodgawker and Tastespotting archives for rhubarb recipes, I was quite taken by the idea of rhubarb gin & tonics. It's the combination of my favorite drink with my new favorite Summertime ingredient!

The rhubarb syrup is simple enough, and actually, so is the cocktail - no muddling, shaking, or stirring required! Of course the color is just stunning, but the taste is just as well. You get a bit of tartness from the rhubarb that is incredibly delicious! And as it would seem, I guess I like girly drinks after all :)

Rhubarb Syrup

Yields: about 1 cup

Original recipe here.

4 cups chopped rhubarb

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

Combine everything in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook gently until the fruit is soft and the liquid has thickened slightly, about 20 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to remove excess liquid. Pour into a bottle and refrigerate until ready to use. 

Rhubarb Gin & Tonic

Yields: 1 cocktail

2 oz. gin

5 oz. tonic water

2 tbsn. rhubarb syrup

Combine everything over ice, enjoy!