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Ruby Rhubarb Syrup

With a sweet-tart flavor, Ruby Rhubarb Syrup is just the thing for the best cocktails and mocktails, and is a beautiful, delicious topping for pancakes, waffles, and desserts. Easy to make, with only 3 ingredients, plus water!

A bottle of rhubarb simple syrup

Easy Rhubarb Simple Syrup

This homemade Ruby Rhubarb Syrup has become a spring and summer tradition around here. I first started making it more than 10 years ago, treating friends and family to rhubarb margaritas and rhubarb mojitos…or simply swirling rhubarb syrup into tall glasses of ice with club soda.

Beyond drinks, we use this gorgeous flavored syrup as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, and waffles. It’s also pretty wonderful swirled into a bowl of morning yogurt. Anything that needs a pop of color & flavor.

This pretty, ruby-hued simple syrup is so easy to make, I’m certain it’ll become a staple of your summertime enjoyment, too!

Overhead view of rhubarb simple syrup ingredients

What You’ll Need

I love the simplicity of this rhubarb syrup recipe. You only need 3 ingredients – some chopped rhubarb, sugar, and fresh lemon juice – plus water!

How To Make Rhubarb Syrup

This rhubarb simple syrup is truly “simple”! Here’s how to make it:

a small jar of rhubarb syrup

Recipe Variations

Rhubarb pairs so well with other fruit, especially berries, that you can easily change up the flavor to this simple syrup.

No matter what berry you add, always make sure you end up with 3 cups of liquid to combine with the sugar for the appropriate texture.

A rhubarb mojito

Serving Suggestions

The possibilities for how to use this rhubarb simple syrup are nearly endless.

A couple of my favorite things to make with this rhubarb syrup are the Rhubarb Margarita and the Rhubarb Mojito. These two beverages have been so fun for entertaining during the spring and summer. When our mint is flourishing (rather, taking over the herb garden!), the mojito is the absolute perfect way to enjoy its bounty!

In the cocktail category, beyond margaritas and mojitos, this syrup is also a beautiful addition to mimosas (in place of the traditional orange juice), gin & tonics, and vodka lemonades!

For a non-alcoholic beverage, we like to pour a bit of syrup over ice in a tall glass and then top it off with club soda. Or pour a bit into some lemonade. If you like mint, muddle a few leaves of fresh mint in the glass – our daughters love this drink!

But you don’t have to stop with drinks! This rhubarb syrup is fantastic poured over scoops of vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, and pound cake. And it has definitely made an appearance on our summertime breakfast table, replacing the traditional maple syrup – served with pancakes, waffles, and French toast.

Rhubarb syrup being poured into a small jar

How to Store Rhubarb Syrup

Properly stored in the fridge, this fresh syrup will keep well for 2 to 3 weeks. Store it in a sealed glass jar or container.

A small jar of rhubarb simple syrup

Can You Freeze This?

Yes! It’s easy to freeze this syrup! Simply pour the cooled syrup into a glass jar or container, leaving about 2″ at the top for expansion when it freezes and thaws. It’ll keep well frozen for about 6 months or so. When you’re ready to use it, just let it thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter.

More Rhubarb Recipes:

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rhubarb syrup in a tall jar

Ruby Rhubarb Syrup

Yield: 5 cups or 40 (2 tablespoon) servings
prep time: 20 minutes
cook time: 18 minutes
total time: 38 minutes
With a sweet-tart flavor, Ruby Rhubarb Syrup is just the thing for the best cocktails and mocktails, and is a beautiful, delicious topping for pancakes, waffles, and desserts!
4.6 Stars (13 Reviews)
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Ingredients

  • 6 cups chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb – look for red/pink rhubarb for the prettiest color!
  • cups water
  • 3 cups sugar
  • ½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the rhubarb and water to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook the rhubarb until it is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir to break up and release all of its juices.
  • Set a fine mesh strainer lined with a double layer of cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour the rhubarb mixture through the strainer to remove the pulp. To get the most rhubarb juice out, pull up the corners of the cheesecloth and gently press on it with a wooden spoon to squeeze out the remaining juice. Measure the strained juice and add enough water to equal 3 cups.
  • Return the liquid to the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir in the sugar. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar dissolves, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice, and let cool. Strain again for the clearest ruby syrup, then pour into a container and refrigerate. Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 Calories: 126kcal Carbohydrates: 32g Sodium: 3mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 31g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Spoonacular. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator.
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment below. And share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #afarmgirlsdabbles or tag @farmgirlsdabble!
A small jar of rhubarb simple syrup

This post was first published in 2012, then updated in 2022.

rhubarb syrup in a tall jar