Raspberry Rhubarb Cosmopolitan
This Raspberry Rhubarb Cosmopolitan is a summertime twist on a classic cocktail, with an easy fresh raspberry-rhubarb syrup giving it delicious sweet + tart flavor. Mocktail version included too!
An Easy Cosmopolitan with a Twist
It’s no secret that I love rhubarb. And raspberries. And that I like to make fun cocktails with homemade fruit syrups. So let me introduce you to my latest It’s-Five-O’Clock-Somewhere obsession, this gorgeous Raspberry Rhubarb Cosmopolitan!
People tend to think more of rhubarb and strawberry together, and I do love that combo, but this drink definitely proves that we need more rhubarb & raspberry togetherness. The pleasant sweet-tart flavor of raspberry is almost too perfect with rhubarb!
Add a little vodka and a hint of citrus from some orange liqueur, and you have one beautiful summertime cocktail in your hand!
What is a Cosmopolitan?
A Cosmopolitan, also called a Cosmo, is a classic cocktail that’s usually served in a martini glass. It’s made with vodka, orange liqueur (like triple sec or Cointreau), cranberry juice, and lime juice. It’s typically shaken with ice and then strained into the glass, ultra-cold, and not served on the rocks.
There are many variations of a cosmo now, like this raspberry rhubarb version, that change the flavor by swapping out the cranberry juice.
Key Ingredients
Here is what you’ll need to make this easy rhubarb cocktail. You’ll start out by making a simple syrup with rhubarb and raspberries.
For the Raspberry Syrup
- Fresh rhubarb – Be sure to use stalks that are red, not green, for the most beautifully colored syrup.
- Fresh raspberries – Use ripe, flavorful berries for the best flavor and color.
- Sugar – Provides the extra sweetness in the raspberry rhubarb syrup.
- Lemon juice – This adds a bright citrus note that elevates the rhubarb and raspberry flavors.
For one Raspberry Rhubarb Cosmopolitan
- Vodka – Use your favorite vodka here.
- Orange liqueur – Cointreau is very popular, but any will work.
- Raspberry rhubarb syrup – See above.
- Lime juice – Freshly squeezed is a must!
- For garnish – I like to add additional fresh raspberries and rhubarb. Thin lime wheels are also pretty!
What Alcohol Goes in a Cosmopolitan?
A traditional Cosmopolitan is made with vodka and an orange liqueur, like Cointreau or triple sec. You can use any vodka you’d like, though I will always recommend staying away from the bargain shelf for cocktails.
How to Make a Raspberry Rhubarb Cosmopolitan
Here’s how to make this sweet/tart, fruity drink!
Make the Raspberry Rhubarb Syrup
- Break down the fruit. Bring the rhubarb, raspberries, and water to a boil in a saucepan. Simmer until the rhubarb is tender, then stir to break up and release the juices.
- Strain. Pour the mixture through a strainer lined with a double layer of cheesecloth.
- Add the sugar. Add enough water to the liquid to equal 2 cups, and then pour back into the saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir in the sugar. Cook until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Chill. Cool, then strain one more time. Transfer to a jar, cover, and place in the fridge to chill.
Make the Cosmopolitan
- Combine. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the vodka, orange liqueur, raspberry rhubarb syrup, and lime juice.
- Shake. Then shake vigorously for 30 seconds, to perfectly dilute and chill the cocktail.
- Serve. Strain into a stemmed cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries and rhubarb. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Want to turn your raspberry cosmo into a lighter drink? Or maybe you’re looking for a delightful rhubarb mocktail? I’ve got you covered!
- Make a lighter version of the drink. To lighten up your cosmopolitan, pour the shaken cocktail over ice in a tall glass. Then top it off with club soda and give it a swirl to combine. Both the ice and the soda will make it lighter and stretch out the drink. Plus the bubbles are fun!
- Make an alcohol-free version. For a raspberry rhubarb mocktail, add club soda to a glass with ice. Then pour in some of the raspberry rhubarb syrup. If you like fresh mint, muddle some in your glass, too. Drop a few raspberries in for garnish, so pretty!
- Switch up the syrup. You could always swap the raspberries in the syrup for sweet, juicy strawberries. Or just use a simple rhubarb syrup!
How Long Will The Syrup Last?
A Cosmopolitan is always best served immediately after it’s made, to enjoy it super cold. But you can make the raspberry rhubarb syrup well ahead of time, so you can whip up a cocktail whenever you’d like!
The syrup will keep well in the fridge for about 10-14 days, as long as it’s stored in an airtight, sealed container. I recommend a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
More Cocktail Recipes:
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Raspberry Rhubarb Cosmopolitan
Ingredients
for the raspberry rhubarb syrup:
- 2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb use stalks that are red, not green
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- ¾ cup water
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
for one raspberry rhubarb cosmopolitan:
- 1½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce orange liqueur such as Cointreau
- 1 ounce prepared raspberry rhubarb syrup
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Optional: raspberries and rhubarb for garnish
Instructions
- For the raspberry rhubarb syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring rhubarb, raspberries, and water to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until rhubarb is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir to break up fruit and release juices.
- Set a fine mesh strainer lined with a double layer of cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour raspberry rhubarb mixture through strainer; discard any solids. (To get the most juice, pull up the corners of the cheesecloth and gently press on the cheesecloth with the back of a wooden spoon to squeeze out remaining juice.)
- Measure the strained juice and add enough water to equal 2 cups. Pour this liquid back into the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir in the sugar. Bring to a boil and cook until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat, stir in lemon juice, and let cool. Strain again through a double layer of cheesecloth, for a clearer syrup, and then pour into a jar. Cap the jar tightly and refrigerate to chill. This can be made 1 or more days prior to serving this cocktail. You will have more syrup than needed for 1 drink.
- For the raspberry rhubarb cosmopolitan: To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add vodka, orange liqueur, 1 ounce prepared raspberry rhubarb syrup, and lime juice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to dilute and thoroughly chill. Strain into a martini or other stemmed cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries and rhubarb if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
5 stars