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!
Ingredients
for the raspberry rhubarb syrup:
2cupschopped fresh rhubarbuse stalks that are red, not green
2cupsfresh raspberries
¾cupwater
1½cupsgranulated sugar
¼cupfreshly squeezed lemon juice
for one raspberry rhubarb cosmopolitan:
1½ouncesvodka
1ounceorange liqueursuch as Cointreau
1ounceprepared raspberry rhubarb syrup
1ouncefreshly 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
The raspberry rhubarb syrup will keep well in the refrigerator for 10-14 days. You will have more syrup than you'll need for 1 cocktail, which is perfect for making multiple drinks for a gathering. For a lighter variation: Fill a tall glass with ice and pour the shaken cocktail over the ice. Top with cold club soda. Garnish with fresh raspberries and rhubarb.For an alcohol-free variation: Add cold club soda to a tall glass with ice. Then add in 1 or more ounces of raspberry rhubarb syrup. If you have some sprigs of fresh mint, muddle a few leaves in the glass, along with more fresh raspberries. Super fun, delicious, and refreshing for summer!
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.