The Rhubarb Vodka Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Rhubarb Vodka Spritz: The First Sip of Spring

April in the Pacific Northwest is a mood of pure anticipation. As the cherry blossoms reach their peak in Victoria and the first slender stalks of rhubarb push through the garden soil, our palates naturally shift toward something vibrant and crisp. Enter the Rhubarb Vodka Spritz—a cocktail designed to capture the “Spring Awakening” in a glass.

This isn’t just a refreshment; it’s a celebration of the garden’s first harvest. By pairing a premium, velvety vodka with the tart snap of fresh rhubarb and the delicate floral notes of elderflower, we’ve created a drink that is both nostalgic and sophisticated. It is the perfect companion for those first few afternoons spent reclaiming the patio.

The Art of the Seasonal Spritz

While many are familiar with the classic pairing of strawberry and rhubarb, we’ve opted for a more refined, “grown-up” profile. We utilize a scratch-made rhubarb syrup to infuse the drink with a garden-fresh tartness and a stunning, natural pastel-pink hue.

The secret to this cocktail’s elegance lies in its “botanical backbone.” The elderflower adds a hint of spring blossoms, while a splash of sparkling water provides the effervescent lift needed for a sunny afternoon. For a professional touch, we recommend using a speed peeler to create translucent rhubarb ribbons to wrap inside the glass—a gorgeous visual nod to the seasonal ingredients within.

Why it Works

The high acidity of the fresh lemon and rhubarb acts as a perfect palate cleanser, making this an ideal companion for an Easter brunch or a light spring salad. Because we recommend using a high-quality, quintuple-distilled vodka, the finish remains exceptionally clean, ensuring the delicate fruit and floral notes linger without being overshadowed by the spirit.

Ready to toast to the new season? Pick up a bottle of your favorite Premium Vodka at your local Liquor Plus and follow our simple recipe below.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Premium Vodka (Choose a clean, smooth-distilled option)
• 0.75 oz Elderflower Liqueur (For a silky, floral mouthfeel)
• 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 0.75 oz House-Made Rhubarb Simple Syrup*
• 2 oz Sparkling Water or Light Ginger Ale
• Garnish: Three fresh raspberries on a pick, a lemon twist, and a fresh rhubarb ribbon
• Ice: High-quality cubes for shaking and serving

*To make the Rhubarb Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup of chopped rhubarb, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes until the rhubarb is soft and the syrup is a vibrant pink. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and chill before use. (Don’t throw away the leftover rhubarb pulp—it’s delicious on yogurt or toast!)

Instructions:

1. Shake and Chill:
   In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the Premium Vodka, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and rhubarb syrup. Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. You want the shaker to feel frosty to the touch, ensuring the ingredients are perfectly chilled and aerated.

2. The Decorative Pour:
   Prepare your highball glass by using a vegetable peeler to shave a long, thin ribbon of fresh rhubarb. Wrap the ribbon around the inside of the glass so it clings to the walls, then fill the glass with fresh ice. Fine-strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.

3. The Effervescent Finish:
   Top slowly with chilled Sparkling Water (for a crisp finish) or Ginger Ale (for a touch of sweetness and spice). Give the drink a single, gentle lift with a bar spoon to incorporate the bubbles. Garnish with a pick of three fresh raspberries and a lemon twist to release those essential citrus oils over the top of the glass.