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We’re shaking up our spring with a perfectly pink rhubarb margarita that’s as easy as it is delicious. With just 4 ingredients—tequila, rhubarb simple syrup, lime juice, and orange liqueur—it comes together in minutes.
Why I Love This Rhubarb Margarita
Growing up in Iowa, pretty much every farm I knew of had a patch of rhubarb. And most of these patches were never planted by the current resident. Instead, it was a previous generation that first cultivated the rhubarb, and it has been alive to this day.
This means I’ll typically have an abundance of rhubarb during the spring, and there are only so many ways you can enjoy this tart vegetable. If you know me, you know that I love a good spicy margarita, so there was no question that I’d develop my own rhubarb margarita, partly as a way to use up the excess produce, and partly as a way to enjoy a different flavor of margarita.
With a delicious sweetness from a rhubarb-infused simple syrup and some tartness from the rhubarb itself (and the tequila!), this spring-time drink can be made whenever rhubarb is in season, and the mood is right for a margarita!
Rhubarb Margarita Ingredients
The ingredients for this rhubarb margarita are pretty simple, and they’re all things that I have in my personal pantry (or bar cabinet) at all times!
- Rhubarb simple syrup is made by cooking together stalks of rhubarb with water, sugar, and citrus. Once it simmers and cooks down, the sugary syrup that’s left behind is so delicious and packed with the flavor of rhubarb. I’ve included the full recipe for making the simple syrup in the recipe card below.
- Tequila blanco is hands-down my favorite liquor of choice. There’s just something that’s so delicious about the flavor of tequila, and it’s mandatory in a margarita recipe. Lately, I’ve been on a kick for Lalo tequila for its clean, smooth flavor, which allows the flavor of the rhubarb to really shine.
- Orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec, adds a bit of citrus to the margarita.
- Fresh lime juice is a must in a margarita! Plus, it pairs well with the sweetness of the rhubarb simple syrup.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make a Rhubarb Margarita
The best part about a margarita is that they’re usually super simple to prepare. This one does require the preparation of the rhubarb simple syrup, but it’s also really easy to make.
Step 1: Prepare the simple syrup. In a saucepan, add the chopped rhubarb, water, lime peel, and orange peel. Let it come to a boil, then turn down to a simmer for 15 minutes. Add the sugar and let it dissolve. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare each margarita. In a shaker with ice, add some of the simple syrup, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Shake then pour over ice. Serve immediately.
Serving and Storage
To serve: Once prepared, the margarita should be served immediately. The ice will begin to melt, diluting the flavor of the drink. If desired, you can mix up the simple syrup, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice, and have it in a pitcher in the fridge for quick access. But leave the ice out so that it does not dilute the drink.
To store: The components of the margarita should be stored separately and should be combined only when ready to serve. The simple syrup should be placed in the refrigerator to be kept cold for 1 to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The simple syrup that’s prepared for this rhubarb margarita will make about 8 margaritas. If you only want to enjoy a few margaritas, you can store the rest of the syrup in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. You could also use the simple syrup to make a rhubarb lemonade, pour it into your favorite iced tea for a little extra zing, or use it to make a different rhubarb cocktail, such as a rhubarb gin and tonic or rhubarb old-fashioned.
Of course! I love a tequila blanco because of its clean, unaged flavor and color, but it’s all personal preference.
More Ways to Enjoy Rhubarb
Watch How to Make This Recipe
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Rhubarb Margarita
Ingredients
For the simple syrup (makes about 2 cups)
- 3 cups chopped rhubarb
- 2 cups water
- 2 4-inch slices orange peel
- 2 4-inch slices lime peel
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
For each margarita
- 2 oz rhubarb simple syrup (ingredients above)
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- ½ oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
Instructions
For the rhubarb simple syrup
- In a large saucepan, combine the rhubarb, orange peel, lime peel, and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the sugar and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved.3 cups chopped rhubarb, 2 cups water, 2 4-inch slices orange peel, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 2 4-inch slices lime peel
- Remove from the heat. Strain and decant into a jar. Store in the refrigerator.
For each margarita
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine the rhubarb simple syrup, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.2 oz rhubarb simple syrup (ingredients above), 2 oz tequila blanco, ½ oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau), ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- Strain into a glass of ice and serve.
Hi! Love rhubarb and would love to know where you got your cocktail shaker from? You didn’t spill a drop!!
Hi Cathy! The cocktail shaker is by Rabbit and you can find it here on Amazon. I hope that helps!